Search results for ‘biology

Biology Major vs Chemistry Major vs Biochemistry Major in College

Choosing a major in college can be challenging! Deciding to do a biology major, a chemistry major, and a biochemistry major in college involves considering their coursework, potential career prospects, and the future opportunities they can lead to. The popularity of biology, chemistry, and biochemistry majors in college can vary based on factors such as current trends, career opportunities, individual interests, and the unique strengths of each field. Their popularity can also be influenced by cultural and societal factors.

Biology 101: Gel Electrophoresis

In this educational lesson, we learn about the purpose of gel electrophoresis and how gel electrophoresis works. Gel electrophoresis in a method of separating DNA. It can be used to separate the size of DNA, RNA, and protein. You first start with a variety of different fragments of DNA all mixed together. The gel is a porous matrix like a sponge and separates the DNA based on two main things: 1) size and 2) charge. The charge on DNA is what makes it move through the gel. DNA is a negatively charged molecule, so it will move towards a positive charge.

Cell Biology 101 – Function and Biogenesis of Cellular Membranes: The Endoplasmic Reticulum [Biology, MCAT, USMLE]

In this quick and easy lesson guide, learn about cell biology – the function and biogenesis of cellular membranes. Explain the metabolic and protein biosynthetic functions of the endoplasmic reticulum. Define key metabolic functions of the endoplasmic reticulum.

  • Illustrate the function of the endoplasmic reticulum in the cotranslational translocation of proteins made on membrane bound polysomes and their co- and post-translational modifications. Explain the function of the endoplasmic reticulum in protein folding and discuss the fate of misfolded proteins.
  • Biology Unit 5 Study Guide: Evolution

    Biology Unit 5 Study Guide: Evolution. After his visit to the Galapagos Islands, Darwin came up with the theory of evolution.  This theory stated that organisms change over time.  The way that organisms change is through the process of natural selection. With examples, practice questions, and answers to help make evolution respiration easy to learn!

    Aortic Stenosis vs Aortic Regurgitation: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

    Hi there, my friends! In this lesson, we explore aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation as two common heart conditions that affect the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. While both conditions involve the aortic valve, they differ in their underlying causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

    Heart Attack versus Heart Failure: Anatomy, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

    Hello there, my friends! In this lesson, we explore heart attacks and heart failure, which are both important and highly common medical conditions. It is important to differentiate between heart attacks and heart failure as they have different clinical presentations and treatment approaches. Let’s compare and contrast these two types in terms of anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

    Systolic Heart Failure vs Diastolic Heart Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

    Hey there, my friends! In this lesson, we explore heart failure, a medical condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. There are two types of heart failure: systolic and diastolic. Systolic heart failure is a condition where the heart muscles do not contract as forcefully as they should during each heartbeat. Diastolic heart failure is a condition where the heart muscles do not relax as they should during each heartbeat.

    Endocarditis vs Myocarditis vs Pericarditis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

    Hello my lovely friends! And Happy Heart Month! In this lesson, we explore the circulatory system and share notes as part of the study guide series. We will continue to explore the awesome heart! Topics include inflammatory conditions of the heart: Endocarditis vs Myocarditis vs Pericarditis – Structure of the Layers of the Heart, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis.

    Stanford Type A vs Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection: Anatomy, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

    Hi there, my friends! In this lesson, we explore aortic dissection which is a serious medical condition characterized by the tearing of the inner layer of the aortic wall, resulting in the formation of a false channel for blood flow. It is important to differentiate between Stanford type A and Stanford type B aortic dissections as they have different clinical presentations and treatment approaches. Let’s compare and contrast these two types in terms of anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

    Biology Study Guide Book Just Published and on Sale! [Free Chapters]

    Hi Everyone! My friend just published a biology study guide book and it’s currently on sale! This book on biology study guides contains practice review questions and answers. Study Guides: Biology Unit Review Practice Questions and Answers . This interactive study guide of worksheets contains questions and answers to help you understand biology. Each unit contains information on key topics to review to further your understanding of biology. The units covered in this book include: ecology, biomolecules and cell biology, energy, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cell division, mitosis, meiosis, protein synthesis, genetics, and evolution. Award-winning author and teacher Dr. Sam J. Alex created this study guide while inspired by students and teachers. All proceeds donated! Hope you find this book helpful on your journey into the wonderful world of biology and beyond!

