Understanding the Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system is the network of channels through which blood flows and consists of:
- The heart
- Blood vessels
In anatomy, the heart is the principal organ of the circulatory system. It is a striated muscle that acts as a suction pump and impeller, which aspirates blood flowing through the veins into the atria and drives it from the ventricles into the arteries.
Heart Anatomy
Location: The heart is situated practically in the middle of the chest (mediastinum), between the
Read MoreEvolution: Natural Selection, Mutation, and Speciation
Understanding Evolution: Key Concepts and Theories
Reproduction, Asexual Source Variability
Variability: Generates gene recombination during meiosis and random union of gametes during fecundation.
Selection Pressure and Adaptation
Factors that adversely affect individual survival constitute selection pressure. Adaptation arises from the pressure of natural selection.
Evidence for Evolution
Evidence supporting the theory of evolution comes from multiple fields:
- Anatomical Studies: Organisms are studied
Genetic Engineering, Cell Structures, and Key Differences
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is a science that occupies the manipulation of genetic material. The human genome is the complete sequence of DNA.
Techniques
- Recombinant DNA: A gene is inserted into a plasmid (circular DNA different from bacterial chromosome). Before the DNA has been cut with restriction enzymes, it is a way to clone the bacterial gene. Applications: Synthesis of medicines (insulin, coagulation factors, growth hormone, interferon, vaccines), livestock (cows with less fat),
Cilia and Flagella: Structure, Movement, and Function
Cilia and flagella are mobile extensions found in various cell types. A cilium is typically 5-10 μm in length and found in tubular epithelia, measuring about 2 μm in thickness. Their pedaling or undulating movements help to drag particles, agitate, and circulate fluids on the cell surface.
Ciliary Structure
Structurally, a cilium is integrated with the ciliary membrane and the axoneme, which is embedded in the ciliary matrix. Key components include the stem, transition zone, and ciliary basal body.
Read MoreDNA Origami, Bioprinting, PFCs, and Biomimicry
DNA Origami
DNA origami is a revolutionary technique that leverages the unique properties of DNA to create nanoscale structures with remarkable precision and complexity. This method, developed by Paul Rothemund in 2006, involves folding a single, long DNA strand into a desired shape through the strategic placement of shorter “staple” strands.
Key Features of DNA Origami:
- Molecular Sculpting: DNA origami allows scientists to design and construct nanoscale shapes and structures, essentially sculpting
Understanding Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids
Lipids: An Overview
What are lipids and what do they do? Lipids are molecules insoluble in water and less dense than it.
There are two major types: triglycerides and cholesterol esters.
Animals use them as long-term energy reserves, for insulation, and as protective tissues. Plants store them in seeds and fruits.
Triglycerides
Glycerol + 3 fatty acids
Fatty acids may be:
- Saturated (butyric, stearic, palmitic)
- Unsaturated:
- Monounsaturated: oleic
- Polyunsaturated: linoleic, linolenic, Omega-3, Omega-6
There are
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