Chemical mutagens refer to the chemical agents that impose severe genetic abnormalities by directly or indirectly interacting with the DNA. DNA damage and alternations in nucleotide sequence prevalently result, after the treatment of nucleobases with base analogues and base altering agents. In addition, some chemical mutagens like intercalating agents may distort the DNA structure. Base …
A laminar airflow chamber refers to an enclosed cabinet, which is equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtered airflow system. It provides an aseptic environment to perform different experiments. Laminar airflow cabinet circulates unidirectional airflow with little or no turbulence at a uniform velocity between 0.3-0.5 m/s. It is extensively used in laboratories to …
Rho protein or Rho factor is a hexamer complex, which is ATP-dependent. Rho gene synthesizes rho protein to terminate the transcription process in prokaryotes. It is a protein possessing a single polypeptide chain with 419 amino acid residues. It functions as an RNA-binding protein, which primarily recognizes and binds to the rut site of the …
The difference between rod and cone cells is primarily due to the difference in the factors like response to light stimulus, location within the retinal system of an eye, photopigments and the type of vision they form. Response to light stimulus: Rods are more receptive towards light and function at scotopic (low) illumination levels. Conversely, …
Soil microflora contributes to the biological property of the soil, whose number and activity has a considerable impact on the soil system. The physical and chemical factors like pH, temperature, available moisture, and nutrients influence the growth and activity of the soil microflora. The root system in the soil also influences a wide range of …
General properties of enzyme include all the characteristics (physical and chemical), through which we could define the physical and chemical nature of an enzyme. Enzymes act like a functional biocatalyst that only cause catalysis of distinct substrates into particular products and allow the reaction to occur at an increased rate without being consumed. Thus, the …
Soil structure and texture are the physical properties that influence soil retention, drainage system, and aeration capabilities. It also defines the movement of air, water and ions within the soil, which affects other factors like seed germination, root growth, and erosion processes. Soil structure gives an idea about the arrangement of the soil particles that …
The normal flora of the human body refers to the microbial community that colonizes on the skin and mucus membrane. Normal flora is sometimes called indigenous microbiota, as they reside within or on the human’s skin surface. Diverse microflora such as bacteria, fungi and some protists are associated on or within the skin surface. Among …
A fungal cell commonly exists in two forms like moulds and yeasts. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms possessing fruiting bodies or spores. Unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll. Moulds are the type of fungus that appears filamentous and multicellular in appearance. Conversely, yeasts are the fungus-like cells that include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sporobolomyces roseus, etc. and seem unicellular …
Guard cells appear bean-shaped. They are found in pairs, and a cleft between them constitute the stomatal pore or stoma. Therefore, two guard cells enclosing stomatal aperture colloquially form a structure called stomata. Guard cells reside in the layer of the leaf epidermis. Stomatal guard cells perform two functional roles like influx or efflux carbon …