Bacterial Genetics: Competency, Plasmids, PCR, and Electrophoresis
Bacterial Genetics
Explain Competency
- The physical state of a bacterial cell which allows nucleotide bases in primers to anneal to the complementary base present in a DNA template.
Describe the Transformation Experiment
- The uptake of free-floating DNA from the environment by bacterial cells.
Characteristics of a Plasmid: pGLO Example
- Plasmids carry full-length genes and, therefore, can introduce new genotypes into bacterial cells, which can cause new phenotypes.
Function of Buffers in Plasmid DNA Isolation
- An
Plasma Membrane: Structure, Functions & Signaling
Plasma Membrane
Every cell (eukaryotic or prokaryotic) has a plasma membrane that allows:
- To maintain the composition of the cell
- To regulate the passage of material into and out of the cell
In eukaryotes, there are other membranes in several organelles. All of them have a common structure: a lipid bilayer with proteins and carbohydrates. Thickness: 7 to 10 nm.
Membrane Composition
Chemically, the cell membrane is composed of three components, namely:
- Lipids (3 types:
- Phospholipids
- Glycolipids
- Cholesterol
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
1.
Read MoreCereal Grains: Structure, Composition, and Dough Making
Grasses: Cereals are cultivated grasses, members of the monocotyledonous family Poaceae. Do not confuse them with pulses, which are legumes. The fruit (grain) develops after pollination. Pseudo-cereals include quinoa and amaranth.
Grain Structure
Embryo: 2 to 10% of the grain. It consists of the embryonic axis (EA) and scutellum (S). The EA contains primordial roots and shoots with leaf initials. The S is a secretory and absorptive organ that connects with the endosperm and releases hormones and enzymes
Read MoreCell Membrane Transport and Biological Molecules
Cell Membrane and Transport
The cell membrane, composed of a phospholipid bilayer, is selectively permeable, allowing certain molecules to pass while restricting others. Small non-polar molecules (O₂, CO₂) and small uncharged polar molecules (H₂O, glycerol) can pass freely, while ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻) and large polar molecules (glucose, amino acids) require transport proteins. Membrane proteins serve various functions: structural support (desmosomes), enzymatic activity, signal transduction
Read MoreBiochemical Analysis: Lipids, Nucleic Acids
Isolation and Purification of Lecithin from Egg Yolk
Egg yolks are a rich and convenient source of lecithin. They contain water, fats, proteins, phospholipids, cholesterol, pigments, and vitamins. Using acetone extraction, most triacylglycerols, pigments, and vitamins can be removed, leaving mainly protein and phospholipid residue. Further extraction with chloroform-methanol solvents can remove the protein and provide a crude egg lecithin solution. Finally, lecithin can be separated from other contaminants
Read MoreAssisted Reproduction, Cloning, and Bioethics: An Overview
Assisted Reproductive Procedures
Assisted reproductive procedures include two main techniques:
- Artificial Insemination (AI): This involves introducing semen into the uterus through a cannula. The semen can be obtained from the male partner or from an anonymous donor through a sperm bank.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): This involves achieving fertilization in a laboratory setting and then implanting the embryo into the mother’s uterus. Implementation consists of implanting the embryo in the wall of the