Triacylglycerols: Energy storage, insulation, and health impacts of partial hydrogenation

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In this article, I briefly describe triacylglycerols, the fatty acid esters of glycerol. Triacylglycerols store energy and provide insulation. Partial hydrogenation of edible oils creates fatty acids with harmful side effects. Structure and properties of triacylglycerol Triacylglycerols, or triglycerides, fats, or neutral fats, are the simplest lipids derived from fatty acids. They consist of three … Read more >>

Genome and the complexity within

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In this article, I describe the genome and the complexity within it. Genome and genome annotation The genome contains all the essential information an organism requires for its growth and functioning. It represents the entire collection of genetic material within an organism. A genome sequence comprises a lengthy string of the nucleotides A, G, T, … Read more >>

The CRISPR technology helps inactivating a gene to reveal its function

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In this article, I briefly describe how CRISPR technology inactivates a gene and observes the resulting changes, helping scientists understand the gene’s normal function. Introduction of the CRISPR technology Gene mutation is necessary to understand the function of a gene. Researchers can then examine the effect of genomic alteration on cell growth or function. Introduction … Read more >>

Green fluorescent protein helps identify proteins in cells

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In this article, I briefly describe how green fluorescent protein helps identify proteins in cells. Protein localization and function Locating a gene product within the cell helps provide significant insight into its function. For instance, a protein found solely in the nucleus is likely to participate in nuclear-specific processes such as transcription, DNA replication, or … Read more >>

Expression of recombinant proteins

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In this article, I briefly describe the various ways of expressing recombinant proteins. Recombinant proteins Proteins can be artificially produced by inserting a gene encoding the desired protein into a host organism. This process is carried out with the help of recombinant DNA technology. This way, the host cells can express and produce large amounts … Read more >>

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects its host by using co-receptors

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In this article, I briefly describe how HIV infects its host by using its coreceptors. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a severe immunodeficiency caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This syndrome was first recognized because of opportunistic infections in a cluster of individuals in the USA in 1981. This group … Read more >>

Various factors cause secondary immunodeficiencies

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In this article, I briefly describe various factors causing secondary immunodeficiencies. Secondary immunodeficiencies Inherited genetic defects give rise to primary immunodeficiency whereas secondary immunodeficiency is acquired. The loss of immune function results from exposure to an external agent. These external agents include many diseases and infections, medical treatments with immunosuppressive drugs, and social conditions that … Read more >>

Replacement therapy treats immunodeficiency disorders

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In this article, I briefly describe various replacement therapies that treat immunodeficiency disorders. Treatment for immunodeficiencies There are many treatment options available for immunodeficiency disorders, but no reliable treatment is available for them. Besides using antimicrobial agents or resorting to the extreme measure of complete isolation from opportunistic pathogens, immunodeficiencies can be managed through replacement … Read more >>

Immunodeficiency disorders can lead to the development of autoimmunity

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In this article, I briefly describe immunodeficiency disorders that disturb immune regulation, which can lead to the development of autoimmunity. Deficiencies in T-cell tolerance lead to autoimmunity The adaptive immune system recognizes and eliminates foreign antigens. It also has to recognize self-MHC proteins and suppress reactions to self-antigens in the host. The induction of tolerance … Read more >>

Defects in innate immune components result in deficiency and diseases

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In this article, I briefly describe how defects in innate immune components result in diseases and deficiency. Innate immune defects Disorders in myeloid cells or in components of the complement activation pathways lead to innate immune defects. Many of these defects lead to lesser phagocytic cells or defective phagocytic processes. These processes may have defects … Read more >>