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Sunday, 18 June 2017

A comparison between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes



Points of comparison
Eukaryotes
Prokaryotes
Organelles
True celled organisms, has mitochondria, lysosomes, vacuoles, endoplasmic reticulum, etc...
Has less organelles
Genetic material
Contained inside the cell's nucleus associated with histone proteins forming chromatin
Floating in the cytoplasm, has small circular DNA molecules spread in the cytoplasm called Plasmids - has no associated proteins
Nucleus
Present
Absent

Cell size
Large, average size between
10-100micrometers
Small, average size between
0.1- 5micrometers
Cytoplasm
Cytoskeleton exists exists, performs endocytosis and exocytosis
No cytoskeleton, cannot perform endocytosis and exocytosis
Cell division
By mitosis
By binary fission
Sexual reproduction
Involves meiosis
Asexually, transfer of DNA fragments only
Membrane-enclosed organelles
Exists
Doesn't exist
Ribosomes
Larger size 80S, smaller size 70S in organelles
Smaller size 70S
Organisms are
Often multicellular
Always unicellular
Glycocalyx
Present in some cells that lack cell wall
Present as a capsule or slime layer
Motor organ
The motor organ is cilia
The motor organ is flagellum
Respiratory enzymes
Are found in the cytoplasmic membrane
Respiratory enzymes are found in the inner membrane of mitochondria
Nitrogen fixation
Cannot, only through endosymbiotic relation with a nitrogen-fixing prokaryote e.g., Rhizobium sp., Azospirillum sp.
Some bacteria possess the ability to fix nitrogen via the nitrogenase enzyme
Diagram




Example
Our cells (animal cells), fungi, plants, protists and algae
Bacteria and Archaea

Vote down below in the reaction poll or you can comment to tell me your opinion concerning this comparison.
Latest topic - http://allaboutbiologyworld.blogspot.com/2017/06/our-cell-1-structure-function-division.html
Thanks a lot

Friday, 16 June 2017

Biology gallery #2


Pituitary gland


Structure of nephron
Chloroplast




Prokaryotic cell (=e.g. bacterium)

Seminiferous tubule
Plant cell structure


Seminiferous tubule
Structure of sperm, abnormalities, and properties



Biology gallery part 1 - http://allaboutbiologyworld.blogspot.com/2016/08/biology-gallery.html

Tuesday, 13 June 2017

Our cells #1 - ( structure, function, division, disorder & cycle )

Animal cell

Part1

Structure and function

Simple figure of eukaryotic cell 

Introduction

Cellular Level of Organization
The Cell Theory

In the 1830s, Matthias Schleiden studying plants and Theodor Schwann studying animals independently declared these organisms were made of cells. All organisms, both unicellular and multicellular, are made up of cells. cells are the smallest units of living matter and are the structural and functional units of all organisms. Rudolf Virchow declared cells come only from pre-existing cells. So, Cells are capable of self-reproduction.
Cell size, Cells range in size from a frog's egg ( one millimeter) down to one micrometer. Cells need a surface area of plasma membrane large enough to adequately exchange materials.
Note: Largest human cells are the Ovum ( Egg cells) about 120 micrometers, skin cells 30 - 35 micrometers, red blood cells about 5 micrometers and sperm cells which are considered to be the smallest ranges from 4 to 4.5 micrometers 
Surface-area-to-volume ratio......dictates that cells must be small
As cells get larger in volume, surface area relative to volume decreases. Size limits how large the actively metabolizing cells can become. Cells that need greater surface area use modifications such as folding and microvilli.e.g, Macrophages ( a type of our innate immune cells that functions as a cell-eater, it can devour many bacterial cells). We have 2 major types of cells, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic

Prokaryotic cells
All prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and are smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells were the first cells and date back to earliest evolutionary history; Because they are biochemically different, prokaryotes are divided into 2 domains: Bacteria and Archaea

Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells are members of the domain Eukarya, including kingdoms Fungi, Animalia, Plantae, and Protista. A membrane-bounded nucleus houses DNA. The nucleus may have originated as an invagination of the plasma membrane.

The structure of our cells


-Organelle.., word named on organs with a considerable small size which is why it is mainly introduced to cell organs, they are membrane-bounded organelles ( consisting of phospho-bilipid layer) just like the own membrane of the cell, this membrane separates the organelle from the area around it inside the cell.

