DNA, RNA, Mediterranean Diet, Olive Oil, and Iberian Ham

Posted on Dec 16, 2024 in Biology

DNA and RNA: The Building Blocks of Life

DNA: is formed by the union of deoxyribonucleotides. The nitrogen bases are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.

Watson-Crick Model

  • Consists of two polynucleotide chains joined together along its entire length.
  • The two chains are antiparallel, with the 3′ end of one facing the 5′ end of the other.
  • The union between the strands is through hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases: adenine forms two bridges with thymine, and guanine forms three with cytosine.
  • The two strands are not identical but complementary.
  • The two chains are coiled to form a double helix around an imaginary axis. The nitrogenous bases are inside the double helix, while the pentose-phosphate skeletons are on the outside.
  • The negative charges on phosphate groups bind to positively charged cations or other molecules, stabilizing the structure.
  • The planes of the nitrogenous bases are parallel, facing each other, and perpendicular to the axis of the helix.
  • The double helix is plectonemic.
  • The double helix is right-handed, rotating clockwise.
  • There are 10 nucleotide pairs per turn.

RNA: is an unbranched polymer composed of a series of nucleotides joined by phosphate ester bonds. The constituent pentose is ribose, and the four nitrogen bases include uracil instead of thymine. Uracil can pair with adenine. RNA chains are shorter than DNA and can occur in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. RNA consists of a single strand, although in transfer RNA, there is intrachain base pairing, which makes it appear double-stranded due to chain folding. RNA is responsible for specific protein synthesis using the genetic message encoded by DNA. RNA uses this information to be translated into specific proteins.

The Mediterranean Diet: A Healthy Lifestyle

Characteristics of the Mediterranean Diet: It is universally recognized as one of the healthiest diets. It is characterized by an abundance of plant foods such as pasta, bread, vegetables, salads, fruits, and nuts, with olive oil as the main source of fat, and moderate amounts of wine, preferably consumed with meals.

Olive Oil: Liquid Gold

Olive Oil: Virgin olive oil is a natural fruit juice that preserves the taste and properties of the fruit. It is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed directly as virgin oil. It has a high biological value, as tissues need lipids for their activity. It contains two main fatty acids: oleic acid (monounsaturated), which constitutes 80% of olive oil, and linolenic acid (PUFA), essential for the organism. Fats and cholesterol are transported by the blood, binding to proteins to form lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered ‘bad cholesterol’, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is ‘good cholesterol’. Oleic acid increases ‘good cholesterol’, which has a protective role, and carries ‘bad’ cholesterol deposited in arteries to the liver for disposal, reducing the risk of arterial thrombosis and infarction. Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, E, D, and K. Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect on the cell membrane.

Beneficial Effects of Olive Oil

  • Circulatory System: Helps prevent atherosclerosis and its risks.
  • Digestive System: Improves stomach, pancreas, hepatobiliary, and intestinal function.
  • Skin: Provides a protective and tonic effect on the epidermis.
  • Endocrine System: Improves metabolic functions.
  • Skeletal System: Stimulates growth and enhances calcium absorption and mineralization.

There are two olive oils with Designation of Origin in Extremadura: Oils Monterrubio and Oils Hurdes-Gata.

Iberian Ham: A Delicious Source of Healthy Fats

The Ham: Iberian pig fats have more than 55% oleic acid. Like olive oil, animal and vegetable fats in our diet have a high oleic acid content. The overall proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in Iberian cured pork products is greater than 70%, making it one of the most heart-healthy animal fats, even healthier than some of plant origin.

Properties of Iberian Ham

  • Cardiovascular Protector: Thanks to the acorn diet, the fat is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and oleic acid, which protects against cardiovascular disease.
  • Antioxidant: Iberian ham is high in vitamin E. Combined with tomatoes, it enhances their beneficial effects.
  • Rich in Minerals and Vitamins: It provides vitamins B1, B6, B12, and folic acid, which are beneficial for the nervous system and brain function. It is also rich in minerals such as copper.

There is a ham with Designation of Origin in Extremadura: Dehesa de Extremadura.