Introduction to Microbiology’s Historical Journey Welcome to this comprehensive overview of microbiology’s history. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms – tiny living entities invisible to the naked eye. This field has transformed our understanding of disease, revolutionized medicine, and shaped modern science. Today, we’ll explore how this discipline evolved from ancient observations to a sophisticated … Read more
Genotype versus Phenotype. What do these terms mean and how are they related? Genotype refers to the genetic makeup or DNA sequence of an organism. It’s the genetic instructions that determine traits. Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable characteristics or traits that result from the expression of those genes. Let’s understand this … Read more
Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules directly across a semi-permeable membrane without the help of transport proteins. The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer that acts as a selective barrier. Small, nonpolar molecules like oxygen and carbon dioxide can pass through the membrane directly through a process called simple diffusion. These small … Read more
The first key characteristic of asexual reproduction is that it requires only one parent organism. Unlike sexual reproduction, a single organism can produce offspring without the need for a mate. The parent organism undergoes various processes to produce new individuals. The second characteristic is that offspring are genetically identical to the parent. Since only one … Read more
Sexual reproduction has five key distinguishing features that set it apart from asexual reproduction. First, sexual reproduction involves two parents, each contributing genetic material to their offspring. Second, specialized reproductive cells called gametes are formed through the process of meiosis. Third, genetic recombination occurs, where genetic material is shuffled to create unique combinations. Fourth, fertilization … Read more
What is adaptation? Adaptation is the process by which organisms adjust to survive and reproduce in their specific environment. Adaptations develop over many generations through natural selection. Individuals with beneficial traits survive and reproduce more, causing these traits to become more common in the population. Let’s see how this works in a population. Initially, few … Read more
What are Non-Communicable Diseases, or NCDs? Non-communicable diseases are medical conditions that cannot be transmitted from person to person. Unlike infectious diseases such as the flu or COVID-19, NCDs cannot spread through direct contact. NCDs are typically chronic in nature, meaning they last for long periods of time and progress gradually. These diseases result from … Read more
DNA extraction and preparation is the crucial first step in the Southern Blotting technique. This process begins with extracting high-quality DNA from biological samples such as blood, tissue, or cultured cells. The extraction process involves several critical steps to isolate DNA while preventing degradation. First, cells are lysed to release their contents. Then proteins, lipids, … Read more
Welcome to our exploration of the skin microbiome. The skin microbiome is defined as a stable community of microorganisms living on human body surfaces without causing harm under normal conditions. These microbes include bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that have evolved to live in harmony with humans. To understand the skin microbiome, let’s look at … Read more
What are communicable diseases? Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by infectious agents that can spread from person to person. These infectious agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. These diseases can spread through various transmission methods, including direct contact, respiratory routes, and waterborne transmission. Disease transmission involves four key components. First, there must be a … Read more
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