DNA Structure and Genetic Information
DNA as a Carrier of Genetic Information
In the early twentieth century, it was accepted that genes were on chromosomes and that they were the carriers of genetic information. However, the evidence that genes are made of DNA (not protein) and its acceptance in the scientific community did not take place until 1950.
Chemical Composition of Nucleic Acids
There are two types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Both are long polymers of nucleotides. They consist of
Water, Minerals, Carbohydrates, and Buffers: Properties and Biological Functions
Properties of Water
- The water temperature in a liquid environment: freezing point (FP) is 0°C, boiling point (BP) is 100°C.
- Water has strong cohesion between its molecules (capillarity).
- High surface tension, causing surface tension.
- High heat of vaporization: much energy is needed to change liquid water to a gaseous state due to the large number of hydrogen bonds.
- It’s a good solvent for ionic and polar substances (due to its polarity).
- Has a high specific heat, so it can buffer heat.
Heat of Vaporization
The
Read MoreEnzyme Function and Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
Enzymes
Enzymes and Their Active Site
- Active site: The area or the pocket on the enzyme where the substrate binds.
- Enzyme: Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions (increase the rate by lowering the activation energy).
- Each enzyme catalyzes a specific reaction for a specific substrate.
- Enzymes are not used up during the chemical reactions.
- Enzymes are very specific because both the enzyme and the substrate possess specific complementary shapes that fit into one another.
- The binding of the substrate to
Key Concepts in Ecology: From Biosphere to Niche
Key Concepts in Ecology
Interdependence in Ecology
Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and the environment. Interdependence is a key theme found throughout ecology.
Levels of Organization in Ecology
- Biosphere: The most inclusive level of organization (broadest).
- Ecosystem: Smaller units that compose the biosphere.
- Community: All the interacting organisms living in an area.
- Population: Members of a species that live in one place at one time.
- Habitat: The place where an organism lives.
Cellular Biology and Human Anatomy: Key Concepts
**Distinctions in the Nucleus with Microscopy**
- Euchromatin
- Heterochromatin
- Nucleolus
- Nuclear membrane
**Etymology**
- Mitosis: Thread
- Reticuloendothelial: Networks
- Eukaryotic: Good core
- Endocrine: Inward
- Exocrine: Spit out
- Zonula: Small
- Macula: Spot
- Manx: Person
**Protein Structure**
- Primary: Order of amino acids
- Secondary: The coiling, more or less helical, of the amino acid chain
- Tertiary: Folds and kinks of the secondary structure
**Serous Membranes**
- Peritoneum
- Pleura
- Pericardium
- Vaginal tunic
**Epithelial Tissue**
Read MoreUnderstanding Health, Diseases, and Environmental Factors
Health
The body that monitors health is called the World Health Organization (WHO). Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being of a person. It depends on several factors: physical and mental characteristics of each person, lifestyle, the healthcare system, and the social environment.
Healthy Tips
- Do not smoke
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Do not use drugs
- Practice safe sex
- Meet road safety standards
- Prevent occupational accidents
- Do not self-medicate
- Undergo regular medical