Genetic Engineering and Its Applications
Gene Therapy
Perhaps the most exciting application of genetic engineering is gene therapy in humans.
Gene therapy aims to treat, cure, and prevent diseases caused by a single defective gene by introducing a therapeutic or functional gene into the patient.
The insertion of a functional gene is intended to replace and repair the defective gene, correct the genetic anomaly, or provide these cells with a new feature that addresses the inadequacies of cells in a given tissue.
Types of Gene Therapy
There are
Read MoreSteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Cancer Therapies
Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Major Hormones Secreted by Adrenals
Major hormones secreted by adrenals are: cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone. They are classified into glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids act on the metabolism of carbohydrates, stimulating gluconeogenesis and regulating inflammatory response. The main representative is cortisol.
Among its purposes are:
- Lipid metabolism (body fat distribution)
- Abnormal bone tissue (high doses cause osteoporosis)
Biology Notes: Cells, Reproduction & More
Biology Notes
Different Parts of Flowers
Stamen (male)
| Pistil (female)
|
| Ovary contains Ovules, which develop into seeds upon fertilization |
How Twins Are Formed
Fraternal TwinsFraternal twins are formed from the fertilization of two eggs by two different sperm. They |
Introduction to Earth Sciences and Biology
1. Evolution of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a mixture of gases surrounding the Earth up to 1,000 km in height. As we move away from the surface, we find different gases. Initially, colliding bodies formed the planet, incorporating various gases and water in the form of ice. Many of these components were lost in space. In the last phase of the planet’s creation, massive volcanic eruptions expelled large amounts of gas. The densest gases settled at the surface, while the least dense remained higher,
Read MoreIntroduction to Cell Biology
CELL THEORY
- All living organisms are made of one or more cells.
- Cellular life is simpler. In other words, the cell is the basic unit (structural and functional) of living beings.
- All cells arise from a pre-existing cell. There is no spontaneous generation.
- Each independent cell is capable of feeding itself, interacting, and reproducing, although in multicellular beings it must be coordinated with other cells.
Basic Cellular Functions
Nutrition
Food provides nutrients: building material and energy to work,
Read MoreGenetics and Biotechnology: A Deep Dive into Heredity and DNA
Heredity and Genes
Sons inherit parental characters. The world comprises two types of objects, both made of atoms and molecules. Living beings can create copies of themselves, unlike inert matter. Children inherit characteristics from their parents because living beings store and transmit information about themselves and how to reproduce.
Living beings evolve. Copies are nearly identical, yet slight variations are key to diversity and the evolution of species. Natural selection favors the fittest,