Eureka!

Proteins are all around us! The word protein comes from the Greek word “protos”, and it means the first element. They not only surround us, but compose. Proteins participate in nearly all aspects of our lives starting from food (eggs, dairy products) and ending with cosmetics (keratin in a shampoo and a conditioner production). 

The terminal of our journey is the passage about the fundamental discovery in biological sphere. The research, published in the journal of Molecular Biology by the year 2012, focuses on the protein folding significance. The scientists from the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) inspected precisely the effect of protein aggregation on cell aging processes.  We aware that protein translated from mRNA exists as the long thread sequence of amino acids. Protein folding is the process during which three-dimensionally unstable amino acids interact with each other to form the native state. It’s controlled by the correct three-dimensional structure of functional proteins. Some of amino acids fail to fold, producing inactive proteins while others misfold, causing different types of diseases, including neurodegenerative one. Also, the way of protein aggregation can be a reason for allergies, due to antibodies absence for certain protein structures. 

Picture 1. Protein folding

In a particular research, scientists were able not only to quantify the effect of protein folding on wide range of cell processes but also predict it appearance. That became possible because analysts proved independence of the protein structure from the direct cell response. (Previously, it was thought that, protein folding is coded by cell signaling). The additional importance of the study is that natural evolution of the proteins can be observed, due to the link between protein aggregation and the viability, division and aging of cells. Despite, Escherichia coli bacteria and the molecule, which triggers Alzheimer's disease,were used; the results of the study are applicable for humans. The same ancestral genes passed through the evolution cause such close heritance interaction. Novelty of this experiment is the incredible precision of the wrong protein collapse harm to the cell`s capacity to survive and undergo basic processes! It was previously known, that Alzheimer's AB42 peptide in bacteria affects the protein structure. But in this research it was found that especially chaperons control this damage. Chaperons are proteins that participate in protein folding and assist in carrying misfolded proteins to the proteasome. Proteasome is a destructive apparatus which has enzymes to degrade “wrong” proteins. In the case of wrong chaperon functioning or even absence; misfolded proteins accumulate in the organism, causing several neurodegenerative diseases. 

Picture 2. Chaperon

The discoveries were made and the direct relation of study to the proteins turns it fundamental for the biological sphere. The way of how proteins are produced was discussed previously. Additionally to the high diversity of proteins, chemical composition of amino acids allows them to transform easily to any type of life essential macromolecules. Proteins act as the building blocks in our bodies. Hormones regulate all biological processes, including blood composition. Muscle proteins allow us to move, by contrasting and relaxing muscles. All the above evidence explains the great amount of protein research and the high attention paid to it that exists. 

Picture 3. Proteins significance

 You may also watch video about what protein is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRFIMcxZNM

Reference list:

1) Toole, Glenn, and Susan Toole. Essential AS biology for OCR. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2004.
2) "Proteins are essential to life!." (EUFIC). http://www.eufic.org/article/en/nutrition/protein/artid/proteins/   
3) "Biology." Infoplease. Infoplease, n.d. . http://www.infoplease.com/cig/biology/proteins.html  

Humanity vs Ebola 1:0

Dear passengers, our next station is one of the most popular and actual news in biological sphere. According to this fantastic article, Ebola virus can be treated! Using high-efficiency method, scientists are able to separate and cultivate antibodies from the blood of sick people and develop a cure against this disease.

Picture 1. Ebola virus.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjkzR-jCZcJ2OYXb6Y1pRFEqUbr1gQxeTSEQs9ZmrbnV_Rl9PrG_mXzG-UyLVqhP317woi2Fq92yihsCfsctVHQ9WhklnFpE5A74JwcABngtkToQi-tDqda1PNZzZslxvY9vMETI3GfrbmS6EJTp21xy1_H7yQ=

First of all, let`s make a brief introduction to what virus is. Virus is infectious agent that consists of only two components: genetic material (DNA or RNA) and protective coat. Even though they have such simple composition, viruses are very harmful for all types of life form. Ebola virus disease (EVD) causes fever, sore throat, muscle pain, headaches and blood bleeding.

There is a wide range of different kinds of cells, each specializing for appropriate functions, according to their location, structure and gene expression. One of the most useful cell types which is found nearly in every living organism, are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types. They combine to find, bind and destroy any kinds of disease-causing substances. Leukocytes are produced inside the bone marrow and stored in our blood and lymphatic tissues. This circulation gives leukocytes access everywhere in organism. Above - mentioned types of leukocyte are phagocytes and lymphocytes. First one, simply “chews” an invading organisms. Lymphocytes act more intellectually, by trying to recognize and remember previous pathogenic organisms. There are two types of them: B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. B cells stay on the production place, while T type cells leave to the thymus gland. Working in a team, B lymphocytes recognize pathogen and give a command to T lymphocytes on invaders destruction.