-A single cell contains many organelles that provide various and crucial functions to our body, the group of cells comprise tissue, a group of tissues makes up an organ, many different organs builds up a body so we conclude that cells are our building units but what is inside this cell?
  • To begin with, a cell contain lysosomes, mitochondria.p,(mitochondrion.singular,), vacuoles, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum ( smooth & rough ), Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, centrioles, cell membrane and last but not least cytoplasm)
1) Golgi apparatus, named after the Italian scientist Camillo Golgi, it is a curved like rod/ banana-like which is like long hallways for receiving proteins and manufacturing vesicles for them, its function is mainly about transporting.  (Pic.source: http://www.sciencephoto.com/ )

2) Nucleus, the headquarters of a cell, the mastermind of a cell surrounded by a nuclear membrane, a densely packaged chromatin found inside of it ( our genetic material) which can be unfolded reaching up to 2 meters, chromatin ( is the double stranded DNA + histone proteins which is responsible for the dense packaging to fit inside) the nucleus average diameter is 6 micrometers, nucleolus is a part of the nucleus through which the ribosomes are manufactured. (Pic.source:https://epiehonorsbiology.wikispaces.com/Nucleus2?responseToken=0d241e85e112dc01d3c1c27fa3ee7cfdc)

3) Mitochondrion, spherical body, with outer and inner membranes ( intermembrane space found between them ) folded from the inside, area inside the folds is called Matrix while the outside is the crista, has ribosomes and its own DNA ( it is an independent organelle )  0.5 to 2 microns in length (Pic.source: http://faculty.une.edu/com/abell/histo/histolab2.htm)
Mitochondrion simple anatomy - made by me

4) Lysosomes membrane-bounded organelle, small-rounded bubbles containing essential enzymes manufactured by the endoplasmic reticulum. (Pic.source: http://quatr.us/biology/cells/lysosome.htm )

5)Vacuole, a space or vesicle within the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosed by a membrane and typically containing fluid. (Pic.source: http://www.mstworkbooks.co.za/natural-sciences/gr9/gr9-ll-01.html )

6)Endoplasmic reticulum ( rough and smooth ), mainly a network of flattened minute tubular or irregular in shape and branches and are surrounded by thin membranes found in the cytoplasm forming many folds, RER ( rough endoplasmic reticulum) named rough due to the attachment of ribosomal units on its membranes, SER ( smooth endoplasmic reticulum) named smooth due to the absence of ribosomal units, the ribosomes appear like dots on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum ( rough ) - it is the second organelle after nucleus in its volume as it takes over a remarkable volume in the cytoplasm )
(Pic.source: https://www.uni-mainz.de/FB/Medizin/Anatomie/workshop/EM/EMSERE.html
http://www.cellimagelibrary.org/images/37237)

7) Ribosomes, are small rounded circular units mainly built of RNAs, spread all over the cell in many numbers and are found on endoplasmic reticulum giving it its rough structure, has many types tRNA, rRNA and mRNA. (Pic.source: https://www.uni-mainz.de/FB/Medizin/Anatomie/workshop/EM/EMVokabular/EMR.html )

8) Centrioles, cylindrical/rod-like structures found nearby the nucleus of animal cells, they perform major functions during cell division - they have the ability to produce thin fibres known as spindle fibers, its outer wall contains a number of microtubules arranged in 9 groups each of them is formed of 3 microtubules - 0.2 to 0.8 micrometre in length and 0.2 micrometres in diameter.
(Pic.source: http://www.biology-pages.info/C/Centrioles.html )

9)Cytoplasm, It is the swimming pool for all the previous organelles, it is where the organelles are kept inside, proteins to be vesicled are found, ribosomes are distributed everywhere - jelly-like substance, a water-based solution containing that contains ions, small molecules, and macromolecules-
(Pic.source: https://www.uni-mainz.de/FB/Medizin/Anatomie/workshop/EM/EMCytoplasmaE.html )

10) Cell membrane, Phospho-bilipid layer, consists of hydrophilic head ( hydro= water, philic= loving or attracted ) and hydrophobic tail ( means water-repellent), our cell membrane has a lot of contributions to our body, it functions in homeostasis, transporting substances due to its semi-permeability and being the main reason of cell signaling due to the presence of membrane-bound receptors on the surface, glycoproteins (receptor function), integral and peripheral proteins                            

Functions

-The cell, which is generally the building unit of our body, its itself being the building unit makes a major function since it has many types, connective tissue forming cells, muscular-forming tissue cells and as well as all of our organs with a few differences, the true cell  ( eukaryotic) contains as we know its organelles, each of which has its own function and together all working properly makes up a powerful bio-machine ( cell ) a cell contains more than 50 thousand different proteins essential for its vitality and viability throughout its entire life.

