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 >>
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 >>
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 >>
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 >>
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 >>
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 >>
In this article, I briefly describe how microorganisms develop drug resistance to a variety of drugs. Drug Resistance Drug resistance develops when disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, develop the ability to survive exposure to drugs that were once effective in killing them or stopping their growth. This phenomenon undermines the effectiveness … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe how antibiotics inhibit nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Antibiotics The term “antibiotic” describes a metabolic compound produced by microorganisms that can inhibit or destroy other microbes, even in minimal amounts. Vuillemin first introduced the idea of antibiosis in 1898, referring to a phenomenon where one organism eliminates others to … Read more >>
In this article, I briefly describe how different antibiotics inhibit the cell wall synthesis of microorganisms. Antibiotics Antibiotic refers to metabolic substances produced by a microorganism that, even in small quantities, can inhibit or harm other microbes. Vuillemin, in 1898, introduced the concept of antibiosis, where one organism eliminates others to survive. However, this early … Read more >>
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 >>