Pharmacodynamics: How Drugs Affect the Body
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs affect the body. It explores drug interactions with biological systems and how these result in therapeutic or adverse effects. Understanding pharmacodynamics is crucial for comprehending both desired and undesired drug effects.
1. Mechanism of Drug Action
Drugs interact with specific molecules (often proteins like receptors, enzymes, or ion channels) to alter cellular functions, producing therapeutic or pharmacological effects.
Receptors
Receptors,
Read MoreGMOs: Structure, Transgenic Organisms, Labeling, and Applications
DNA Structure and Transgenic Organisms
DNA Structure
The structure of DNA is a double helix of two antiparallel strands. It is composed of nucleotides (deoxyribose, phosphate, and nitrogenous bases).
Transgenic Organisms
A transgenic organism is a living being into whose genome the genetic material of another living organism has been introduced. These organisms are artificially created by manipulating their genes. Eukaryotic organisms, such as plants or animals, that have been modified by genetic engineering
Read MoreMicrobiology Lab Equipment and Pinus Needle Leaf Anatomy
Essential Equipment in Microbiology Labs
Microbiology laboratories rely on specialized equipment to ensure sterile conditions and accurate results. Here’s a look at some key instruments:
- Laminar Air Flow (LAF): Laminar airflow cabinets are crucial for creating a sterile workspace in microbiology labs. They are essential when handling sensitive samples or conducting experiments requiring aseptic techniques. LAF cabinets minimize airborne contaminants, reducing the risk of introducing unwanted microbes
GM Foods: Enhancing Nutrition, Vaccine Delivery, and Allergen Reduction
GM Foods: Improving Nutritional and Functional Aspects
Potential Applications of GM Foods
- Design of organisms with nutrient composition suitable as vehicles for vaccines
- Using improved organoleptic qualities
- Elimination of allergens
Improving Nutritional Content: Golden Rice
Genetically modified food with enhanced nutritional quality, aiming to overcome vitamin A deficiency.
Deficiency: Xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, total blindness.
Epidemiology: 250,000 children develop blindness; 124 million children
Read MoreCereal Grains: Composition, Properties, and Processing
Cereal Grains: Composition and Properties
Grasses: Cereals are cultivated grasses; members of the monocotyledonous family Poaceae. Do not confuse them with pulses, from legumes. Fruit (grain) is developed after pollination. Pseudo-cereals: quinoa, amaranth.
Cereal Grain Structure
Embryo: 2 to 10%; embryonic axis (EA) and scutellum (S). EA: primordial roots and shoots with leaf initials. S: a secretory and absorptive organ; means to connect with endosperm; hormones and enzymes during germination. Plumule
Read MoreUnderstanding Chemical Hazards and R-Phrases
Explosion Risks
- R1: Explosive when dry.
- R2: Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire, or other sources of ignition.
- R3: Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire, or other sources of ignition.
- R4: Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds.
- R5: Heating may cause an explosion.
- R6: Explosive with or without contact with air.
- R9: Explosive when mixed with combustible material.
- R44: Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.
Flammability Risks
- R7: May cause fire.
- R8: Contact with combustible