Understanding the Biosphere: Components, Habitats, and Ecological Niches

The Biosphere: An Introduction

The biosphere is the combination of living organisms and the physical environment in which life developed, namely: land, air, and water.

Some authors define it as a thin spider’s web, about 15 km thick, which is taken at the changing shapes of the planet’s surface.

Key Components of an Ecosystem

Biotopes

A biotope is the set of physical factors that exist in an ecosystem: air, water, light, temperature, etc.

Biocenosis

Biocenosis is the set of creatures that inhabit the ecosystem:

Read More

Microbial Applications and Immune Response Mechanisms

Microbial Applications

Microbes are mixed, culture medium is added, valves release gas, and a tap extracts the fermentation product. Examples include:

  • Alcohol Fermentation: Wine, ethanol production.
  • Lactic Acid Fermentation: Production of substances for anemia treatment and plasticizers.
  • Vinegar Production: Certain bacteria degrade acetic acid.

Industrial Applications of Microbes

  1. Antibiotic Production: Substances produced that affect other living organisms. For example, penicillin inhibits bacterial wall
Read More

Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Signal Transmission

The Nervous System: Structure and Function

The nervous system, composed of nervous tissue, is responsible for regulating bodily functions through nerve impulses. In contrast, the endocrine system, consisting of endocrine glands, coordinates and regulates certain physiological functions through hormones transported by the blood. The nervous system’s response is rapid, short-lived, and very specific, whereas the hormonal response is slow, lasting, and of variable specificity.

The functions that require

Read More

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Key Differences

Key Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

June 07

B1OB

1. a. Prokaryotes:

  • DNA is located in a Nucleoid region, not surrounded by a membrane.
  • Direct cell division, mainly by binary fission.
  • No centrioles and spindle microtubules.
  • Sexual systems are few; if any sexual intercourse occurs, it is by transfer from a donor to a recipient.
  • Few multicellular forms; absence of tissue development.
  • Anaerobic, facultative, aerobic, and microaerophilic forms.
  • Absence of mitochondria: enzymes for oxidation
Read More

Human Body Systems: Digestion, Respiration, and Coordination

Item 4: Digestion and Key Body Systems

Digestion is the process of transforming food into molecules that can be absorbed in the gut, distributed by the blood, and used by the body’s cells. This involves both mechanical and chemical processing.

FUN.NUTRICION are designed to provide the food and necessary nutrients for energy production and essential materials for maintaining life.

SIS.RESPIRATORIO, digestive, circulatory, and excretory systems work together to support bodily functions.

Blood Components

Read More

Microbial Growth Control: Methods and Effectiveness

Microbial Growth Control

Rate of Microbial Death

Bacterial populations decrease at a constant logarithmic rate.

Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Treatments

  • Number of Microbes: An increase in the number of microbes requires a longer time to eliminate the entire population.
  • Environmental Influences:
    • The presence of organic matter can inhibit the action of chemical antimicrobials.
    • Microbes in surface biofilms are difficult for biocides to reach effectively.
    • Temperature-dependent chemical reactions affect disinfectant
Read More