Search results for ‘biology’

Biology Major vs Chemistry Major vs Biochemistry Major in College

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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

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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]

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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.

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

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    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]

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    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]

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    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]

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    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]

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    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.

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

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    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.

    Biology 101: Microfilaments vs Microtubules in Cell Biology

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    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]

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    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

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    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

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    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!

    Circulatory System 101: Systemic vs Pulmonary Flow, Heart Blood Flow Steps, Endocardium vs Myocardium vs Pericardium, and Systole vs Diastole [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

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    Love is in the air, my friends! In this lesson, we explore the circulatory system and share notes as part of the study guide series. We will explore the awesome heart! Topics include Systemic vs Pulmonary Flow, Heart Blood Flow Steps, Endocardium vs Myocardium vs Pericardium, and Systole vs Diastole.

    Top 70 Medical Abbreviations in Medical Record Notes and Sample History & Physical Exam Note

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    Medical abbreviations play a crucial role in the healthcare field by simplifying communication, improving efficiency, and ensuring patient safety. Accurate and standardized use of medical abbreviations is essential in medical record notes, as misinterpretation can lead to serious consequences. In this essay, we will present a comprehensive list of the top 70 medical abbreviations commonly used in medical record notes and a sample history and physical exam medical record note using the abbreviations, followed by a table for easy reference and multiple choice practice questions with answer explanations.

    The Modified Barium Swallow Study: Exploring Anatomy, Procedure, Diagnoses, and Medical Findings

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    Radiology plays a pivotal role in helping patients and clinicians with diagnosing and assessing various medical conditions by utilizing advanced imaging techniques. One such diagnostic procedure is the Modified Barium Swallow Exam (MBSE) commonly used to help patients, which provides invaluable insights into the anatomy and function of the upper digestive tract. This essay delves into the anatomy, steps, diagnosis, and findings associated with the Modified Barium Swallow Exam. Stay tuned for practice questions and answers at the end!

    Nervous System 101 Study Guide Notes: Anatomy, Cerebrum vs Cerebellum, Brain Stem, Subcortical Cortex, Cerebral Cortex [MCAT, USMLE, Biology, Medicine]

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    In this lesson, we explore the nervous system and share notes as part of the study guide series. We will explore the awesome brain and nerves! Topics include the nervous system anatomy, cerebellum, brain stem, subcortical cortex, cerebral cortex, and cerebrum. Check out our popular nervous system notes.