Posts

From DNA to Protein: Understanding the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

Image
Each human cell consists of double-stranded DNA. A single strand of DNA bears specific sequences of four nucleotide bases, namely, adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). These nucleotide bases remain in a complementary pairing such that A pairs with T and C pairs with G. Specific sequences of these nucleotide bases form genes. A DNA strand comprises millions of nucleotide bases in various combinations to form genes that encode for a specific protein. What is the Central Dogma?  A Central Dogma is an explanation of the flow of Genetic information in a cell, including the replication of the DNA, the transcription of the RNA, and the translation of the RNA to create the Proteins. This concept was first proposed by Francis Crick in 1958.  The Central Dogma can be summarised in three main processes: Replication : The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division Transcription : The process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new
Post a Comment
Read more

Cervical Cancer Awareness: Key to Prevention and Early Detection

Image
What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer happens when cells change in the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. There are two types of cells on the surface of the cervix, squamous and columnar (gland cells). Most cervical cancers are from squamous cells. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. It starts as a precancerous condition called dysplasia. This condition can be detected by a Pap test and is nearly 100% treatable. It can take years for dysplasia to develop into cervical cancer. Most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer today have not had regular Pap tests, or they have not followed up on abnormal Pap test results. Those with female anatomy aged 35-44 are most likely to get it.  Causes of Cervical Cancer The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, with specific strains such as HPV 16 and 18 being responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cas
Post a Comment
Read more

Unravelling the Mysteries of Chimerism: Nature's Genetic Jigsaw Puzzle

Image
What is Chimerism? If you recall your high school biology class, you might remember learning two key facts about DNA: first, that it serves as the "code" for all our genes, and second, that each person has a single, unique set of DNA. Otherwise, an individual could have two different blood types, which scientists once believed was impossible. However, high school biology didn’t cover everything. Some people actually do have two sets of DNA in their bodies – a condition known as chimerism. Chimerism, a fascinating and rare biological phenomenon, occurs when an individual possesses two or more distinct sets of DNA. This genetic mosaic can result from the fusion of two embryos, the exchange of cells between twins in the womb, or medical procedures such as organ transplants. The term "chimera" originates, a creature in Greek mythology that's part lioness, part goat, and part snake. This unique condition can manifest in various ways, from subtle differences like vari
Post a Comment
Read more

Unveiling the Silent Struggle: Three Lesser-Known Conditions Impacting Women's Health

Image
In the vast landscape of women's health, there exists a realm often masked from the spotlight, where silent struggles persist unchecked. Despite strides toward gender equality and medical advancements, certain conditions affecting women remain clouded in misconception and oversight. From Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Menopause, these conditions silently affect countless lives, often ignored and misunderstood. Lack of research and awareness perpetuates the cycle of ignorance and suffering. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the solution lies not in the hallowed halls of academia or the corridors of pharmaceutical giants but in the collective voice of awareness.  Let’s dive into three such conditions that challenge women every day: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and Menopause(a natural process) 1.   Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting individuals with ov
Post a Comment
Location: India
Read more

The Revolutionary Potential of CRISPR Gene Editing and Gene Therapy

Image
What is CRISPR? CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows scientists to make precise changes to an organism's DNA. It was originally discovered as part of the bacterial immune system, where it helps bacteria defend against viral infections. Biologists coined the term "CRISPR" to characterize a genetic phenomenon observed in microbes, notably bacteria and archaea, as far back as 1987. Its function became clearer around 2005 when researchers identified CRISPR as part of the microbial immune system. Microbes employ CRISPR to safeguard against viral intruders by recognizing and neutralizing specific invaders.  Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering one of gene technology's sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. What is Gene/Genome Editing and How is it related to CRISPR? Gene editing refers to the pro
Post a Comment
Read more