Key Concepts in Biotechnology, Genomics, and Environmental Science
Biotechnology: Definition and Scope
Biotechnology is a science that integrates the natural sciences and engineering principles to implement organisms, cells, parts of cells, and their molecules in the development of useful products and services for human benefit. These products include pharmaceuticals like insulin or antibiotics.
Key Materials in Biotechnology
The essential working materials in biotechnology include:
- Restriction enzymes.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) components.
Core Biotechnology Techniques
Key
Read MoreEcosystem Structure, Trophic Levels, and Energy Flow
Ecosystems and Trophic Relationships
Life takes place in the biosphere. The biosphere includes the atmosphere (specifically the troposphere), the entire hydrosphere, and the geosphere.
Defining Ecosystems
Contemplating a landscape, we can distinguish between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. These components are closely interrelated. The set of organisms and the relationships established between them constitute the ecosystem. Within an ecosystem, we distinguish:
- Biocenosis (or Community)
Human Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems: Structure and Function
The Internal Environment
The circulatory system is responsible for transporting nutrients to and from the cells in the body. It is made up of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Interstitial Fluid Renewal
Interstitial fluid is a liquid that surrounds the body’s cells. It must be renewed constantly (by the flow of blood, which adds nutrients and collects waste products) because:
- Cells consume nutrients from the interstitial fluid, and if it is not renewed, the nutrients would run out.
- Cells also release
Human Reproductive Biology: Glands, Hormones, and Fertilization
Glands: Classification and Function
Glands are organs composed of specialized cells that manufacture and secrete substances. Glands can be classified into two main types:
Endocrine Glands
Such as the pituitary or thyroid, these glands produce substances called hormones that are released directly into the blood.
Exocrine Glands
Such as the salivary glands and liver, these glands discharge their secretions outside the body or into the digestive tract and are therefore not part of the endocrine system.
Hormones:
Read MoreCore Concepts in Biochemistry: Metabolism, Genetics, and Disorders
Proteins: Structure and Function
Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids. They perform various functions in the body, such as:
- Structural support (e.g., collagen)
- Enzymatic activity (e.g., lactase)
- Transport (e.g., hemoglobin)
- Defense (e.g., antibodies)
Classification of Proteins
- Based on Structure:
- Fibrous proteins (e.g., collagen)
- Globular proteins (e.g., enzymes, antibodies)
- Based on Function:
- Enzymes
- Hormones
- Structural proteins
- Transport proteins
- Defense proteins
The Urea Cycle
The urea cycle
Read MoreFundamentals of Microscopy Techniques and Cell Theory
History of Optical Microscopy
Key Milestones
- 1611: Johannes Kepler suggests how to construct a compound microscope.
- 1655: Robert Hooke publishes Micrographia, introducing the concept of the cell.
- In parallel, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek built more than 200 microscopes (simple magnifying glasses).
Early Optical Microscopy Pioneers
Robert Hooke (1655)
In 1655, Robert Hooke observed a piece of cork under his self-built microscope. He used the word cell to describe the small, closed compartments he noted.