Cytosol

Unique microorganisms reside on and within tissues and body fluids of mammals, and are known as the commensal microbiota. It is estimated that the human body contains 3x1013 eukaryotic cells and 4x1013 bacteria (1). By early adulthood host cells are outnumbered by microbial species by 100 fold (2). These microbes are far from neutral bystanders, and are suspected to influence the developing immune system in responses from cytokine balance, to lymphocyte responses, to antibody induction (3). In…

Topic: Molecular mechanism of dietary restriction in ageing Title: Dietary restriction and mTOR signalling pathway in lifespan extension Dietary restriction (DR), which is reduced intake of all dietary constituents except vitamins and minerals, was first shown to extend the lifespan of rats 80 years ago (McCay, 1930). Since then, many studies have proven that DR can extend longevity on wide range of taxa (Fontana et al., 2010). In addition, research done on animal models reveals that there…

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the ionic basis of the neuron’s resting membrane potential (Vm). We examine how this potential is affected by potassium ion [K+] concentration and permeability using Orconectes rusticus crayfish abdominal muscles, and we ask whether or not the Nernst Equation solely based on [K+] can also predict the cell’s resting membrane potential. We predicted that [K+] concentration had a significant influence on the membrane potential and thus the Nernst…

CELL SIGNALING AND CELL TRANSDUCTION INTRODUCTION: In this lecture, we will study about cell signaling and signal transduction. Each cell in a multicellular animal is bombarded with chemical signals that are made by other cells and this is how communication occurs at cells level by different signaling molecule. Signals that regulate cell metabolism, alter or maintain its differentiated state, determine whether it should divide, and dictate whether it will live or die. The word “signals” in…

Figure 1: Shows the gene expression changes found in Arabidopsis after the insertion of the IRX1, IRX3, and IRX5 mutants(Brown). 1A shows the principal component data collected from the targeted areas of the plant(Brown). 1B shows a comparison of gene expression of the base and tip of the stem and the change of level(Brown). 1C shows the slope of genes most likely to be related to IRX3(Brown). From Figure 1B, it is shown through analysis that there are several hundred genes that show an increase…

This research study looked at the role of lipogenesis in sepsis. Sepsis is a very serious condition in which a pathogen, bacterial, viral, or fungal, invades the bloodstream and triggers a high inflammatory response by the immune system. The body is unable to remove the pathogen which causes an overproduction of cytokines eventually leading to organ injury and death. As the third leading cause of death in the United States, Australia, and Asia, it is important to develop a treatment for sepsis.¹…

While it definitely slowed, the contractions were sporadic at best. The heart lost its regularity and showed random contraction intervals, some ranging shorter than normal while others had greater time gaps between contractions. Procedure 5: Effects of a Ligature on the Heart After the knot had been tied around the AV groove, no noticeable alterations were noticed to heart contraction. Upon tightening of the thread however, the heart appeared in clear distress. Beat irregularities ensued…

General Introduction Dietary lipids: Dietary lipids consist of a broad group of compounds that are soluble in organic solvents and insoluble in water. Their density is lower than water and consistency varies from liquids to solids at normal room temperature, depending on their structure and function. They are also referred as ‘Oils’ which are liquid and ‘fats’ which are solid at room temperature. Lipids are the important constituents of diet due to their higher energy value. One gram of lipid…

In the context, determination of the reducing capacity of a given cell will play a critical role in the establishment of its relative cytotoxic activity. The analogy is based on the idea that cells maintain a reducing environment while in their cytosol state. Because the Alamar blue reagent contains resazurin as its active ingredient, it is used in the reduction of resorufin on the subjected cells in the experiment. Resazurin is a non-toxic and non-fluorescent cell-permeable compound, which has…

Textbook Reference: 6.4 What Are the Active Processes of Membrane Transport? Page: 120 5. Barrier formation is only one function of the cell membrane. Describe some other functions of the membrane and discuss how the membrane is suited for those functions. Answer: Membranes function in processing energy transformation and in the organization of chemical reactions. Integral and peripheral proteins contribute to these functions. The membrane serves as a holding site for the catalytic enzymes…