Gene Yang

Medicine, The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.” (“Autoimmune Disorders. U.S. National Library of Medicine.) There are a couple theories that is developed by experts…

Monascus Pigment: A Versatile Fungal Pigment Introduction Pigments is defined as a organic compounds that give a characteristic color to plant or animal tissues and is involved in critical processes. Chlorophyll in plant (photosynthesis) and hemoglobin present in Red blood cells (oxygen transportation) are examples of pigment. Variety of color pigments produced by organisms is also known as biological pigment or bichromes. Pigments from plants and animals have been obtaining since long…

Mitochondria was first discovered in 1856 by Swiss anatomist Van Kölliker. Dr. Kölliker while he was conducting a study on muscle tissue (Giezen, Page 1). He found these “sacrosomes” which would later become known as mitochondria. When scientist first started discovering mitochondria they were extremely fascinated with all of the various structures of the mitochondria (Giezen, Page 1). Early scientist posted numerous theories of the origin of mitochondria. One of these theories was that…

The Scientific Revolution was a time of great discoveries and scientists and the creation of the scientific method which contains theories, experiments and other stuff. For example, William Harvey was a great scientist especially for his magnificent discovery. He was born in Folkestone, England 1578 and died in 1657. William Harvey’s discovery, was that blood flowed through the body, and all the veins came back to the heart, making the heart responsible for pumping blood. He found this…

phosphate groups the nitrogenous bases would be located on the inside and the phosphate substituents on the outside (Crick). This monumental discovery fueled the creation of new forms of molecular biology specifically aimed at knowing the action of a gene. James Watson was born in Chicago in 1928; where he also received both his B.S. and Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Chicago. In 1951,Watson’s first postdoctoral year, he journeyed to a symposium in Naples and saw for the first time the…

Polyposis (FAP), a mutation on the APC gene (Cleveland Clinic, 2016, pg. 1). It discusses the beginning ages for FAP and some genetic testing options for said disease, including how accurate such tests are. The remaining portion of this paper explores my stated opinion on whether or not adolescents should be tested for late-onset genetic diseases, such as FAP. A Brief Description of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Opinion Statement on Whether Gene Testing in Children is…

the elongation step of viral DNA replication. The study showed that Acyclovir is phosphorylated into monophosphate purine analog, and remained in the infected cells before being converted into the triphosphate active form by the viral thymidine kinase. Once in this form, DNA polymerase will substitute it for Guanine triphosphate into the viral DNA chain. Due to Acyclovir’s structure, the lack of a second hydroxyl group prevents another residue to be attached and terminates chain growth. This…

Many people believe that it is common knowledge that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) has no cure and will always be impossible to cure. However, contrary to these beliefs, someone has been cured of HIV-AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome). In 1995, Timothy Ray Brown had contracted and was tested positive for HIV-AIDS. Brown was able to lead a normal life until 2006 when he was told that he had leukemia. Gero Hutter, Timothy Brown’s oncologist, told Brown…

live a long life. For centuries extending human life has been the goal of many scientists. All throughout history scientist have tried making a serum that can cure death. It was not until recently that researchers discovered that manipulating human genes is possible. The article “The Cure for Aging” discusses these genetic manipulations that can prolong people’s lives. This article mentions how these genetic manipulations could help people and possibly prevent diseases, but at what cost? If the…

Previously we were taught that our DNA is what make us unique. But what if I told you that our DNA didn’t do all the work? There is a protein in our bodies that makes our DNA coding complete and it’s called an epigenome. There are two proteins that make up one protein of a epigenome and they are histones. They are wrapped around the DNA and the Methyl group that are attached to it. Of course we are taught that our DNA makes up who we are as far as characteristics; However, epigenetics explain…