-A group of cells together forms a tissue, Moreover, a group of tissues makes up organs, Last but not least, different organs constructs the human body; so as a conclusion, cells are the basic building units but what really makes it the basic structural unit of the human body.

-Basically, from the previous point we discussed the structures of a cell and known that it has organelles, these organelles are the main reason we keep saying that a cell is the building unit of the human body due to the following vital functions carried out by these organelles:

  • Mitochondria, it is the powerhouse of the cell as they contain respiratory enzymes, present in both animal and plant cells, energy-rich molecules known as ATP ( adenosine tri-phosphate) are formed and stored in reduced forms known as NADH2 (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides) for further use, this organelle has its own DNA meaning it is independent of the cell's nucleus, it doesn't have to follow division if the cell is carrying division, the production of ATPs is carried out by a process known as Krebs cycle (named after the scientist who discovered it Hans Krebs) a.k.a tri-carboxylic acid cycle a.k.a citric acid cycle, Furthermore, this cycle is carried out aerobically ( In presence of oxygen ), Last but not least, such process produce 2 molecules of ATP, 8 molecules of NADH2 and two molecules of FADH2 ( flavine adenine dinucleotide )
  • Nucleus, it is the most important structure in a cell, it contains the genetic material ( DNA ) which encodes all the essential and required proteins for the cell to thrive and survive, In the nucleus a chromatin reticulum which is the DNA + histone proteins bound together, it condenses right before the initiation of mitosis in case of cell division to nucleosomes scale level in order to launch the division, also it is where transcription occurs ( a process of which the cell's own DNA acts as a template in making Messenger RNAs ( mRNAs) which is supposed to be the cell needs, inside of this nucleus a large circular portion called nucleolus which is where ribosomal RNAs are synthesized, If our body is in need of a specific combination of proteins/amino acids then such organelle (nucleus) is the one responsible for this job, Besides, the DNA ( genetic material) holds all our phenotypic and genotypic characteristics ( everything) whether if some are in active or inactive form.
  • Golgi- apparatus, it receives anything whether synthesized from nucleus, in cytoplasm and is needed to be expelled out of the cell, from the endoplasmic reticulum, it packages it in vesicles (rounded structures) so they can be soon sent to the outside inside the vesicles or disintegrated and released into the blood in some cases.
  • Centrioles, these small structures has a great role during cell division, with which it forms the spindle fibers as we know them which binds with chromosome during the phases of cell division and starts pulling them to provide copies of cells having the same and equal genetic material in case of Mitotic cell division or reduction of this genetic material in case of Meiotic division.
  • Ribosomes, they have various types mRNA, rRNA and tRNA types of ribosomes, each of which has its own function, all ribosomes contribute in DNA transcription ( which is a process of changing DNA into RNA or to be more clear mRNA ( messenger RNA) and translation which is, in other words, mean ''protein synthesis'' production of amino acids connected to each other by peptide bonds forming a polypeptide chain (proteins), rRNA ( ribosomal RNA) these are units of ribosomes main job is to read the mRNA and provide message for the tRNA ( transfer RNA) to perform its function which is getting the specific amino acid (anti-codon) for the specific (codon - the name of the bases in mRNA)  **There will be a whole topic covering all what you need to know about Ribosomes since they have a lot of information**
  • Lysosomes, are the digesting units of an animal cell, containing degrading enzymes enclosed in membranes, such organelles work on breaking down any cellular wastes, renew materials and also they are found more in immune function cells contributes in killing any intruders ( e.g. bacteria) by releasing its enzymes on these foreign bodies, They are more abundant in animal cells ( e.g. cells of liver, kidney and small intestines) than plant cells
  • Plasma (Cell) membrane, Every cell is surrounded by a membrane which protects its constituents and regulates the relationship between the cell and its surroundings. It also regulates the passage of substances into the cell and out of the cell - it described as a mosaic fluid, due to its selective permeability it regulates the passage of the nutrient materials, thus enabling the cell to choose what it needs from different materials, these substances move through the plasma membrane by diffusion, active transport and phagocytosis - contributes to homeostasis (internal temperature of the body which is normally 37*C) and regulation of electrolytes in the body - cell signaling due to the presence of receptors such as glycoproteins which play an important role in the communication between cells such as antigen-presenting cells to immune cells in order to identify the target vector, or the secretion of any type of substances in order to alert other cells of presence of foreign invaders such as Cytokines produced by Helper T cells in the field of invasion. **We will have a whole topic about Cell signaling since it is so interesting topic**
Fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane
source: http://www.macroevolution.net/fluid-mosaic-model.html
  • Endoplasmic reticulum, It can be found adhered to the plasma membrane of the cell, It may also extend between the cells in order to communicate with the membranes if the neighboring cells. In this way, all the cells are connected to each other through their endoplasmic reticula. In addition to it plays a part in the formation of secretions in the cells, also the ribosomes on its surface are responsible for protein synthesis. Moreover, it acts as an internal transport system that connects together the various parts of the cytoplasm with the nucleus and also with those of other cells.
  • Cytoplasm, It functions like the bedding material, the fluid which holds all the cell organelles together also contributing to the shape of the cell, extending from the nucleus to the plasma membrane in eukaryotes, due to its cytoskeleton ''a.k.a cytosol'' a network of fibers about the whole cell giving it shape also organize these cellular components. Elements making this cytoskeleton include actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
  1. Actin filaments are long, thin fibers ( about 7 nanometres in diameter) that occur in bundles or meshlike networks. Actin filaments move by interacting with myosin: myosin combines with and splits ATP, binding to actin and changing configuration to pull actin filaments forward.
  2. Intermediate filaments are 8-11 nanometers in diameter, between actin filaments and microtubules in size. They are rope-like assemblies of fibrous polypeptides. Some support the nuclear envelope; others support plasma membrane and form cell-to-cell junctions.
  3. Microtubules are small hollow cylinders (25 nanometres in diameter and form). and are composed of a globular protein tubulin.
  • Cell Vacuole, It helps in storing the wastes resulted from metabolic reactions or any cell activity and removing them in order to protect the cell from any damage due to the accumulation of wastes.
Thanks everyone, I hope you find this informative and if you do please subscribe, comment any questions if you have or perhaps if you would like to share your opinion with me either by writing in comments or voting the poll you will find below every topic I do, don't forget to share it with every biologist :) it really help me out and cheer me up.
#WeliveWelearn  
#Biology
Check out my latest topic at ----->  http://allaboutbiologyworld.blogspot.com/2017/06/pituitary-gland.html 
For more biology stuff----> allaboutbiologyworld.blogspot.com
Facebook group -----> https://www.facebook.com/biologyclub17/

