...INTRO In 1963 Sydney Brenner age 36, introduced Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism for developmental biology and the study of the nervous system. A model organism is an animal model with certain characteristics that make it easy to use. Dr. Brenner found that C. elegans meets a certain set of criteria that make it a model organism. Such as having a rapid life cycle, a simple reproductive cycle, and small in size and easily observed phenotypic characteristics. Within three years this model organism was used to discover more than 300 mutations caused by mutagens [1]. 39 years later Dr. Brenner won the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for his work with C. elegans. Since its introduction by Dr. Brenner this organism has...
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...nature and 10 Na3HP2O7. FV solution also contained 0.2 NaF and 0.1 Na3VO4. Rarely, irreversible current rundown still occurred with FVPP. The total Na+ concentration of all cytoplasmic solutions was adjusted to 30 mM with NaOH, and pH was adjusted to 7.0 with N-methylglucamine (NMG) or HCl. PIP2 liposomes (20–200 nm) were prepared by sonicating 1 mM PIP2 (Boehringer Mannheim) in distilled water. Reconstituted monoclonal PIP2 antibody (Perspective Biosystems, Framingham, MA) was diluted 40-fold into experimental solution. Current–voltage relations of all currents reversed at EK and showed characteristic rectification, mostly owing to the presence of Na+ in FVPP and possibly also residual polyamines. Current records presented (measured at 30 C, −30 mV holding potential) are digitized strip-chart recordings. Purified bovine brain Gbg29 was diluted just before application such that the final detergent (CHAPS) concentration was 5 M. Detergent-containing solution was washed away thoroughly before application of PIP2, because application of phospholipid vesicles in the presence of detergent usually reversed the effects of Gbg; presumably, Gbg can be extracted from membranes by detergent plus phospholipids. Molecular biology. R188Q mutation was constructed by insertion of the mutant oligonucleotides between the Bsm1 and BglII sites of pSPORT– ROMK1 (ref. 11). A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fragment (amino acids 180–391) from pSPORT–ROMK1 R188Q mutant was subcloned into pGEX2T vector (Pharmacia)...
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...by Cell Press Genetic Control of Programmed Cell Death in the Nematode C. elegans Hilary M. Ellis,’ and H. Robert Horvitz Department of Biology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 The phenomenon of programmed cell death raises a number of questions. Why are cells generated only to die? By what mechanisms do they die? How is it determined during development which cells die? C. elegans is well suited for studies that attempt to answer these questions. This nematode has fewer than 1000 somatic cells, and fixed patterns of cell divisions, migrations, and deaths generate individuals of invariant anatomy (Sulston and Horvitz, 1977; Kimble and Hirsh, 1979; Sulston et al., 1983). Thus, specific developmental events can be examined reproducibly and at the resolution of single cells. In addition, the short generation time (3 days at 20%) and large brood size of C. elegans facilitate genetic manipulations (Brenner, 1974; Herman and Horvitz, 1980). We describe here the isolation and characterization of mutations that prevent the initiation of programmed cell death in C. elegans, causing cells that would normally die to survive instead. These mutations define two genes, ted-3 and ted-4, that may be involved in determining which cells express the fate of programmed cell death. Summary The wild-type functions of the genes ted-3 and ted-4 are required for the initiation of programmed cell deaths in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The reduction or...
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...Biology » Outlines Chapter 21 - The Genetic Basis of Development Chapter 21 The Genetic Basis of Development Lecture Outline Overview: From Single Cell to Multicellular Organism * The application of genetic analysis and DNA technology to the study of development has brought about a revolution in our understanding of how a complex multicellular organism develops from a single cell. * In 1995, Swiss researchers identified a gene that functions as a master switch to trigger the development of the eye in Drosophila. * A similar gene triggers eye development in mammals. * Developmental biologists are discovering remarkable similarities in the mechanisms that shape diverse organisms. * While geneticists were advancing from Mendel’s laws to an understanding of the molecular basis of inheritance, developmental biologists were focusing on embryology. * Embryology is the study of the stages of development leading from fertilized egg to fully formed organism. * In recent years, the concepts and tools of molecular genetics have reached a point where a real synthesis of genetics and developmental biology has been possible. * When the primary research goal is to understand broad biological principles, the organism chosen for study is called a model organism. * Researchers select model organisms that are representative of a larger group, suitable for the questions under investigation, and easy to grow in the lab. * For study...
