Biological Molecules: Elements, Compounds, and Water in Cells
Chemical Foundations of Life
Elements: Building Blocks of Matter
Elements are fundamental substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. The smallest unit of an element is an atom, which is made of only one kind of atom.
Key Elements in Living Organisms:
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorus
- Sulfur
Compounds: Molecules of Life
Compounds are formed when two or more elements combine chemically. Most substances in living things are compounds. The smallest unit of a compound is a molecule.
Read MoreHuman Digestive System: Anatomy, Processes, and Health
The Human Digestive System: Anatomy, Processes, and Health
Understanding Nutrition and Digestion
Nutrition is the process by which a living being obtains the matter and energy it needs to sustain life. The key processes involved in nutrient acquisition and utilization include: digestion, respiration, circulation, and excretion.
The main features of digestion involve:
- Tasting and eating food.
- Reducing food molecules into simple molecules that can be absorbed into the blood.
- Removing non-digestible remains.
Evolutionary Theories and Evidence for Species Change
Fixism: The Theory of Immutable Species
Fixism is a theory that posits species are immutable and have remained unchanged since their creation. This concept is no longer scientifically accepted.
Evolutionism: Species Change and Diversification
Evolutionism, in contrast, states that species can change over time and give rise to new ones. This is now a scientifically proven fact. Several key theories explain the mechanisms of evolution:
Lamarckism: Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics
Proposed by Jean-
Read MoreBioremediation & Herbicide Degradation: Eco-Friendly Cleanup
Bioremediation: Cleaning Contaminated Environments
Bioremediation is a natural and eco-friendly process that utilizes living organisms—primarily microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, or plants—to clean up or neutralize pollutants from contaminated sites. This innovative method effectively treats environments affected by oil spills, heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals.
Understanding Bioremediation Principles
At its core, bioremediation leverages biological processes to transform harmful
Read MoreGenetic Alterations: A Comprehensive Look at DNA Changes
Gene Mutations: Types and Impacts
Gene mutations alter the nucleotide sequence of a single gene.
Base Substitutions
Base substitutions account for approximately 20% of all mutations. They involve the replacement of one DNA base with another, affecting only a single nucleotide.
Due to the degenerate nature of the genetic code, a mutated triplet may still encode the same amino acid; this is known as a silent mutation. If the new triplet codes for a different amino acid, it can have serious consequences,
Read MoreEssential Organelles: Structures & Functions of Eukaryotic Cells
Key Organelles and Structures of Eukaryotic Cells
The Nucleolus
The nucleolus is a region within the nucleus, considered an organelle. Its primary function is the production and assembly of ribosomal components.
The Cell Nucleus
The cell nucleus is a membranous organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It contains most of the cell’s genetic material, organized into multiple long, linear DNA molecules complexed with various proteins like histones to form chromosomes. The collection of genes on these chromosomes
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