Disease Classification and Etiology
Disease Classification
Genetic Diseases
Hereditary diseases are caused by modifications in the genome passed down through generations. Sex-linked inherited diseases occur when the modification is on a sex chromosome, affecting only one sex. Mitochondrial diseases are inherited through modified mitochondrial DNA, always originating from the mother.
Degenerative Diseases
These diseases involve impaired regenerative ability. Sometimes, the body loses its ability to regenerate (e.g., Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’
Read MoreMalaria: Causes, Symptoms, Transmission, and Prevention
Malaria
What is Malaria?
Malaria is an acute febrile infectious disease caused by a unicellular parasite. It is characterized by high fever, chills, sweats, and headaches, occurring in cyclical patterns depending on the infecting parasite species. An initial symptomatic phase, marked by malaise, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain, typically precedes the classic malaria fever.
Symptoms
The characteristic malaria paroxysm begins with chills lasting 15 minutes to an hour, followed by a fever phase with
Read MoreOrigin and Evolution of Life: From Cells to Humans
Modern Theories on the Origin of Life
Chemical Evolution
The primitive atmosphere’s chemical compounds facilitated the synthesis of simple organic compounds essential for life. This early atmosphere lacked free oxygen. Gases reacted through intense radiation, forming small organic molecules. Rain washed these chemicals into the oceans, creating the “primeval soup.” These molecules reacted with water, forming biological building blocks. These interacted, forming giant molecules. Microstructures emerged
Read MorePhotosynthesis: Light and Dark Reactions, Calvin Cycle
Photosystems
Photosystem I (PSI)
Able to absorb light of λ <700 nm.
Photosystem II (PSII)
Capable of absorbing light of λ <680 nm.
If a photon hits an electron in a photosynthetic pigment molecule, the electron captures the photon’s energy and jumps to a more distant orbit. It can be lost, ionizing the atom. The molecule, now oxidized, seeks electrons, which are supplied by the photolysis of water.
Absorption of light by the reaction center chlorophyll causes it to release an electron, which travels
Essential Nutrients and Balanced Diets for Optimal Health
Food and Nutrition
Food: Substances that provide energy to living beings, raw materials, and chemicals necessary for proper functioning and regulation of vital mechanisms.
Nutrition: The intake and subsequent use of energy and plastic materials necessary for life.
Types: Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, water, mineral salts.
Macronutrients
The first three principles are immediate sources of energy.
Proteins
Proteins are complex nitrogenous substances of high molecular weight, containing amino acids
Read MoreCytosol, Cytoplasmic Inclusions, and Cell Cycle
Cytosol and Cytoplasmic Inclusions
Cytosol: The aqueous environment inside the cell, encompassing cytoplasmic organelles, a large number of enzymes, and structures such as inclusions. It is the site of protein synthesis, degradation, cytoskeleton processes, and most intermediary metabolism reactions.
Cytoplasmic Inclusions: Materials stored in the cell cytoplasm that are not membrane-bound. The most common are:
- Fat: The most important fuel store; most cells contain small droplets of water-insoluble