Cell Biology Basics: From Membrane to Molecules
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane protects the contents of the cell. It’s made up mainly of proteins and phospholipids.
Selectively Permeable
The cell membrane also helps control the materials that enter and leave. It’s selectively permeable, which means that some substances can pass through it while others cannot. The cell membrane must let in needed materials, such as oxygen and food molecules. And waste materials must move out of cells.
Diffusion
Diffusion is the main method by which small molecules
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Cellular Respiration
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is the breakdown of glucose, a process also known as the splitting of sugars. It produces 4 ATP molecules but requires 2 ATP molecules to function.
Krebs Cycle
The Krebs cycle occurs in the inner membrane of the mitochondria and completes the breakdown of pyruvic acid molecules to carbon dioxide. This process forms 2 ATP molecules, and chemical energy is released and captured in the form of NADH, FADH2, and ATP.
Electron Transport Chain (ETC) & ATP Synthase
The
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Diversity in Living Organisms
Phylum Chordata
Animals within Phylum Chordata possess a notochord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a post-anal tail, at least during specific life stages. This phylum encompasses numerous sub-phyla, with a primary focus on Vertebrata.
Classification
Biodiversity: The variety of living organisms inhabiting a particular geographical region constitutes its biodiversity. The Amazon rainforest stands out as the world’s largest biodiversity hotspot.
Need for Classification: Classification
Read MoreDiversity in Living Organisms: A Comprehensive Guide to Classification
Diversity in Living Organisms
Chordata
Animals within the phylum Chordata possess a notochord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a post-anal tail, at least during specific life stages. This phylum encompasses numerous sub-phyla, with a primary focus on Vertebrata.
Classification
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms inhabiting a particular geographical area. The Amazon rainforest stands out as the largest biodiversity hotspot globally.
Need for Classification
Classification is crucial
Read MoreUnderstanding Biogeochemical Cycles, Population Ecology, and Biodiversity
Biogeochemical Cycles
Life is linked to the availability of about 25 chemical elements. H, C, O, N, P, and S make up 99% of all living matter and can act as biolimiting elements. These elements relate to:
- Living things
- The geological environment (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere)
This interconnectedness is known as Biogeochemical Cycles. There are two main groups:
Gaseous Nutrient Cycles
- Main reservoir: the atmosphere
- The most important: C, N, and O
Sedimentary Nutrient Cycles
- Main reservoir: the lithosphere
- Nutrients
Lab Test #5: Understanding Fructosamine & HbA1c
Lab Test #5: Fructosamine and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
1. Why is Fructosamine a Better Indicator Than Glycated Hemoglobin in Certain Cases?
Fructosamine is preferred over glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in situations involving:
- Rapid changes in diabetes treatment plans
- Diabetes during pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)
- Loss or abnormalities of red blood cells (e.g., hemolytic anemia)
2. Substances that Interfere with Fructosamine Measurement
High levels of the following substances can interfere with fructosamine
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