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...Schmitz ulf.schmitz@informatik.uni-rostock.de Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Group www.sbi.informatik.uni-rostock.de Ulf Schmitz, Introduction to genomics and proteomics I 1 Outline www. .uni-rostock.de Genomics/Genetics 1. The tree of life • Prokaryotic Genomes – Bacteria – Archaea • Eukaryotic Genomes – Homo sapiens 2. Genes • Expression Data Ulf Schmitz, Introduction to genomics and proteomics I 2 Genomics - Definitions Genetics: www. .uni-rostock.de is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms. Humans began applying knowledge of genetics in prehistory with the domestication and breeding of plants and animals. In modern research, genetics provides tools in the investigation of the function of a particular gene, e.g. analysis of genetic interactions. Genomics: attempts the study of large-scale genetic patterns across the genome for a given species. It deals with the systematic use of genome information to provide answers in biology, medicine, and industry. Genomics has the potential of offering new therapeutic methods for the treatment of some diseases, as well as new diagnostic methods. Major tools and methods related to genomics are bioinformatics, genetic analysis, measurement of gene expression, and determination of gene function. Ulf Schmitz, Introduction to genomics and proteomics I 3 Genes • • • www. .uni-rostock.de a gene coding for a protein corresponds to a sequence of nucleotides...
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...Evolvability of Animal Developmental Systems: Remarks on their Modularity and Robustness Riddhi Benani Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London, UK Supervisor: Prof Armand Leroi June 11, 2012 Abstract The ultimate aim of Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) is to answer questions about evolvability of animal developmental systems. Evolvability or the ability to evolve is a ubiquitous property of living organisms. More specifically, it is the capacity to generate heritable, non-lethal phenotypic variation. Biologists have long recognized that evolvability of developmental programs in animals is key to their complex morphological architecture. However there is an increasing need to synthesize known facts about the developmental phenomena into mechanistic descriptions of complex systems. This ambition demands the need to understand the underlying determinants of evolvable developmental systems. I aim to review the dynamics of two systems-level phenomena: modularity and robustness and their evolutionary implications. Despite a plethora of literature, these terms have remained very ambiguous. Modularity reduces interdependence of components and confers robustness. Robustness, which is broadly understood, as the insensitivity of a biological systems functionalities to perturbations is another design principle in itself. Such robustness could enhance the potential for future evolutionary innovations. Both these properties therefore affect evolvability of a lineage...
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...| Cdx regulates Dll1 in Multiple Lineages | BIOL 303 Term Paper | | | BACKGROUND The vertebrate Cdx genes are a group of ParaHox genes that encode homeodomain transcription factors responsible for the anterior-posterior patterning of the embryonic axis, intestine, axial elongation and somitogenesis in mammals. These genes are related to Drosophila caudal (cad)[1] and there are three murine homologues Cdx1, Cdx2 and Cdx4 [2]. The Cdx gene products impact anterior-posterior vertebral patterning not only by direct regulation of Hox gene expression, but are also targets of non-Hox such as Wnt, Shh, RA and Notch pathways among others[3] [2]. The authors focus upon the Notch pathway, especially Notch ligand Dll1 as it is involved in intestinal differentiation. Cdx1 is responsible for the axial positional information and the null mutants have an abnormal axial patterning only and no overt intestinal phenotype [4, 5]. Cdx2 is important for trophoblast differentiation, axial patterning and extension, and morphological specification of gut endoderm [5]. Homozygous Cdx2 null mutants are peri-implantation lethal as the blastocyst fails to undergo uterine implantation [3]. The Cdx1-Cdx2 conditional mutants show an abnormal somite formation and an increase in the number of Goblet cells in the small intestine [2]. Both Cdx1 and Cdx2 are important for the maintenance of the intestinal epithelium in adults. Though there is considerably more information available about the different...
