Essential Human Body Systems and Their Core Functions
Cardiovascular and Circulatory Systems
The circulatory system, often referred to as the cardiovascular system, is vital for maintaining life. It helps to fight off disease, regulate normal body temperature, and maintain the chemical balance necessary for the body’s homeostasis (a state of balance among all its systems).
Components of the Circulatory System
The circulatory system consists of four major components:
The Heart
About the size of two adult hands held together, the heart rests near the center
Neuroscience Fundamentals: Brain, Nerves, and Sensory Systems Q&A
Fundamentals of the Nervous System
Neuronal Structure and Function
- The Central Nervous System (CNS) is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord.
- Which part of a neuron carries the impulse towards the nucleus? Dendrite
- Which part of a neuron is directly involved with protein synthesis? Nissl body
- Which part of a neuron directly contacts another neuron at the synapse? Synaptic knob
- The phagocytic cells in the CNS are the microglia.
- Which cells provide a means of acquiring nutrients in the brain? Astrocyte
- The
Biotechnology, Fermentation, and Drug Discovery Milestones
Technology and Biotechnology Fundamentals
- Technology applies scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Defining Biotechnology
- An interdisciplinary field utilizing living systems and organisms to develop or make products.
Key Biotechnology Innovations
CRISPR Gene Editing
- A technology used to precisely manipulate DNA.
- The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier for their work on CRISPR.
Botox (Botulinum Toxin)
- Derived from Clostridium botulinum, producing
Horizontal Gene Transfer and Major Biogeochemical Cycles
Mechanisms of Asexual Reproduction and Gene Transfer
Reproduction is asexual. Haploid organisms possess mechanisms that facilitate parasexual genetic transference (Horizontal Gene Transfer).
Transformation
Transformation occurs when a recipient cell captures free DNA from the surrounding medium, often through a complex protein present in the cell wall. This DNA originates from another cell. The transformed cell incorporates these new genes. Cells capable of undergoing transformation are considered
Read MoreBioenergetics: Free Energy, ATP Hydrolysis, and Metabolic Pathways
Cellular Bioenergetics and Thermodynamics
Physical systems of the universe are governed by the laws of thermodynamics, tending always towards greater disorder (entropy).
The cell utilizes energy from its environment to perform vital functions, releasing equivalent amounts as heat or other forms of energy that contribute to the increased disorder of the universe.
Free Energy and the Laws of Thermodynamics
Free Energy: It is a form of energy capable of doing useful work under constant conditions of
Read MoreEssential Concepts in Biology, Ecology, and Disaster Management
Disaster Management Principles and Practices
Post-Disaster Management Activities
- Providing all types of necessary help to victims of disasters.
- Participation of preferably local people saved from the disaster in arranging help for victims.
- Quick establishment of help centers. Different types of disasters require different types of control centers.
- Categorization of help material received from the control center, delivering the material to victims, and continuous review of the assistance provided.
- Being