Found 122 Articles for Biology Articles

Introduction In recent years, development in fermentation technology and microbial biotechnology has allowed efficient use of microorganisms for the production of important commodities like cheese, bread, beer, tea, coffee, chocolate, antibiotics, and various other primary and secondary metabolites. These products are a result of the ability of the microorganisms to ferment specific metabolites into the desired product. To obtain the desired product, and promote the growth of microorganisms, a controlled environment must be used, providing conducive conditions under which optimal growth can be obtained. This includes a controlled pH, optimum temperature, air inflow, culture medium flow rates, agitation speed, etc. ... Read More

What is Biopiracy? Commercialization of biological products and genetic resources is widespread in the modern world, especially after the boom of recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, etc. The need to keep creating new products sometimes leads to companies employing unfair methods. Unfair acquisition of patents and exploitation of natural resources, especially in less-developed countries, has considerably increased in recent years, although such unethical activities have been around for a long time. Biopiracy is the inappropriate and unethical use of traditional knowledge and biological materials such as biochemical or genetic materials of one country by unauthorised individuals without the compensatory ... Read More

Introduction Living cells comprise crucial chemical substances including water and a wide variety of carbon-based organic compounds called biomolecules. Biomolecules are organic compounds that are produced by living organisms. These biomolecules primarily consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. Classification of Biomolecules Biomolecules may be classified based on their weight into micromolecules and macromolecules. Micromolecules are low-weight molecules, such as monosaccharides, amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, etc. These micromolecules act as monomers that polymerise to form macromolecules. The macromolecules include carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. Types of Biomolecules Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes (aldoses) or ketones (ketoses), or ... Read More

Introduction to biomes Biome is one of the largest biotic geographic units and major life zone. It is the largest community of plants and animals having the same characteristics and living in the same environmental conditions. Biome is rich in various types of communities, the community is named after the vegetation which is dominant in that area eg grassland, coniferous, deciduous forest, etc. Biomes are typically divided into terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Terrestrial or land biomes are classified based on their climatic conditions and dominant vegetation. It includes grassland, desert, tundra, taiga, tropical rainforest, and deciduous and coniferous forests. ... Read More

Introduction Biomass refers to any and all organic material that can be derived from plants including trees, crops, and algae. It has been an important source of energy from time immemorial and offers various benefits over its nonrenewable counterparts. In India, about 32% of the total energy needs are met by one or the other form of biomass. Define biomass Biomass is the short-term given to biological mass. It refers to the amount (SI unit kg/m2) of living and non-living organisms residing in a specific environment or ecosystem. It includes both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. It includes microorganisms, animals, and ... Read More

Introduction Crops breeding plays an important role in agriculture. Crop breeding is practised for the improvement of plants that benefit us. To make the crops nutritious and more productive breeds have worked enormously. The farmers always selected the plants which can produce larger seeds, better fruit quality, and other good traits. This has been done through plant breeding which has been practised by farmers for a long time. Nowadays both scientists and farmers work together to breed plants. Biofortification is the process of amplifying the nutritional quality of breeding food crops. It is an upcoming cost-effective and sustainable technique ... Read More

Introduction Angiosperms represent a large group of seed-bearing vascular land plants. It is the last clade of plants, with around 260, 000 species of plants on Earth. It is the most advanced group of plants with several special characteristics. With flowers as one of the unique characteristics of this group, Angiosperms are also called “flowering plants''. Also diverse from Gymnosperms with exposed seeds, this group of plants have enclosed seeds. Images Coming soon Characteristics of angiosperms Presence of a true flower and fruits. Carpels fully enclose ovules which get converted to future seeds. The carpels are distinguished into ... Read More

Introduction All animals, whether unicellular or multicellular, perform various metabolic activities known as life processes. In different processes, toxic substances are produced in the body. These waste substances have to be eliminated from the body to avoid accumulation. The excretory system is responsible for removing waste from the body, thereby maintaining homeostasis. Different animals excrete distinct waste products and are categorized as Ureotelic − Urea(less toxic) examples-Mammals and amphibians Uricotelic − Uric acid (least toxic) examples- Birds, reptiles, and insects. Ammonotelic − Ammonia (highly toxic) examples- Freshwater, aquatic animals. What is Ammonotelism? Certain organisms like amoeba, protozoa, ... Read More

Introduction The thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, which is a condition known as hypothyroidism. It's characterized by a butterfly-shaped growth in the neck that's easiest to feel when you swallow. In fact, the thyroid is so easy to feel that most people don't know they have a problem until they undergo a routine thyroid checkup. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to heart problems, infertility, muscle weakness, weight gain, and depression. But if you catch it early enough, it's easily treatable with regular hormone injections or an oral medication that replaces your body's natural thyroid hormones. Images Coming soon ... Read More

Introduction The hypothalamus is an important part of the brain. It is a gland-like organ that performs many functions. It works with the pituitary gland to help control blood pressure, temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep cycles, and emotions. The hypothalamus controls body temperature by vasoconstriction or vasodilation to the skin. Vasoconstriction means that blood vessels restrict flow to the skin. This prevents heat from escaping outwards toward the atmosphere. Vasodilation means that blood vessels enlarge and allow more blood to reach the skin. The blood brings heat from deeper within the body towards the surface of the skin so that ... Read More