    Immunology 101: Stages of B-cell Development [Biology, MCAT, USMLE Medicine]

    B-Cell Development Stages. stem cell –> early pro-B cell –> late pro-B cell –> large pre-B cell –> [1st checkpoint – selects for functional heavy chains] –> small pre-B cell –> [2nd checkpoint – select for functional light chains] –> Immature B cell (has surface IgM, no surface IgD). Somatic recombination is the process in which different individual gene segments of the H (heavy) chain combine with rearranged gene segments of the L (light) chain. The enzymes responsible for somatic recombination are the recombinase enzymes (RAG-1 and RAG-2) that recognize specific sequences (RSS) or recombination signal sequences. RAG-1 and RAG-2 are only expressed in B or T lymphocytes. These specific sequences recognized by the RAG-1 or RAG-2 enzymes are either a 1) heptamer or 2) nonamer. The heptamer literally contains 7 nucleotides, and the nonamer literally contains 9 nucleotides. There are typically 12 or 23 nucleotides in between the heptamer and nonamer to separate them.

    Central Chemoreceptor vs Peripheral Chemoreceptor in Respiration [Biology, MCAT, USMLE]

    There are two types of chemoreceptors that help control and regulate our respiratory rate: 1) central chemoreceptors and 2) peripheral chemoreceptors. Both central chemoreceptors and peripheral chemoreceptors send signals to the main respiratory center in the brain that unconsciously tells our bodies to increase or reduce pulmonary ventilation. In this lesson, we describe the differences and similarities of central chemoreceptors and peripheral chemoreceptors for the pulmonary system.

    Biology 101: Microfilaments vs Microtubules in Cell Biology

    Microfilaments and microtubules are both important elements of the cytoskeleton, maintaining the structure and integrity of the cell, but there are several differences between microfilaments and microtubules. In this article, we share this information on microfilaments versus microtubules.

    Microfilament and Microtubulues are made from different individual subunits. Microfilaments are made from ACTIN, while microtubules are made from TUBULIN.

    Heart Block: First Degree vs Second Degree (Type I and Type 2) vs Third Degree – ECG Findings, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

    Hello, my friends! In this lesson, we explore the four types of heart block. Heart block, also known as atrioventricular (AV) block, is a condition where there is a disruption in the electrical signals between the atria and ventricles of the heart. This can lead to a slower or irregular heartbeat, which can cause various symptoms and complications. There are four types of heart block: first-degree, second-degree type 1 (Wenckebach), second-degree type 2 (Mobitz II), and third-degree (complete) heart block. In this essay, we will compare and contrast the four types of heart block, including their ECG patterns, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

    Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) – Cystitis vs Pyelonephritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments, and Prognosis

    Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that affect the urinary system. They can manifest in various forms, with cystitis and pyelonephritis being two distinct types of UTIs. While both conditions involve bacterial invasion of the urinary tract, they differ in terms of their symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis. This essay aims to compare and contrast cystitis and pyelonephritis along these dimensions to provide a comprehensive understanding of these prevalent medical conditions. Included are a summary table and multiple choice practice questions and answers. Enjoy!

    Inflammatory Bowel Diseases – Crohn’s Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments, and Prognosis

    Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) affect millions and are both types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affect the gastrointestinal tract. This essay aims to compare and contrast Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, shedding light on their clinical presentations, underlying mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and prognosis. Included are a summary table and multiple choice practice questions and answers. Enjoy!