The Digestive System and Biomolecules: A Comprehensive Guide
Biomolecules
Lipids
Lipids are a group of biomolecules insoluble in water and tend to float on it due to their low density. They consist of:
- Fats
- Waxes
- Phospholipids
- Steroids
Fats
Fats serve as energy reserves and protect internal organs from the cold. For example, polar bears have a thick layer of fat covering their bodies.
Waxes
Wax molecules have a protective function and are stable. Waterfowl have their feathers coated with wax, which allows them to maintain body heat and repel water.
Phospholipids
Phospholipids
Read MorePhotosynthesis, Respiration, Cell Types & Mendel’s Laws
Photosynthesis
Light-Dependent Reactions
Chlorophyll, the pigment giving plants their green color, resides within the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. This pigment captures light energy, exciting electrons in its molecules. This triggers a series of reactions, including the photolysis of water. Oxygen is released into the atmosphere, and hydrogen atoms are captured by organic molecules like NADP+, which becomes NADPH (used in the dark phase).
Dark Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
Occurring in the chloroplast
Read MoreThe Skeletal System: Structure, Function, and Types of Bones
The skeletal system performs several crucial functions, including:
- Mechanical Support: Provides a framework for the body and its soft tissues, maintaining body morphology.
- Postural Maintenance: Enables the body to maintain positions like standing.
- Dynamic Support: Facilitates gait, locomotion, and body movements by acting as levers and attachment points for muscles.
- Containment and Protection: Safeguards vital organs from external pressure or impact, such as the ribs protecting the lungs.
- Metabolic Storage:
Emerging Infectious Diseases: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Emerging infectious diseases are those that have appeared in the population over the last two decades or threaten to increase in the near future. Some of these germs have been long confined to their place of origin before abruptly coming into contact with people. For example, Ebola, whose agents have been responsible for contact with people following the invasion and destruction of forests. Other cases are due to mutations that have made the agents dangerous.
Persistent
Read MoreAnatomy and Physiology Definitions
SN: Izq: Brachial plexus, musculocutaneous nerve, radial nerve, iliohypogastric nerve, genitofemoral nerve, obturator nerve, ulnar nerve, common peroneal nerve, deep peroneal nerve, superficial peroneal nerve. Derecho: Brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, intercostal nerve, subcostal nerve, lumbar plexus, sacral plexus, femoral nerve, pudendal nerve, sciatic nerve, muscular branches of femoral nerve, saphenous nerve, tibial nerve. Huesos: Izq: Frontal bone, zygomatic bone, clavicle, scapula, humerus,
Read MoreHuman Genome Project and Assisted Reproduction: A Scientific Overview
The Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project (HGP) culminated in 2003 with the complete mapping of the human genome, 13 years after research began, three years after the first draft’s publication, and 50 years after the discovery of DNA’s structure. The project involved collaboration between the HGP and Celera Genomics, with key information about the first draft released in 2001.
Key Findings of the HGP
- Gene Count: The human genome contains fewer genes than initially anticipated, between 30,000