Human body systems consists of groups of organs and tissues that work together to perform important functions for the body. Have you ever wondered how we do our regular activities like yawning, running, catching a ball? Or how we yawn, cough, or sneeze? These are coordinated functions of body cells and tissues to keep our … Read More
Carbohydrates are biomolecules composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. The general formula for carhohydrates is Cn(H2O)n. Learning Objectives: Understand carbohydrates and describe the structure of mono-, di-, and poly-saccharides. They are commonly known as sugars or sacchrides (Figure 1). Carbohydrates play several roles in living organisms. In animals they acts as an energy source and … Read More
Proteins are compounds made of large number of amino acids joined together by peptide linkages to form long polypeptide chains. Learning Objective: Demonstrate monomeric units of proteins, identify various protein structure, hemoglobin, and several major functions of proteins Amino acids are the building blocks of peptides and proteins. They act as intermediates in cellular metabolism. … Read More
Nucleic acids are macromolecules composed of monomeric units called nucleotides joined together by phosphodiester bonds. These nucleotides constitute DNA and RNA. Learning Objective: Describe the basic structure of nucleic acids and compare & contrast the structure of DNA and RNA. In phosphodiester bonds, one phosphoric acid molecule forms bonds with the 3′ carbon of one … Read More
Lipids are esters of long chain fatty acids. These are a diverse group of naturally-occurring organic compounds, such as fat, waxes, sterols, glycerides and phospholipids (Figure 1). Learning Objective: Identify different kinds of lipids, their characteristics, and major functions in the body. These compounds are similar to each other as they are soluble in non-polar … Read More
Electrophoresis is defined as a technique, where the migration and separation of charged particles (ions) occur under the influence of an electric field. The process does not affect the molecular structure of compounds being separated, yet it is highly sensitive to differences in molecular charge and mass of the components of the sample (Figure 1). … Read More
Actively dividing eukaryote cells pass through a series of stages known as cell cycle. The cell cycle is to accurately duplicates chromosomal DNA and then segregate its copies into two genetically identical daughter cells. Learning Objective: Cell cycle and the role of the cell cycle plays carrying out the essential functions in the cell. This … Read More
Viruses are microscopic, non-cellular parasites. They lack the capacity to thrive and reproduce outside of a host body. Learning Objectives: To understand viruses and to explain life cycle of a virus. In 1898, Friedrich Loeffler and Paul Frosch found evidence that the cause of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock was an infectious particle, virus, smaller than … Read More
Biogeochemical cycle refers to the flow of an elements in nature between the organisms and the environment. This flow is cyclic and consistent. Elements within these cycles flow in various forms from the nonliving (abiotic) components of the biosphere to the living (biotic) components and back. Biogeochemical cycle is also known as inorganic-organic cycle. The … Read More
The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 for short) has created a global health crisis (Figure 1). Not only do the high infection rates threaten the survival of millions, but the safety measures necessary to fight it also create a crisis in mental health and erode our sense of well-being. This course covers introduction … Read More
