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with the incorporation of pictures, I was able to grasp the science of how this structure functions and the significance of melanin, “the most important substance imparting color to skin” (9). Melanin is formed in cells called melanocytes, located between the dermis and epidermis; these cells produce different amounts of melanin and this is the main reason why people have different skin colors (11,14). The author breaks down the scientific terms in a clear and coherent

Whole genome duplication (WGD) is a process that results in multiple copies of the entire genome within cells of an organism causing polyploidy. Polyploidization provides a genome with thousands of duplicate genes and regulatory elements, all of which are subject to unique evolutionary forces. Immediately after duplication, all regions of the genome are nearly identical. However, depending on the selection acting on the gene, the duplicated copy could result in a number of different fates. If there

Dendrimers Dendrimers are 3D polymers with spherical, highly branched structures. Polyesters, polyamines, and polyamides are commonly used; however, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are the most frequently used due to their high transfection efficiency. The transfection efficiency is highly influenced by the size of dendrimers and the type of amine groups that they are composed of. The primary amine groups participate in DNA binding, so they promote DNA cellular uptake. However, the tertiary amino

Rett syndrome (RTT). RTT, identified for the first time in 1966 by Andreas Rett, is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs predominantly in girls. The clinical features include growth failure, psychomotor regression, characteristic repetitive stereotyped hands movements, and severe problems with language, learning and coordination development. Other signs involve breathing abnormalities, seizures and scoliosis (Leonard H, Cobb S, Downs J. Clinical and biological progress over 50 years

indicates that many species can change in rapid succession from one color or pattern to another which is called a physiological color change, where the a continuous flow from the pigment organelles within the tinted cells of the chromatophores. These continuous flows within the cells allow the ectothermic vertebrates to change to a specific pattern or color. Many of these responses can be from an environmental stimulus but there are many that are from hormones. One such example which occurs in

For as long as we can remember, we have been fighting off viruses as they try to hijack our bodies for their own gain. They attack our cells and force them to create more new viruses, bringing discomfort, illness, and sometimes death to those afflicted with them. Viruses, however, are proving to be more necessary than we initially thought. Scientists have found that some DNA from viruses are vital for our survival as our bodies have learned to harness their abilities. Some viruses duplicate by forcing

Aneuploidy is when there is a deletion or duplication of a single chromosome (Pierce, 2013, p. 159). Alteration in the number of chromosomes can affect the health of an individual. One good example of aneuploidy is the Trisomy 13, also known as Patau syndrome. This condition is caused by an extra 13thchromosome, instead of the normal two copies. It occurs in about 1 out of every 10,000 newborns and affects female slightly more than the male. Babies who are born with this disorder have many abnormalities

Louis Pasteur was a scientist. He led many scientific discoveries particularly in the study of germs and living organisms. It is through the work of Pasteur that we know to wash our hands to prevent that spread of germs, that medical instruments need to be sterilized, and his research on germ theory led to the development of antibiotics. His initial motivation was a love of science, but his research and life events led him to ask important science questions that begged to be answered. After his initial

process of aging. Aging changes the biochemical and the physiological process. The theory that best aligns with my view of aging is the biological theory because you can see these changes every day; maybe you see them in yourself, possibly others. Cell and molecular biologist examine and propose theories to explain the aging process. There are many biological theories that, in my opinion, do a great job at explaining outcomes and results of aging; they do so in a way that is understandable, and these

or off. These modifications to DNA do not change the DNA sequence, but instead, they affect how cells read genes.” (Rettner 2013) Epigenetics is thought to possibly have a role in the development of some cancers. Since epigenetics modifies DNA, they can hide a growth, so to speak, or it can play a role in repairing the DNA’s damage. (Rettner 2013) If the changes are in the person’s sperm or egg cells, there is a possibility of that person’s children, or they’re children’s children, getting the modified