The Lady in the Lab

Gene expression is  the molecular process by which DNA  is converted into a functional product called proteins[1]. The two key steps in the production of proteins is Transcription (DNA to RNA) and Translation (RNA to proteins)[1][2]. The processes are different in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. PROKARYOTIC GENE EXPRESSION Transcription a) Initiation In prokaryotes, like bacteria, the chromosome is a covalently-closed circle. For transcription to occur, the DNA double helix must partially unwind. The unwound region is called the transcription bubble . A holoenzyme (a fully functioning enzyme) and promoter is necessary for the initiation of transcription[3]. Prokaryotic RNA polymerase  is the holoenzyme which assembles each time a gene is transcribed, and disassembles once transcription is complete. It is composed of 5 polypeptide subunits. These subunits are α, α, β, β', and σ[3]. α-subunits are used to assemble the polymerase on the DNA ...

The key to understanding Biology is through the study of Evolution[1]. Evolution is what makes life possible[2]. How life started and how life came to be is all through the process of evolution. Evolution can explain how complex organisms came to be, how simple forms stay simple, and how organisms are related to each other. Evolution not only explains the development of visible morphological characters. At the molecular level, functions and forms of genes are influenced by the process of evolution as well[1]. To further understand how evolution is the heart of life processes, we need to understand the concepts and ideas that explain life: the theories of evolution. History of Evolution Before the conception of evolution, people believed in the paradigm of the   ' Fixity '   of species[4], that everything was created through Divine Conception [5].   The accepted idea is that every single organism was created as it is, nothing is mutated, everything is unch...

The diversity of species both flora or fauna have very important roles in the survival of mankind. Biodiversity is a crucial natural resource for humans. Many species that are threatened could potentially provide economic values for human use [1]. Levels of Biodiversity[1] 1. Genetic diversity Genetic diversity comprises not only the individual genetic variation within a population, but also the genetic variation between populations that is often associated with adaptations to local conditions. If one population becomes extinct, then a species may have lost some of the genetic diversity which in turn reduces the adaptive potential of the species [1]. A good example of the importance of genetic diversity is production of rice. Having more varieties of rice contribute to its gene pool. This is very useful in improving the crop quality. One variety of rice may have genes for virus resistance, another with genes resistant to insects. These qualities can be combined t...