Microorganisms: Applications in Pharma, Agriculture & Environment
Microorganisms in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Major pharmaceutical products derived from microorganisms include:
- Antibiotics: Substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of or kill other microorganisms. Known antibiotics differ in chemical structure:
- β-lactam Antibiotics: Penicillins and Cephalosporins
- Aminoglycosides: Streptomycin
- Macrolides: Erythromycin
- Tetracyclines: Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Vaccines: Preparations obtained from dead or attenuated pathogens used to induce active
Mecanismos de Defensa Inmunitarios: Células y Procesos
Ausencia de Receptividad
Se debe a factores anatómicos y fisiológicos propios de la especie, dependientes de factores genéticos. Por ejemplo, el hombre y los primates son infectados por el virus de la polio, pero el conejo no, ya que este no posee receptores en sus membranas celulares para dicho virus.
Fagocitos
Son células con capacidad fagocítica que pueden destruir sustancias nocivas o células envejecidas, a las que engloban mediante pseudópodos para luego digerirlas en su citoplasma. Se
Read MoreHuman Respiratory and Digestive Systems Explained
Respiratory System Anatomy and Function
Airways: Path of Air
These tubes conduct air containing oxygen into the lungs and carbon dioxide (CO2) out.
- Nasal Cavity: Air enters through the nostrils. The inside walls have capillaries, which warm the incoming air.
- Pharynx: A common cavity for the digestive and respiratory systems. The tonsils, which produce white blood cells, are located on the sides of the pharynx.
- Larynx: Its entrance is controlled by the epiglottis, a flap that closes during swallowing
Core Concepts of Evolution and Genetics
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Natural selection is the process where organisms with traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment pass those traits to their offspring. Over time, this leads to adaptation, where species become better suited to their environment.
Genetic Drift
Genetic drift occurs when random events change the frequency of genes in a small population. Unlike natural selection, it doesn’t depend on how advantageous the traits are. For example, if a natural disaster
Read MoreUnderstanding the Human Coordination Systems: Nervous & Endocrine
The Coordination System: An Overview
The coordination system enables us to detect environmental changes, analyze them, and respond accordingly. This is primarily achieved through two systems:
- The Nervous System: This system facilitates rapid but short-lived responses. It operates through nerve impulses transmitted along nerves.
- The Endocrine System: Composed of endocrine glands, this system produces slower but more enduring responses. It functions via chemical messengers called hormones.
Elements Involved
Read MoreUnderstanding Human Sensory Receptors and Brain Anatomy
Human Sensory Receptors
Photoreceptors: Light – eyes – sight
Mechanoreceptors: Pressure (movement) – skin and muscles – touch
Vibration (waves): Ears – hearing
Chemoreceptors: Dissolved chemical substances – tongue – taste
Volatile chemical substances: Nasal passage – smell
Thermoreceptors: Changes in temperature – skin – touch
Brain Anatomy and Function
Cerebrum | Skull Meninges Cerebrospinal fluid | – Largest part of the brain – Made of white matter (inside) and grey matter (outside) – Divided into hemispheres | Responsible |