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...the original centromere is known as neocentromere. First report of such de novo centromere formation came during 1993, when rearrangement of chromosome 10 to an acentric ring chromosome mardel-10 was identified from cytogenetic screening of clinical samples from patients with developmental abnormality. Stable inheritance of the acentric ring lacking alpha satellite repeat was completely unprecedented, challenging the then popular dogma of DNA sequence based genetic identity of centromere (1). Since then, more than hundreds of neocentromeres have been reported in the human...
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... An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells). Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized themselves. As a result, antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols, ascorbic acid or polyphenols.[1] Although oxidation reactions are crucial for life, they can also be damaging; hence, plants and animals maintain complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and various peroxidases. Low levels of antioxidants, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, cause oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells. As oxidative stress might be an important part of many human diseases, the use of antioxidants in pharmacology is intensively studied, particularly as treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is unknown whether oxidative stress is the cause or the consequence of disease. Antioxidants are also widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements in the hope of maintaining health and preventing diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease. Although initial studies suggested that antioxidant supplements...
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...Animal From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). "Animalia" redirects here. For other uses, see Animalia (disambiguation). Page semi-protected Animals Temporal range: Ediacaran – Recent PreЄЄOSDCPTJKPgN Animal diversity.png Scientific classification Domain: Eukaryota (Unranked) Opisthokonta (Unranked) Holozoa (Unranked) Filozoa Kingdom: Animalia Linnaeus, 1758 Phyla Subkingdom Parazoa Porifera Placozoa Subkingdom Eumetazoa Radiata (unranked) Ctenophora Cnidaria Bilateria (unranked) Orthonectida Rhombozoa Acoelomorpha Chaetognatha Superphylum Deuterostomia Chordata Hemichordata Echinodermata Xenoturbellida Vetulicolia † Protostomia (unranked) Superphylum Ecdysozoa Kinorhyncha Loricifera Priapulida Nematoda Nematomorpha Onychophora Tardigrada Arthropoda Superphylum Platyzoa Platyhelminthes Gastrotricha Rotifera Acanthocephala Gnathostomulida Micrognathozoa Cycliophora Superphylum Lophotrochozoa Sipuncula Hyolitha † Nemertea Phoronida Bryozoa Entoprocta Brachiopoda Mollusca Annelida Synonyms Metazoa Haeckel, 1874 Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Animalia (also called Metazoa). Their body plan eventually becomes fixed as they develop, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later on in their lives. Most animals are motile, meaning they can move spontaneously and independently. All animals must ingest other organisms or their products for...
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...This article was downloaded by: [University of Leicester] On: 3 April 2009 Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 907399407] Publisher Taylor & Francis Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t792306868 Ethnobotanical Study of Upper Siran Habib Ahmad a; Shujaul Mulk Khan a; Sajidul Ghafoor b; Niaz Ali1 a a Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan b Department of Genetics, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan Online Publication Date: 01 January 2009 To cite this Article Ahmad, Habib, Khan, Shujaul Mulk, Ghafoor, Sajidul and Ali1, Niaz(2009)'Ethnobotanical Study of Upper Siran',Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants,15:1,86 — 97 To link to this Article: DOI: 10.1080/10496470902787519 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10496470902787519 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied...
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...car is would mention petrol, internal combustion engines, brakes, suspension, transmission and other mechanical things that make a car go. And we don’t just want to know what a car is; we also want to know what a car is for. An explanation of what a car is for would include the facts that there are people and other things (like shopping) inside cars and that the purpose of cars is to move people and things from one place to another. By analogy, a good answer to the question “What is music?” will say something about the detailed mechanics of music: instruments, notes, scales, rhythm, tempo, chords, harmony, bass and melody. This matches up with the mechanical portion of our car explanation. It’s harder to answer the 18 Copyright c 2004, 2005 Philip DorrellThe Biology of Feeling Good “What is it for?” part of the question. A simple answer is that music is enjoyable—it makes us “feel good”. We could expand on this a bit and say that music creates emotions, or...
