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Keto- and Enol Tautomerism in Sugars

Ketones are in equilibrium with a form known as an enol. The name enol derives from the fact that enols are a combination of a carbonyl (C=O) containing group, such as an aldehyde or ketone and an alcohol hydroxyl (OH) group. The interconversion between these two forms arises from a process called tautomerism.

30 Oct 2018

Imine Hydrolysis

Imines are one of several reactive groups, called functional groups, that are present in a compound. The mechanism by which the compound reacts is attributed to the properties of its functional group.

30 Oct 2018

Overview of Strecker Amino Acid Synthesis

Strecker synthesis is one of several means of producing α-amino acids. α-amino acids are molecules, which contain an amine and carboxylic group that are separated by a single carbon (the α-carbon).

30 Oct 2018

Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-PME)

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-PME) is a technique which is used to prepare samples. This technique does not require the use of solvents, therefore it is suitable for preparing samples that are volatile, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylenes.

29 Oct 2018

The Relationship Between Serotonin and 5-HTP

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid produced from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. 5-HTP is the precursor for neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit a nerve impulse across neuronal gaps that are called synapses. These neurotransmitters include serotonin and melatonin.

29 Oct 2018

Antibody-Mediated Pathogen Resistance

Resistance to external pathogens by an organism’s immune system has been strongly debated by life scientists for many years. Mainly observed in plants, antibody-mediated pathogen resistance is achieved when the expression of certain antibodies or antibody fragments causes the external pathogen to be inactivated via antibody attachment.

29 Oct 2018

Structure and Role of Pili in Prokaryotes

Pili are short, hair-like structures on the cell surface of prokaryotic cells. They can have a role in movement, but are more often involved in adherence to surfaces, which facilitates infection, and is a key virulence characteristic.

29 Oct 2018

Cadherin Types and Role in Cell-Cell Adhesion

Cadherins are Ca2+ dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules that mediate adhesion between cells and tissues in organisms. They are differentiated into several types based on their location and properties.

29 Oct 2018

What is the difference Between a Phagocyte, Macrophage, Neutrophil and Eosinophil?

All these are different cells present in the immune system which are involved in fighting foreign bodies (such as microbes) or clearing dead cells.

29 Oct 2018

Macrophage to Foam Cell Differentiation Pathway

Macrophages differentiate into foam cells during the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Understanding the process of this change during the progression of atherosclerotic plaques will allow for more efficient detection, treatments, and preventative measures for atherosclerosis.

29 Oct 2018

Supramolecular Assembly and Supermolecules

Supermolecules are formed from spontaneous assembly of linked molecular clusters of a unique composition, in a noncovalent manner, to form a larger final biological or chemical structure. The process of making a supermolecule is therefore thermodynamically favoured and involves a pre-designed assembly structure.

29 Oct 2018

What are Adhesins?

Adhesins are proteins that are present on the surface of bacteria or fungi that help in attaching to biotic or abiotic surfaces

29 Oct 2018

Difference Between Spheroplasts and Protoplasts

Spheroplasts are created from gram-negative bacteria and only part of their cell walls are removed. Gram-positive bacteria have only one cytoplasmic membrane, while gram-negative bacterium have two membranes: the cytoplasmic and the outer membrane.

29 Oct 2018

Artificial Intelligence and Life Science

Artificial intelligence, or AI, constitutes machine learning and deep learning, which enables computers to learn without being explicitly programmed every step of the way.

29 Oct 2018

Stem Cell Differentiation in the Colon

The stem niche of the intestine is located within the crypts of Lieberkühn and provids physical protection to stem cells. These cells are constantly replenishing themselves, and the surface epithelium is replaced every 5 days. The other parts of the intestine is composed of villus and crypts to maximize surface area, while there is no villus in colon.

29 Oct 2018

What is the Inflammasome?

When the body becomes injured or unwell, there are many biochemical responses which are activated, including immune response, blood-clotting response, and inflammatory response. A multiprotein oligomer (a molecule consisting of many protein units), called the inflammasome, mediates this inflammatory response to injury/illness.

29 Oct 2018

Structure and Role of Flagella in Prokaryotes

Flagella are primarily used for cell movement and are found in prokaryotes as well as some eukaryotes. The prokaryotic flagellum spins, creating forward movement by a corkscrew shaped filament. A prokaryote can have one or several flagella, localized to one pole or spread out around the cell.

29 Oct 2018

Pseudo-Affinity Chromatography

Chromatography is the separation of compounds from a mixture, and this is dependent on the properties of the compound. These properties include the size and charge of the compounds, and also how they interact with the mobile and solid phases.

28 Oct 2018

Histones and the Cell Cycle

In chromosomes, DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones. These histones are crucial for efficient packaging of DNA, as well as the replication and segregation of chromosomes themselves. Due to their affiliation with DNA, histones are important for successful cell replication, which takes place via the cell cycle.

28 Oct 2018

Does the Source of a Stem Cell Change Its Properties?

Stem cells are defined by their ability to develop into different types of adult cell, while replenishing their own stores to ensure a constant supply.

28 Oct 2018