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Showing posts with the label Biotechnology

"Understanding Mutation: The Science Behind Genetic Changes"

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  🧬 Mutation: The Engine of Evolution and Disease - Mutations are the fundamental drivers of biological diversity and the raw material for evolution. At the same time, they can be the culprits behind devastating diseases. This duality makes mutations a central topic in genetics, molecular biology, medicine, and evolutionary science. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive deep into what mutations are, their types, causes, consequences, and their crucial roles in health, evolution, and biotechnology. 📖 What Is a Mutation? A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. DNA, the molecule that encodes genetic information, consists of nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Even a small alteration in this sequence can lead to profound biological changes. Mutations can: ·          Be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. ·          Oc...

DNA Fingerprinting: A Comprehensive Overview

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  *Introduction - DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling or genetic fingerprinting, is a technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA characteristics. This technology has revolutionized the field of genetics and forensic science, enabling researchers and investigators to solve crimes, determine paternity, and study genetic variation. In this article, we will provide an in-depth exploration of DNA fingerprinting, its history, principles, methodology, applications, advantages, and limitations. History of DNA Fingerprinting DNA fingerprinting was first developed in 1984 by British geneticist Alec Jeffreys. Jeffreys discovered that certain sections of DNA, known as minisatellites or variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), varied greatly between individuals. This variation made it possible to create a unique DNA profile for each individual. The first practical application of DNA fingerprinting was in a forensic case in 1986, where DNA evidence was us...

Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life

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  Biochemistry, the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms, is a cornerstone of modern science. It bridges biology and chemistry, exploring how molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids sustain life. By understanding these processes at the molecular level, biochemistry provides insights into health, disease, and the environment. This essay delves into the core principles of biochemistry, its historical development, key molecules, metabolic pathways, and its profound applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Historical Development of Biochemistry The roots of biochemistry trace back to the 19th century when scientists began exploring the chemical nature of life. In 1828, Friedrich Wöhler synthesized urea, a biological compound, from inorganic materials, challenging the vitalist theory that organic molecules could only be produced by living organisms. This breakthrough marked the dawn of organic chemistry and...