Found 292 Articles for Biotechnology

Mycotoxins - An Overview

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 14:03:47

130 Views

Introduction Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi that can grow on a variety of food and feed crops, as well as in the environment. These substances are a significant concern for human and animal health, as well as for food safety and security. In this article, we will provide an overview of mycotoxins, including their sources, occurrence, effects on human and animal health, and methods for their detection and control. Sources of Mycotoxins Mycotoxins are produced by various species of fungi, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Alternaria, among others. These fungi can grow ... Read More

Mechanical Biological Treatment System for Waste Management

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 12:28:44

212 Views

Introduction With the world's population growing at an unprecedented rate, the amount of waste generated is also increasing exponentially. Improper waste management has severe environmental and health consequences, which include soil, water, and air pollution. To counter this problem, various waste management systems have been developed, one of which is Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT). MBT is a method of treating waste by combining mechanical and biological processes to convert it into a less harmful form that can be safely disposed of. This article will discuss the mechanical biological treatment system in detail, including its working principle, benefits, and drawbacks. ... Read More

LTR Retrotransposon and its Structure in Eukaryotes

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 12:21:44

53 Views

Introduction Retrotransposons are genetic elements that are capable of replicating and inserting themselves into different parts of the genome. They are found in almost all organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Retrotransposons can be divided into two major classes: non-LTR retrotransposons and LTR retrotransposons. In this article, we will focus on LTR retrotransposons, their structure, and their role in eukaryotic genomes. LTR retrotransposons, also known as Ty elements, are a type of retrotransposon that contain long terminal repeats (LTRs) at their ends. These LTRs are similar in structure to retroviral LTRs, which are also found in viruses that integrate ... Read More

Human Artificial Chromosome (HAC)

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 11:58:08

242 Views

Introduction Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) are engineered chromosomes created in the laboratory by scientists. They have a wide range of potential applications in the fields of gene therapy, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. In this article, we will discuss the basics of HACs, their construction, and their potential applications. What are Human Artificial Chromosomes (HACs) Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) are human chromosomes that have been artificially created by scientists in the laboratory. These chromosomes are designed to mimic the structure and behaviour of natural chromosomes, and they contain all the essential elements required for chromosome function. HACs can be used ... Read More

Gene Duplication and its Role in Evolution

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 11:31:36

83 Views

Introduction Gene duplication is a process in which a gene is copied, creating a second copy of the original gene. This process is essential for evolution as it provides an opportunity for the duplicated gene to evolve new functions while the original gene remains intact. In this article, we will explore the concept of gene duplication and its role in evolution. Gene duplication occurs through several mechanisms, including chromosomal duplication, retro transposition, and DNA replication errors. Once a gene is duplicated, the two copies can diverge in function through mutations, such as point mutations, deletions, and insertions. These mutations ... Read More

Erythropoietin (EPO): Function, Mechanism, and Clinical Significance

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 11:18:37

88 Views

What is Erythropoietin? Erythropoietin EPO is a glycoprotein hormone, naturally produced by the peritubular cells of the kidney to stimulate red blood cells. Erythropoietin that our kidneys primarily produce helps the body to maintain a healthy number of erythrocytes. Irregular levels of erythropoietin can cause health problems. The accurate level of erythropoietin can be measured with a blood test. Synthetic or man-made forms of erythropoietin are also available, that doctors may use to treat anemia that results from chronic kidney disease. Some athletes use this drug inappropriately to boost their performance because EPO increases the availability of oxygen to ... Read More

DNA Supercoiling and Super Helical Stress

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 10:57:43

120 Views

Introduction DNA supercoiling is the twisting or coiling of the double helix structure of DNA, resulting in a strain on the molecule. This strain is known as superhelical stress. Supercoiling is an essential process that occurs in all living organisms and is critical for a variety of cellular processes, including DNA replication, transcription, and repair. We will discuss the mechanism of DNA supercoiling and the role of superhelical stress in DNA structure and function. Mechanism of DNA Supercoiling The double helix structure of DNA consists of two complementary strands of nucleotides, which are held together by hydrogen bonds ... Read More

DNA Microarray: Principle, Types, and Steps Involved

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 12-May-2023 10:39:38

470 Views

Introduction DNA microarrays are powerful tools for analysing gene expression patterns, detecting DNA mutations, and identifying genetic variations. They are used extensively in research, clinical diagnosis, and drug discovery. The microarray technology is based on the hybridization of labelled DNA or RNA molecules to complementary sequences that are immobilized on a solid substrate. In this article, we will discuss the principle, types, and steps involved in the DNA microarray technology. Principle of DNA MicroarrayThe principle of DNA microarray technology is based on the hybridization of complementary sequences of nucleic acid molecules. The technology involves the preparation of a microarray ... Read More

Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC)

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 11-May-2023 15:40:19

220 Views

Introduction Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) is a powerful tool in Genetic Research Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) is a widely used tool in genetic research for the manipulation and study of DNA. BACs are circular DNA molecules that are derived from the F-factor plasmid found in the bacterium E. coli. They can carry large inserts of DNA up to 300 kilobases in size, making them ideal for studying the function and organization of genes and genomes. Origin BACs were first developed in the mid-1990s by Dr. Shizuya and colleagues at the California Institute of Technology. Their work was based on ... Read More

Application of Enzymes in Biotechnology

Subhashini Pothukuchi
Updated on 11-May-2023 15:23:47

513 Views

Introduction Enzymes are naturally occurring biocatalysts that have been used extensively in various industries for several decades. They play a vital role in the field of biotechnology due to their ability to catalyze biochemical reactions at a faster rate than traditional chemical catalysts. Enzymes are used in several industrial processes such as food production, textile processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. In this article, we will discuss the various applications of enzymes in biotechnology. Food Production Enzymes play a crucial role in food production as they are used to improve the texture, flavor, and appearance of various food products. Enzymes ... Read More

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