Synthetic Biology: Definitions, Concepts, and Applications

Synthetic Biology (Definitions & Concepts)

Synthetic biology (interdisciplinary) is composed of biology, chemistry, engineering & refactoring.

Analogy to Organic Synthesis

Synthesis and analysis are complementary. In organic chemistry, analysis and synthesis were both critical in determining fundamental principles of chemical structure and reactivity. Synthetic molecules have been used for a wide variety of applications. Similarly, synthetic approaches will complement analytical methods in

Read More

Understanding Ecosystems and Evolutionary Processes

Nitrogen and Carbon Cycles

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen is a major compound, comprising 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere. The nitrogen cycle involves several key processes:

  1. Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen gas (N2) is converted into ammonium (NH4) by cyanobacteria and other bacteria in the soil, or into organic compounds by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the roots of legumes. Plants utilize these compounds to form proteins and amino acids.
  2. Nitrification: Nitrates are produced in two ways. Firstly, nitrogen gas is converted
Read More

Glass Ionomer Cements (GICs) in Dentistry: Properties, Uses, and Advantages

Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) in Dentistry

Introduction

Glass Ionomer Development (Silicate Cement): This material had relatively high solubility in the mouth, poor abrasion resistance, significant surface and marginal staining, no marginal seal, low initial pH, and was considered a severe pulp irritant. It generally had a short clinical service life.

ASPA (Alumino-Silicate Polyacrylic Acid): This was the first commercial GIC product. It combined the benefits of silicates (translucency and fluoride release)

Read More

Control and Coordination in Complex Animals: Nervous & Endocrine Systems

Control and Coordination in Living Beings

The Nervous System

The response a living being makes to external stimuli is called control and coordination. The nervous system is primarily responsible for this in complex animals.

Components of the Nervous System

The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The five sense organs (nose, eyes, ears, tongue, and skin) are also integral parts of the nervous system, playing a crucial role in its function.

Functions of the Nervous System

  • Receives
Read More

Understanding Viruses: Structure, Classification, Replication, and Diseases

Structure and Composition of Viruses

Viruses are considered agents on the frontier of life. They are not cells, lack independent movement and feeding, and cannot reproduce on their own. They are smaller than bacteria and are considered distinct from any living being. They are a unique kingdom, separate from other kingdoms like bacteria.

A virus’s structure consists of two main components:

  • Capsid: A protein structure made up of small pieces called capsomeres. This protects the genetic material.
  • Genetic
Read More

Physiology Notes: From B Lymphocytes to the Auditory Cortex

Activation of B lymphocytes



2. Describe the absorption, function and effect of deficiency of vitamin B12


Absorption: It is absorbed in the lower ileum. Its absorption needs intrinsic factor secreted by the stomach. The intrinsic factor binds the vitamin and together they bind to specific receptorsthe the vitamin is absorbed by endocytosis. It is stored in the liver.Function: It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and maturation of RBCs. It is important for the formation of myelin sheath.
Deficiency:

Read More