References
Principles of Zoology course no. 11101
Botany - a classification to Plant kingdom course no. 07102 
https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/index.html
https://www.khanacademy.org/
My highschool biology courses
William Stillwell-An Introduction to Biological Membranes. Composition, Structure and Function-Elsevier Science (2016)


Tuesday, 6 June 2017

Pituitary gland


Pituitary gland

Pituitary gland

Pituitary gland is considered as the master gland as it controls the functions and secretion of most of the endocrine glands. The gland is located beneath the brain and in connection with the hypothalamus, The gland consists of 2 parts:
  • Adenohypophysis: It consists of the anterior and middle lobe - developed embryonically from the roof of the mouth.
  • Neurohypophysis: It consists of the posterior lobe and a part of the brain called the infundibulum ( a stalk connecting the gland to the brain) - developed from the back of the forebrain.
****Note: Hypophysis means Pituitary,..Plural: hypophyses

Hormones of the Adenohypophysis ( anterior lobe of the pituitary gland):
  1. Growth hormone (G.H.)
It controls metabolism especially protein synthesis, accordingly it controls the physical growth of the body.
Hypo-secretion ( Hypo=less or weak) of this hormone during childhood causes Dwarfism and its hyper-secretion ( hyper=over) during the same period causes Gigantism.
Hyper-secretion of G.H. in adults causes Acromegaly which is characterized by increased bone growth at the extremities and characterized by enlarged hands, feet, fingers and bones of the face.

      2. Pituitary Trophins:

A group of hormones that affect the activity and secretion of other glands and includes:
  1. Thyrotrophin (thyroid stimulating hormones) (TSH) ---> check out this brief topic about thyroid gland at - http://allaboutbiologyworld.blogspot.com/2016/05/thyroid-gland-brief-notes.html
  2. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which affects the function of the adrenal (Suprarenal) cortex.
  3. Gonadotrophic hormones - Affect the function of gonads ( ovaries in females and testes in males).

