The process of duplication can be applied to segments of DNA ranging from individual structural or functional domains to entire genomes. Whatever the size of the duplicated region, a contribution can be made to evolution. Genes – and therefore proteins…
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Retrotransposons are DNA sequences that have the ability to move around the genome. They rely on the reverse transcription of RNA to DNA to move about the genome. In mammals retrotransposons fall into three classes: LTR retrotransposons (retrovirus-like elements), LINEs,…
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Human bodies are composed of millions upon millions of cells, and each cell is a complex unit composed of organelles, a nucleus, cytoplasm and a cell membrane that holds it all together. The only exception to this rule is red…
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DNA sequences in eukaryotes are classified according to the number of copies present in an average genome, which can range from one to more then ten thousand. The three main types are highly-repetitive, middle-repetitive, and single-copy sequences. Highly-repetitive DNA can…
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The human body is composed of trillions of cells and their products. The cell represents the most basic level of structure and function. From there, the level of organization increases in complexity to tissues, organs, organ systems and, ultimately, the…
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Evolution is key to all biology. When Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace laid out their thesis on how organisms came to be, and changed over time, it opened a window to clear understanding of not just life itself, but…
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The possibility of an alternative to DNA life forms If you think that DNA is the only genetic material, think again. For it is widely believed among biochemists and molecular biologists that this predominantly DNA coded world that we currently…
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Pseudogenes, denoted by the Greek letter psi, are genes that were once functional, but that, due to mutations, have lost that function. Pseudogenes may be processed or non-processed. The former contain only exons, while the latter are copies of entire…
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that has developed multi-drug resistance in many health care facilities. Resistance has arisen due to a low permeable outer cell membrane and the presence of efflux- pumping mechanisms. It is a problem particularly in patients…
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Modeling is a process used by scientists to assist in understanding the how the world works. Making models of molecules helps biologists and chemists define how the molecule is put together and predict the chemical nature of the molecule. James…
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