The functional output of DNA, often referred to as the “genetic blueprint of life,” is the bedrock upon which all living organisms build their complexity and diversity. At the heart of this multifaceted molecule lies the code for life itself, encoding the instructions for the synthesis of proteins, the machinery of cellular processes, and the …
Summary Multicellular organisms need specialized systems in order to function as a complete unit. They contain various levels of organisation that form a hierarchy, from cells up to the complete organism. Firstly, the cells in a multicellular organism are organised into tissues, which are groups of cells of similar appearance that work together to carry …
Summary Organelles are membrane-bound compartments that exist within most cell types. Organelle literally translates to ‘small organ’, reflecting their essential function in regulating the cell as a unit. A eukaryotic cell contains various organelles that carry out specific functions. Plasma Membrane Whist not technically an organelle, the cell membrane is an important feature of cells …
Summary Introduction to cells The cell is the basic building block of an organism and the fundamental unit of life. The idea that all organisms were made up of cells was put together in 1837 by two colleagues – Schleiden and Schwann – who discussed what they had been observing from looking down microscopes in …
Summary Whilst the majority of human DNA is identical between individuals, there are some regions where sequences are known to vary. This variation can occur anywhere, and is often found in repetitive DNA that doesn’t have a coding function. Thus, each individual’s DNA is unique. DNA can therefore be used as a method of identification, …
The ethical implications of genome engineering, a cutting-edge field at the intersection of biology and technology, have become a subject of intense debate and scrutiny in recent years. With the advent of powerful genome-editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, the ability to precisely modify an organism’s genetic code has grown exponentially. While this scientific progress holds immense …
Introduction Genetic inheritance is the process of transferring traits from parents to offsprings during both sexual as well as asexual reproduction. It is done through passing on the genetic material or DNA from parents to offsprings. Although it is seen in all organisms from bacteria to complex mammals, we will mainly focus on the sexually …
Haemoglobin, which is a tetrameric protein found in red blood cells, consists of four globin subunits, each containing a heme group that binds to oxygen and enables the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Keep reading for more Haemoglobin – Structure And Function revision Summary Read more about Haemoglobin Frequently Asked Questions …
Frequently Asked Questions What is natural selection? It is a natural process by which living organisms adapt to the changes taking place in the environment and change themselves. Organisms that are able to adapt survive, while those that cannot change themselves become extinct. Why is it called natural selection? It is called natural selection because …
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important organelle in eukaryotic cells. It plays a major role in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and lipids. The ER produces transmembrane proteins and lipids for its membrane and for many other cell components including lysosomes, secretory vesicles, the Golgi appatatus, the cell membrane, and plant cell …