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...NOTE: This PDF document has a handy set of “bookmarks” for it, which are accessible by pressing the Bookmarks tab on the left side of this window. ***************************************************** We are the last. The last generation to be unaugmented. The last generation to be intellectually alone. The last generation to be limited by our bodies. We are the first. The first generation to be augmented. The first generation to be intellectually together. The first generation to be limited only by our imaginations. We stand both before and after, balancing on the razor edge of the Event Horizon of the Singularity. That this sublime juxtapositional tautology has gone unnoticed until now is itself remarkable. We're so exquisitely privileged to be living in this time, to be born right on the precipice of the greatest paradigm shift in human history, the only thing that approaches the importance of that reality is finding like minds that realize the same, and being able to make some connection with them. If these books have influenced you the same way that they have us, we invite your contact at the email addresses listed below. Enjoy, Michael Beight, piman_314@yahoo.com Steven Reddell, cronyx@gmail.com Here are some new links that we’ve found interesting: KurzweilAI.net News articles, essays, and discussion on the latest topics in technology and accelerating intelligence. SingInst.org The Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence: think tank devoted to increasing...
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...ANIMAL PROCEDURES COMMITTEE REVIEW OF COST-BENEFIT ASSESSMENT IN THE USE OF ANIMALS IN RESEARCH JUNE 2003 REPORT OF THE COST-BENEFIT WORKING GROUP OF THE ANIMAL PROCEDURES COMMITTEE PREFACE Letter to the Minister from Michael Banner, Chair of the Animal Procedures Committee 17 June 2003 Dear Ms Flint ANIMAL PROCEDURES COMMITTEE: RECOMMENDATIONS ON COST-BENEFIT ASSESSMENT UNDER THE ANIMALS (SCIENTIFIC PROCEDURES) ACT 1986 On behalf of the Animal Procedures Committee I enclose the Committee’s report on cost-benefit assessment. In it we address the adequacy of the current cost-benefit assessment performed in the course of evaluating project licence applications. We have sought to look at the many issues which arise in relation to this important element of the regulation of the use of animals, but would draw attention to three particular aspects of our work. In the first place we have addressed the fundamental question as to scientific validity of the use of animals. We believe that our considerations and conclusions offer an important clarification of the debate and fulfil the request made by your predecessor, Mike O’Brien, to provide advice on this issue. Secondly, while we conclude that some uses of animals may yield scientific knowledge, we argue that this does not settle the question of justification. We go on to elucidate the full range of factors which must be considered for there to be a rigorous application of the cost-benefit assessment. Thirdly, we also consider how...
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...conservation.org Editors : Kristen Walker Painemilla, Anthony B. Rylands, Alisa Woofter and Cassie Hughes Cover design Paula K. Rylands, Conservation International : Layout: Kim Meek, Washington, DC Maps [except where noted otherwise] Kellee Koenig, Conservation International : Conservation International is a private, non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501 c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. ISBN 978-1-934151-39-6 © 2010 by Conservation International All rights reserved. The designations of geographical entities in this publication, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Conservation International or its supporting organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect those of Conservation International (CI). Suggested citation: Walker Painemilla, K., Rylands, A. B., Woofter, A. and Hughes, C. (eds.). 2010. Indigenous Peoples and Conservation: From Rights to Resource Management. Conservation International, Arlington, VA. Cover photos: Background: Red-and-green macaw (Ara chloroptera) with two Kayapo children, Pará, Brazil. © Cristina G. Mittermeier. Left column (from top to bottom): Man in native dress at the Celebration of the YUS (Yopno, Uruwa, and Som watersheds) Conservation...
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