Female Reproductive System: Structure and Processes
The Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is formed by the ovaries and reproductive tracts: the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the vagina, and the vulva.
Ovaries
They are the female reproductive gonads. Female gametes, or ova, are produced in the ovaries. The ovaries are two organs whose size and shape resemble that of an almond. In addition to producing female gametes, the ovaries produce sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for adequate sexual development
Read MoreInfectious Diseases: Prevention, Defense, and Treatment
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, follow these guidelines:
- Do not drink water that may be contaminated.
- Store and handle food according to the instructions on their packaging.
- Heat and cook food thoroughly.
- Wash vegetables and fruits before consumption.
- Wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating or handling food.
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.
Defense Against Infections
Defense Mechanisms
Nonspecific Mechanisms
These mechanisms protect against
Read MoreNucleic Acids: DNA and RNA Explained
What are Nucleic Acids and Their Function?
They are the largest molecules found in the living world and are responsible for vital control processes.
Types of Nucleic Acids (Acronyms)
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
What Constitutes Nucleic Acids?
They are constituted by smaller units called nucleotides.
How Can Pentoses Be Divided?
They can be divided into ribose (RNA) and deoxyribose (DNA).
How Can We Divide Nitrogenous Bases?
They are divided into purines and pyrimidines.
In DNA,
Read MoreUnderstanding Environmental Factors and Adaptations in Terrestrial Ecosystems
1. The Environment
The environment is defined by the set of conditions or environmental factors that exist in a place. Not all factors that determine an environment equally affect different living things. The environmental factors that determine the distribution and abundance of a species are called limiting factors. For each factor, species develop within certain values > tolerance zone. Within this, there is an optimal zone in which the species survives best.
Two Types of Environmental Factors
Abiotic
The
Read MoreLong-Term Potentiation: Mechanisms, Receptors, and Changes
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) in CA1
For LTP to occur in area CA1: glutamate binds to NMDA receptors (ligand-gated).
The cell must be sufficiently depolarized to expel the Mg2+ block from the NMDAR (voltage-gated).
NMDAR passes Ca2+ ions ONLY when the Mg2+ block is removed.
To remove Mg2+: strong depolarization of the cell by a strong input is needed.
Other Glutamate Receptors
Other than NMDA receptors, what other receptors does glutamate bind to?
Two types of glutamate receptors: NMDA and AMPA.
Strengthening
Read MoreDNA Transcription and Translation: Unveiling Protein Synthesis
DNA Transcription: Initiating Protein Synthesis
When a portion of the information contained within a DNA molecule needs to be utilized in the cell’s cytoplasm for protein construction, it undergoes a process called transcription. This results in the formation of a smaller ribonucleic acid chain known as messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA utilizes the same fundamental base pairing rules as DNA, with the key difference being that thymine is replaced by uracil. Ribonucleotides are sequentially added in the
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