Life Science Articles

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DNA and Technology

DNA and molecular biology has advanced by leaps and bounds. It has found use in pharmacology, genetic engineering in disease prevention, in increasing agricultural growth, in detection of disease and crime (forensics) etc.

10 Jan 2010

DNA Evolution

DNA carries the genetic information of species and has been evolving over millions of years. Earlier studies of prehistoric and historical migrations of human populations were possible only by research on uncovered skeletal remains and fossils.

10 Jan 2010

DNA Genetic Recombination

How does DNA maintain its original form?

10 Jan 2010

DNA Interactions with Proteins

DNA is a polymer that lies within the nucleus of all cells. DNA interacts with numerous proteins that perform their functions in conjunction with DNA.

10 Jan 2010

DNA Biological Functions

DNA is vital for all living beings – even plants. It is important for inheritance, coding for proteins and the genetic instruction guide for life and its processes. DNA holds the instructions for an organism's or each cell’s development and reproduction and ultimately death.

10 Jan 2010

DNA Chemical Modifications

DNA is the basic building block of the genes that form the instructions to the cells on their birth, maturity, functions and eventually death.

10 Jan 2010

DNA Properties

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the basic hereditary material present in all the cells of an organism and basically provides a blue print for the cell’s functions, growth, reproduction and death. The structure of the DNA called the double-stranded helical structure was first described by Watson and Crick in 1953.

10 Jan 2010

What is DNA?

DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid. It is located in the nuclei of cells, which make up the body. Consequently, DNA can be considered as one of the building blocks of the body.

10 Jan 2010

Lipoprotein Metabolism

Lipoprotein particle metabolism can occur via the exogenous or endogenous pathway, depending whether the source of origin is dietary or hepatic. Both the exogenous and endogenous metabolic pathways of lipoproteins are outlined below.

15 Dec 2009

What are Lipoproteins?

Lipoproteins are special particles made up of droplets of fats surrounded by a single layer of phospholipid molecules. Phospholipids are molecules of fats which are attached to a phosphorus-containing group. They are distinctive in being amphipathic, which means they have both polar and non-polar ends.

15 Dec 2009

Lipid Health and Nutrition

Lipids play diverse roles in the normal functioning of the body:

11 Dec 2009

Lipid Metabolism

Lipids are absorbed from the intestine and undergo digestion and metabolism before they can be utilized by the body. Most of the dietary lipids are fats and complex molecules that the body needs to break down in order to utilize and derive energy from.

11 Dec 2009

Lipid Biological Functions

It is now known that lipids play a much more important role in the body than previously believed. It was previously known that lipids played the role of storage of energy or forming cell membranes alone. Researchers have found that lipids have a much more diverse and widespread biological role in the body in terms of intracellular signalling or local hormonal regulation etc.

11 Dec 2009

What are Lipids?

Lipids are molecules that contain hydrocarbons and make up the building blocks of the structure and function of living cells.

11 Dec 2009

Genetics Research and Technology

Several discoveries have made genetic research one of the fastest developing research areas in the world today. With the understanding of genetic basis of disease there is a rapid development of genetic basis for disease risk and diagnosis and treatment. Genetic engineering has also made progress over the last few decades.

11 Dec 2009

Genetic Change

The genetic code undergoes several changes during the process of evolution. However, despite such changes, there is preservation of the majority of characteristics of the species.

11 Dec 2009

Genetics and Gene Expression

The human genome is made up of about 20,000 genes located on one of the 23 chromosome pairs found in the nucleus or on long strands of DNA located in the mitochondria.

11 Dec 2009

Genetic Inheritance

Genes are located on chromosomes. Chromosomes are in pairs and genes, or their alleles, are located on each of these pairs.

11 Dec 2009

History of Genetics

Genomics involves the study of genes, genetics, inheritance, molecular biology, biochemistry, biological statistics and incorporates the knowledge of advanced technology, computer science and mathematics.

11 Dec 2009

Gene Expression Measurement

Gene expression is the process by which genetic instructions are used to synthesise gene products. Measuring this gene expression is a key element in the study of life sciences. For example, understanding the level of gene expression in a cell, tissue or organism can provide valuable information in terms of identifying viral infection, determining cancer susceptibility or testing whether a bacteria is resistant to penicillin.

11 Dec 2009