This group includes:
  1. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which affects the growth of the ovarian follicles and formation of Graafian follicles in females and formation of seminiferous tubules, spermatozoa in male.
  2. Lutinizing hormone (LH) which stimulates the formation of corpus luteum in females and the formation and secretion of interstitial cells in the testes of males.
These two hormones are important for sexual maturity as they are responsible for secretion of male and female sex hormones
.
         3. Prolactin: stimulates milk formation and secretion from mammary glands ( breasts).

Hormones of the neurohypophysis ''Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland'':

Two hormones are secreted from the nerve cells in the hypothalamus and called the secretary neurons, and reach the neurohypophysis ( posterior lobe of pituitary) through the infundibulum after which they are released to the blood stream.

The two hormones are:
  1. Antiduretic hormone (ADH) (Vasopression):
This hormone increases the re-absorption of water from the kidney tubules and decreasing the volume of urine excreted. In addition it increases blood pressure.

        2. Oxytocin:

This hormone affects the uterine contraction and increases it during delivery ( labour). Gynecologists use this hormone to accelerate the birth of a baby by stimulating strong contractions of uterine muscles ( synthetic type '' Pitocin'' of Oxytocin) 
In addition oxytocin stimulates the release of milk from mammary glands with the beginning of lactation ( milk letting hormone).


References used:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/018261s031lbl.pdf
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/health-and-medicine/advanced-endocrine-system/endocrine-system-introduction/v/hypothalamus-and-pituitary-gland
http://www.audioenglish.org/dictionary/hypophysis.htm
+My highschool Biology book which provided a lot of content.

I hope you ladies and gentlemen like the topic, please if you find it informative like, share and perhaps follow my blog so as to be tuned whenever a new post comes
Thanks a lot 
#Biology 
#WeliveWelearn
allaboutbiologyworld.blogspot.com

Sunday, 23 April 2017

Todd has been sick! Short tale

Growing Penicillium digitatum on Todd ( an orange )

Under general environment 

As you can see the green parts indicates the development of conidiophores
and as well as the fruiting bodies which carry the spores

Under general environment, an orange named Todd was left for a while infront of a window a couple of days and symptoms of fungal infection was seen ( white color ) as the beginning, it indicates the sprouting of spores to hyphae which then forms a network of mycelium and later on forms the fruiting bodies which carry the spores at that time it becomes green in color.

The mold scientific name is Penicillium digitatum

The main causal agent of fruit-rot to citrus fruits ( e,g, orange as in our case) the green mold disease, also it is a major post-harvest disease which should be taken into consideration when harvesting our crop.

A mesophilic fungus which prefers temperatures between 15*C-45*C, of Division: Ascomycota 

Following a strict means of clean and sanitized storage, handling and packaging can ensure the least infection, removal of any infected plants quickly before the mold grows and infects other fruits comes in handy, applying specific fungicides in particular concentrations and much more from chemical and biological controls can be found in the following website:http://www.plantwise.org/KnowledgeBank/Datasheet.aspx?dsid=39570

Culturing it, due to the limited resources I have since of my inability to afford tools for culture media, I have used Gelatin, I bought a strawberry Jelly, prepared it and inoculated a sample of the fungi in it and after 5 days leaving the petri dish in room temperature, results were:
My very first culture media

This was Todd after a week from the last picture shown
Needed to be contained
Observing the mold structure under optical microscope







The following clip ( I DON'T OWN IT - Copyrights goes to its owner) shows a fastened footage of the mold on a lemon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1Bzi7T8-HQ
#WeliveWelearn
allaboutbiologyworld.blogspot.com
Thanks for listening and I hope you follow my blog, sorry for the inactivity but all of this is due to my college's semester, I will be back very soon to post new biology stuff! Stay tuned and support me please :) 

Saturday, 24 December 2016

Microscope reveals


Home ant (1) 
(2)



Antenna of the ant

Close look to this ant's leg

Plant cells of an onion - stained by iodine ( the only stain I had at the current moment)

A close look to the plant cells of an onion

Cells extracted from the inner lining of my cheeks also stained by iodine





Wing of Culex mosquito
Stinging apparatus of Culex moquito



Legs of Culex mosquito

Mouthparts of Musca domestica (house fly)

Wings of Musca domestica (house fly)

Rhizopus stolonifer (bread mould) sporangium + sporangiophore

Rhizopus stolonifer
Gram-positive Monobacillus 
Gram-positive Monobacillus

Penicillium digitatum
Peniciliium digitatum


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