DNA Origami, Bioprinting, PFCs, and Biomimicry
DNA Origami
DNA origami is a revolutionary technique that leverages the unique properties of DNA to create nanoscale structures with remarkable precision and complexity. This method, developed by Paul Rothemund in 2006, involves folding a single, long DNA strand into a desired shape through the strategic placement of shorter “staple” strands.
Key Features of DNA Origami:
- Molecular Sculpting: DNA origami allows scientists to design and construct nanoscale shapes and structures, essentially sculpting
Understanding Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids
Lipids: An Overview
What are lipids and what do they do? Lipids are molecules insoluble in water and less dense than it.
There are two major types: triglycerides and cholesterol esters.
Animals use them as long-term energy reserves, for insulation, and as protective tissues. Plants store them in seeds and fruits.
Triglycerides
Glycerol + 3 fatty acids
Fatty acids may be:
- Saturated (butyric, stearic, palmitic)
- Unsaturated:
- Monounsaturated: oleic
- Polyunsaturated: linoleic, linolenic, Omega-3, Omega-6
There are
Read MoreOrigin of Life and Biological Evolution
The Origin of Life
Spontaneous Generation: It was previously thought that living things arose from decaying organic matter, and any small demonstrations against that idea were rejected.
Pasteur’s Demonstration: Louis Pasteur demonstrated the falsehood of the traditional beliefs. His experiments showed that air contains organisms that break down organic matter, concluding: Every living thing comes from another living being.
Biological Evolution: The Origin of Biodiversity
Biological evolution is the
Read MoreCellular and Tissue Biology: An Overview
Atom: Chemical parts, mainly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Molecules: Components from cells that form structures, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, transported through cells and the bloodstream.
Cell: The basic unit of living beings, capable of manufacturing its own components.
Bone: A collection of cells.
Body: Formed by different tissues with specific functions.
Apparatus or System: An association of organs working together to perform a vital function.
Homeostasis: The balance
Read MoreFrom First Cells to Modern Humans: Life’s Evolution
1. The Origin of Life
Spontaneous Generation Theory
- Aristotle (384–322 BC): Life can arise from nonliving matter (e.g., frogs from mud, mice from grain).
- Theory persisted until the 17th century.
Refutation of Spontaneous Generation
- Francesco Redi (1626–1697): Experiment with meat and maggots.
- Louis Pasteur (1822–1895): Swan-neck flask experiment disproved spontaneous generation.
Panspermia Hypothesis
- Anaxagoras (500–428 BC): Life exists throughout the universe and spreads via space.
- Svante Arrhenius
Understanding the Human Heart and Blood Vessels
The Heart’s Chambers and Valves
The heart, located between the lungs and slightly to the left within the chest cavity, comprises four chambers surrounded by thick muscular walls. The lower portion of the heart is divided into two chambers: the left and right ventricles, responsible for expelling blood. These ventricles are separated by a wall known as the intraventricular septum.
The upper portion of the heart consists of the right and left atria, which receive blood entering the heart. The atria