Hemicellulose is a group of polysaccharides found in plant cell walls, associated with cellulose and lignin. Unlike cellulose which is a linear polymer of glucose, hemicellulose is a branched, amorphous polymer of various sugar monomers like xylose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose and arabinose. It acts as a matrix component that binds with cellulose fibrils and lignin, … Read more
What is chitin? Structure of chitin What are Chitinases? Chitinases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in chitin They belong to the glycosyl hydrolase family with EC number 3.2.1.14 Two main types exist based on cleavage mode They are produced by bacteria, fungi, plants and some animals for nutrition, defense or … Read more
A biosafety level (BSL) refers to a specific set of biocontainment measures designed to isolate hazardous biological agents within a controlled laboratory environment. This document outlines the necessary protective measures required in a laboratory environment to safeguard employees, the ecosystem, and the community from infectious agents. Historical Overview The classification of four levels of biosafety … Read more
What is Prokaryotic Cell? What is Eukaryotic Cell? Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells Feature Prokaryotic Eukaryotic Nucleus Absent; genetic material located in a nucleoid region. Present; genetic material enclosed within a nuclear envelope. Membrane-bound organelles Generally absent (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus). Present (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts in photosynthetic cells, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi … Read more
What is Bacteria? Bacteria represent a category of microscopic, unicellular organisms that are classified as prokaryotes, characterised by the absence of a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles. These organisms are found in a wide range of habitats across the planet, including extreme environments such as deep-sea vents and arctic ice, as well as more common settings … Read more
What is Bright Field Microscope? What is Dark Field Microscope? Difference Between Bright Field Microscope and Dark Field Microscope Feature Bright‑Field Microscope Dark‑Field Microscope Image Background Bright Dark Specimen Appearance Dark/stained specimens appear visible Unstained specimens appear bright against dark Illumination Transmitted white light through specimen Oblique/scattered light; direct light blocked Contrast Mechanism Light absorption … Read more
What is Holobasidium? What is Basidium? What is Phragmobasidium? Difference Between Holobasidium and Phragmobasidium Holobasidium and Phragmobasidium are two distinct types of basidia, which are reproductive structures found in fungi belonging to the division Basidiomycota. These structures play a crucial role in the life cycle of these fungi, particularly in spore production and dispersal. Understanding … Read more
Difference Between Virus and Viroids In this article we will discuss about Differences Between Viroids and Prions. Virus Viroid Difference Between Virus and Viroids – Virus Vs. Viroids Feature Virus Viroid Genetic Material DNA or RNA, single- or double-stranded, linear or segmented Small circular single-stranded RNA molecule Capsid/Coat Protein coat (capsid); some have additional lipid … Read more
What is Southern Blot? What is Western Blot? Southern Blot vs Western Blot Here is a detailed comparison between Southern blotting and Western blotting: Feature Southern Blotting Western Blotting Target Molecule DNA Protein Purpose Detection of specific DNA sequences within a complex DNA sample Detection and analysis of specific proteins in a sample Developed By … Read more
What is Northern blotting? Northern blotting is a technique in molecular biology that allows for the detection of specific RNA sequences in a complex mixture, offering valuable insights into gene expression patterns. In 1977, James Alwine, David Kemp, and George Stark at Stanford University introduced a method that was cleverly named “Northern blot,” referencing … Read more