Picture 2. Lymphocytes

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvTxE1-uuH2TinKqyb3eG-Q1CY--JXGJyLTG9PB8DVHF895Did

Let`s imagine a real-life situation, when you are sick. What actually happens inside of your organism? Antigens (invaders) are detected by the group of lymphocyte cells, which send signals to B cells in antibodies production. The most important feature of antibodies is that they are saved in our immune system and can be used in the case of future pathogen invasion. However, we remember that antigen inactivation is a team process. So, T lymphocytes are used in destroying already locked invaders and any infected cells. In addition to this, they take part in signaling, warning remaining cells.

Picture 3. Antibodies.

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This organism’s defense mechanism is used to prevent certain diseases in healthy organisms. Immunization is the process, when organism is artificially infected by antigens, which don`t cause disease itself, but lead to antibody production. Obtained antibodies are used in a future protection of this organism and not only. This easily comprehendible procedure is the key feature of antibodies cultivation and basis of vaccination.

You may also watch video about antibodies in action:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lrYlZJiuf18#

Reference list:

"Antibody." MedicineNet. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19101  

ScienceDaily. "Bone marrow." ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/b/bone_marrow.htm 
"Ebola virus disease." WHO. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/ 
"Lymphatic tissue." MedicineNet.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10347 
"Robot Check." Robot Check. http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/b/bone_marrow.htm 

Welcome!

Welcome to the wonderful world of natural sciences! Allow me to be your guide in this journey. I`m first-year Biology student at the Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan. Biology was always a strong interest of mine, participating in different Olympiads and being a part of scientific research gave me both practical and theoretical experience, simultaneously enriching my concernment in this field.

One of the most significant and fascinating themes that are covered in Modern Biology I Class is  Cell Microbiology. Since, you may not recognize cell particles without any specialized tools, you have to use your imagination and try to understand how different life-essential processes undergo and what molecules look like. You need to become familiar with a simple set of cell structures, or organelles. The nucleus is the control-center of the cell. It maintains nearly all the regulations, which are required for cell`s vital activity. Also, nucleus is the carrier of genetic material in the form of chromosomes. Another essential cell structure is cytoplasm and its components. It provides the perfect environment to different chemical processes such as glycolysis (production of energy), cell division, or respiration. All this has to be well packaged for protection and cell communication, so for this purpose, a cell membrane was formed through evolution. We can view scheme of these cell subunits on Picture 1.

Picture 1. Cell structures. 

http://scienceaid.co.uk/biology/humans/images/cell.png

When we are able to imagine the backbone of any cell, it`s time to become familiar with basic biological processes undergoing in the cell. To survive, organisms must leave an offspring . As we can see from evolution, nature not only reproduces, but also tries to improve descendants making them more adapted to their environment. This can be done by the means of gene, or known as segment of DNA. Genes instruct protein production, which in turn codes for a trait (eye color, skin tone etc.). Proteins are produced through three steps: replication, transcription and translation.

Picture 2. DNA

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/ADN_animation.gif

DNA consists of two strands, which form the double helix. During the cell division, each of these double strands splits into two single strands, acting as a templete for a new strand of complementary DNA. This doubling process is known as DNA replication. Transcription is the next step during which, code in the DNA is "rewritten" to RNA. In our case, one of the DNA base pairs- thymine, is replaced by another RNA base pair-uracil, during transcription. The last significant step is translation, which is more complicate than the previous two. It also occurs out of the cell nucleus. During this process, information is "translated" by mRNA, which directs protein synthesis at the ribosome in the presence of tRNA. 

Picture 3. Replication, Transcription, Transation.

http://www.nature.com/scitable/content/ne0000/ne0000/ne0000/ne0000/105292327/44350_36a.jpg

As a result, protein molecules, responsible for wide range of traits are produced. Now, we can understand protein production process and comprehend its importance.

You may also watch video about cell reproduction:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJyUtbn0O5Y

Reference list:
Raven, Peter H., and George B. Johnson.Biology. 5th ed. Boston: WCB/McGraw-Hill, 1999.
"Transcription, Translation and Replication." Transcription, Translation and Replication. http://www.atdbio.com/content/14/Transcription-Translation-and-Replication.
"Nature Publishing Group." Nature.com. http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/dna-packaging-nucleosomes-and-chromatin-393