Genetics, Ecology, and Food Chains: A Comprehensive Guide
Haploid Nucleus
23 chromosomes
Diploid Nucleus
46 chromosomes
Genotype
Examples: Tt, Bb, Rr
Phenotype
Example: A tall plant or a dwarf plant
Homozygous
Example: TT
Heterozygous
Example: Tt
Dominant Allele
Represented by a capital letter
Recessive Allele
Represented by a small letter
Mitosis
Mitosis is a nuclear division that produces genetically identical cells. The chromosome number is maintained by the exact duplication of chromosomes. Mitosis occurs when an organism is growing, repairing a damaged part of its
Read MoreUnderstanding Viruses: From Structure and Infection to Immunity
Viruses and their Life Cycles
What are Viruses?
Viruses that infect bacteria are referred to as bacteriophages.
A virion is a complete, extracellular virus particle.
The protein projections on the surface of a virus that are involved in attachment to the host cell are called spikes.
Stages of a Phage Infection
- Attachment
- Penetration
- Transcription
- Replication of nucleic acid and protein
- Assembly
- Release
The bacterial viruses that are released by a process termed extrusion are called filamentous phages.
Animal
Read MoreIntroduction to Cell Biology
The Cell Theory
- All living things are composed of one or more cells.
- Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in an organism.
- Cells come only from the reproduction of existing cells.
Prokaryote
No Nucleus / Very small / Limited organization / No membrane-bound organelles (only DNA and ribosomes) example: Bacteria
Eukaryote
Nucleus / Small (larger than Prokaryotes) / Organization / Membrane-bound organelles / Example: Plants and animals
Scientists and Their Contributions
- Anton van Leeuwenhoek: Invented
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 MoreUnderstanding 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:
- 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.
- Nitrification: Nitrates are produced in two ways. Firstly, nitrogen gas is converted
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)
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