Environmental and Health Hazards: A Detailed Analysis
Environmental Physical Assault
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that can modify the structure of matter, potentially causing changes in cells that may affect health. It can be natural or artificial.
Noise
Noise is unwanted sound that can cause sleep disturbances, behavioral issues, and hearing loss.
Temperature Variations
High temperatures, combined with excessive humidity, can be lethal by preventing sweat evaporation. Extreme cold can also cause injury. Mortality increases when
Read MoreCytoskeleton, Cell Inclusions, and Cell Wall: Structure and Function
The Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is the set of protein filaments located in the cytosol that contribute to the morphology of the cell, its internal organization and the organelles, and movement. It is formed by microfilaments of actin, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
Microfilaments of Actin
In cells, they are essential for eukaryotic cell movements. They are structures with different polarities, and extremes can be polymerized and depolymerized easily.
- Actin G: It is a globular protein associated
Medical Terms: Respiratory & Digestive Health
Respiratory Terms
- Respiratory failure: The inability of the lungs to maintain adequate blood oxygenation.
- Drainage posture: Postural positions that allow for secretion drainage.
- Atelectasis: Collapse of lung tissue, preventing gas exchange.
- Pulse oximetry: A method used to measure oxygen saturation and heart rate.
- Manometer: An instrument for measuring the pressure of gases or vapors and the tension of fluids in blood vessels.
- Manoreductor: A device that reduces the output pressure of oxygen from the
Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Cells: Key Differences
Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells are characterized by the following:
- Enclose their DNA within a nucleus
- Possess more than one chromosome
- Are typically multicellular
- Are generally larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells
- Separate their genetic material from the rest of the cell
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the following:
- Do not enclose their DNA within a nucleus
- Have one circular chromosome, not a true chromosome, but plasmids
- Are unicellular
- Are generally smaller and simpler
Nucleic Acids, DNA, RNA, and Cell Division: Key Concepts
What are Nucleic Acids?
Nucleic acids are long molecules formed by the union of simpler molecules called nucleotides.
Components of a Nucleotide
A nucleotide is composed of:
- A nitrogenous base: There are five different bases:
- Adenine (A)
- Guanine (G)
- Cytosine (C)
- Thymine (T)
- Uracil (U)
- A five-carbon sugar (pentose), which can be ribose or a derivative of it called deoxyribose.
- A phosphate group, which is a derivative of phosphoric acid (H3PO4).
Similarities and Differences Between RNA and DNA
| RNA | DNA |
|---|---|
Located in |
Plant Reproduction: From Budding to Seed Formation
**Budding**
This type of multiplication occurs in some actively dividing cells, forming buds that are initially attached to the parent. In less developed plants, these buds are called propagules, and they eventually develop into independent new individuals.
**Fragmentation**
The parent spontaneously divides into two or more fragments, each of which forms a new individual. Types of fragmentation include:
- By rhizome: Horizontally elongated stems, often buried. Some of their buds give rise to new stems