Tumorigenesis

Last week, we discussed how cyclins control the process of cell cycle. I have also briefly mentioned that when there are mutations in cyclins, the cell cycle won't be controlled and tumor may emerge. Namely, tumorigenesis refers to the formation of a tumor, either benign or malignant. Benign tumors does not spread to other parts...

The Cell Cycle

Today we will learn about the cell cycle. You may easily confuse this with mitosis, which is heavily discussed in biology curriculum, but keep in mind that mitosis is just one part of the cell cycle, along with two other main stages: interphase and cytokinesis. Interphase The interphase is the longest and most active phase...

Gene Mutation

We have discussed gene mutation before when talking about evolution. Mutation is indeed one of the processes that lead to evolution along with variation, gene flow, non-random mating, etc. Today, we will take a look at types of gene mutation and sickle cell anemia - a disease caused by mutation. Gene Mutation A gene mutation...

Genetics

Genes are something that everyone has regardless of gender and age. Some key topics involved in the field of genetics include traits, DNA, genetic variation, inheritance, and mutation. Let's take a look at what roles they play in genetics. Instructions for all living things are found in DNA. DNA is put together by complementary base pairs, and...

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that help the body's immune system to fight bacterial infections. They kill or prevent bacteria from reproducing. They neutralize bacteria by interrupting processes like cell wall synthesis or protein synthesis. There are two types of antibiotics: broad-spectrum antibiotics and narrow-spectrum antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics affect a wide range of bacteria, whereas narrow-spectrum...

Galapagos Finches

Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands are one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world and home to a variety of species that live nowhere else. Finches are abundant in the region, and currently, there are about 13 species of finches. DNA evidence tells us that all of the finches are more related to each...

Evolution Vocabulary

Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over generations. There are several vocabularies related to evolution, and I organized some essential words and their definitions.   Word Definition Species A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring Population Group of individuals of the same species that live...

The Five Processes of Evolution

Centuries ago, Charles Darwin proposed the idea that all species share a common ancestor, and the DNA of living organisms changed over time. At that time, this theory was not approved by scientists as religion was an essential part of society. However, nowadays, the theory of evolution is one that appears commonly in websites, textbooks,...