G Proteins at the Crossroads of Health and Disease

Factors regulating activity of G proteins

In this article, I provide a brief description of G proteins, which play crucial roles in various signaling processes. However, defects in G proteins lead to the development of many diseases. G Proteins Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) are a group of proteins that function as molecular switches within cells. They help transmit signals from … Read more >>

β-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Signal Transduction Involving Adenylyl Cyclase, cAMP, and PKA

GTPase switch

In this article, I provide a brief explanation of the β-adrenergic receptor-mediated signal transduction process, which involves adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, and PKA. β-adrenergic receptor-mediated signal transduction is a key cellular communication pathway activated by adrenaline or noradrenaline. Upon ligand binding, the receptor stimulates adenylyl cyclase via a G-protein, leading to increased cAMP production, which in … Read more >>

The Importance of Aquatic Microbial Ecosystems

detritus-consuming omnivorous organisms

In this article, I briefly describe the importance of aquatic microbial ecosystems. Microbial Interactions in Aquatic Ecosystems Aquatic ecosystems are home to intricate networks of interactions involving microorganisms and their relationships with larger plant and animal life. Microbes such as algae and protozoa play a crucial role at the base of the aquatic food web. … Read more >>

Advanced DNA Sequencing Technologies

Reversible Terminator Sequencing

In this article, I provide a brief explanation of advanced DNA sequencing technologies. DNA Sequencing The process of determining the order of nucleotides in DNA is called DNA sequencing. It determines the order of the four bases, i.e., adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine. The nucleotide sequence is the basis for understanding a gene or genome, as … Read more >>

DNA Beyond the Double Helix: Structural Variants and Unusual Sequences

ABZ-DNA

In this article, I will briefly describe the different structural variants of DNA and some unusual sequences beyond the double helix. The DNA Double Helix The journey of understanding DNA began in 1868, when Friedrich Miescher first isolated and characterized a substance he called nuclein, now known as DNA. In the late 1940s, Erwin Chargaff … Read more >>

Deciphering Protein Function through Analysis of Protein–Protein Interactions

Yeast two-hybrid analysis

In this article, I briefly describe how the analysis of protein-protein interactions helps to understand protein function. Understanding Protein Roles through Molecular Associations The function of a specific protein can often be inferred by identifying the cellular components it binds to. When it comes to protein–protein interactions, associating a protein of unknown function with a … Read more >>

The Role of Temperature in Food Preservation

The role of temperature in food preservation

In this article, I briefly describe how temperature plays a role in preserving food. Food Preservation Food preservation involves using various techniques to keep food safe, fresh, and suitable for consumption over an extended period. Since early human history, people have used methods like drying, fermenting, and salting to prevent food from spoiling. In modern … Read more >>

Proteins Facilitate the Transbilayer Movement of a Lipid Molecule

Proteins facilitate the transbilayer movement of a lipid molecule

In this article, I briefly describe some proteins that facilitate the transbilayer movement of a lipid molecule. The Lipid Bilayer The lipid bilayer is the core structure of all biological membranes, creating a flexible boundary that encloses cells and their internal compartments. It is mainly made of phospholipids, which naturally organize into a double layer … Read more >>

The Importance of Fat Soluble Vitamins

Fat soluble vitamins

In this article, I briefly describe fat-soluble vitamins and their importance in the human body. Fat-Soluble Vitamins In the early decades of the 20th century, one of the most exciting frontiers in physiological chemistry was the discovery of vitamins—tiny but vital compounds that play a crucial role in maintaining health. Since humans and other vertebrates … Read more >>

Eicosanoids and Steroid Hormones Carry Messages to Cells and Tissues

In this article, I briefly describe the types of eicosanoids and steroid hormones and how they carry messages to cells and tissues, respectively. Eicosanoids Eicosanoids are bioactive lipid molecules derived from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly arachidonic acid. They play vital roles in cell signaling, especially in inflammation, immunity, and many physiological functions. These are … Read more >>