Cellular metabolism

Microbial Ecology: Roles of Microorganisms in Ecosystems

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Microbial ecology is the branch of ecology that studies the interactions between microorganisms and their environment, including other organisms, abiotic factors, and biogeochemical processes. Microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, play essential roles in ecosystem dynamics, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and biogeochemical transformations. Understanding microbial ecology is crucial for elucidating the functioning of … Read more

Bioinformatics: Data Analysis in Biological Research

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Bioinformatics is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data. It plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of complex biological systems, from genomics and proteomics to evolutionary biology and drug discovery. By leveraging computational tools and algorithms, bioinformatics enables researchers to extract meaningful insights … Read more

Molecular Biology: Understanding Biological Processes at the Molecular Level

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Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, at the molecular level. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, methodologies, and disciplines aimed at understanding biological processes, genetic information flow, gene expression, cellular functions, and molecular mechanisms underlying life. … Read more

Cellular Respiration: Energy Production in Cells

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Cellular respiration is a fundamental biological process that occurs in living cells to generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process involves the breakdown of organic molecules, such as glucose, through a series of biochemical reactions that release energy stored in chemical bonds. Cellular respiration is essential for the survival and functioning … Read more

Reduced ribosome production linked to extended lifespan and improved cellular health

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Ribosomes, the “translation factories” of the cell, are cellular organelles that play a central role in protein synthesis, a vital process for all living organisms. These tiny structures themselves consist of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and proteins and are essential for the survival and normal functioning of the cell, as the proteins they produce are required … Read more

What is amino acid?

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Amino acids are fundamental building blocks of proteins and play crucial roles in numerous biological processes. Understanding the structure, function, and significance of amino acids is essential for comprehending the complexity of living organisms and the molecular mechanisms that underlie their functions. Amino acids are organic molecules composed of a central carbon atom (referred to … Read more

Aerobic respiration

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Aerobic respiration is a fundamental metabolic process that provides organisms with the energy they need to sustain life. Occurring in the presence of oxygen, aerobic respiration involves the breakdown of organic molecules, such as glucose, to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the universal energy currency of cells. This intricate biochemical pathway consists of several interconnected stages, … Read more

What is the significance of the Krebs cycle in cellular metabolism?

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The Krebs cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a central component of cellular metabolism with profound significance in the energy production and regulation of living organisms. This cyclic pathway, occurring within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, plays a pivotal role in the breakdown of organic molecules, such … Read more

How does the circulatory system support oxygen exchange?

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The circulatory system plays a crucial role in supporting oxygen exchange within the human body. Comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood, this intricate network ensures the efficient transportation of oxygen to cells and the removal of carbon dioxide, facilitating the respiratory process. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system sheds light on … Read more

What are the primary functions of red blood cells?

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Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, play a crucial role in maintaining the physiological balance within the human body. These specialized cells, characterized by their disc-like shape and absence of a nucleus, are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and removing carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular … Read more

What is physiology?

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Physiology, derived from the Greek words “physis” (nature) and “logos” (study), is the scientific discipline that explores the normal functioning of living organisms. It aims to understand the mechanisms that govern the various physiological processes within organisms, from the cellular level to complex organ systems. Physiology provides insights into how living organisms maintain homeostasis, respond … Read more

Blood test could identify people at risk of suicide

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In the United States, 16.1 million adults grapple with the burdens of Major Depressive Disorder, a condition that extracts a hefty toll of $210 billion annually. Beyond its psychological facets, depression is increasingly recognized as a complex ailment with repercussions echoing throughout the entire body. Delving into cellular metabolism, a pivotal avenue in understanding mental … Read more

What role do enzymes play in biological reactions, and how are they regulated?

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Enzymes are fundamental components of biological systems, serving as catalysts for a vast array of chemical reactions within living organisms. Their role is paramount in maintaining the intricate balance of biochemical processes, ensuring the efficient conversion of substrates into products. Enzymes facilitate reactions by lowering the activation energy required for a chemical transformation, thus accelerating … Read more

What is mitochondria?

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Mitochondria are dynamic and vital organelles found in the cells of eukaryotic organisms, playing a central role in energy production and numerous cellular processes. These double-membraned structures are often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell” due to their primary function of generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular currency for energy. However, their significance … Read more

What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?

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The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, play a pivotal role in cellular function and energy metabolism. These double-membraned organelles are essential components of eukaryotic cells, where they perform diverse functions crucial for the cell’s survival and overall functionality. The primary function of mitochondria is to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the … Read more

How aldehydes damage cells and how our bodies fight back

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The research team of Professor Petra Beli and their collaborators have discovered that aldehydes, a type of toxic chemical produced by the body after drinking alcohol, damage cells by creating chemical crosslinks between RNA and proteins, thereby interfering with protein production. The scientists in Beli’s group, who come from the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), … Read more

Mutations in KEAP1-NRF2 pathway rewire metabolism and increase lysosomes in liver cancer

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Researchers at Peter Mac, led by Dr. Andrew Cox and Dr. Kristin Brown, have made a significant breakthrough in understanding liver cancer development, as published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Their study focused on the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, known as a major driver pathway in cancer. By investigating the role of … Read more

Researchers discover new way to convert RNA into energy

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Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, in collaboration with the University of Lausanne, have made an intriguing discovery regarding the utilization of uridine as an energy source for cells. They have found that cells can process uridine from RNA in a manner similar to how they metabolize sugar when glucose is scarce, … Read more

Mediterranean diet linked to longer lifespan in worms

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The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, has long been associated with longer and healthier lives compared to diets heavy in fast food, meat, and dairy. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying this benefit have remained unclear. A team of researchers led by Stanford School of Medicine has now … Read more

Bacterial engineering: Unlocking sustainable biochemicals through new-to-nature carbon reactions

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A recent breakthrough published in the journal Nature showcases the successful engineering of bacteria by a research team led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Berkeley. These modified bacteria have the ability to produce carbon-based products that are new to nature, presenting a promising avenue for sustainable biochemical production. The key innovation lies in … Read more