ECOLOPEDIA

 Enzymes:     Enzymes are natural catalysts, found in living organisms. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed. Generally, they are proteins.  Importance of enzymes:   Enzymes are the most important globular proteins and catalysts in living organisms. They catalyze the metabolic reaction without enzymes; the reaction will take place in one year instead of one second. They help in fighting against infections and strengthen the immune system. They help in the diagnosis of disease. They are very useful in making drugs. Enzymes are essential for digestion, DNA replication and cell divison. In short, without enzymes, life becomes impossible. Classification of enzymes:     Enzymes are classified into six main types according to their substrate and function.The commission on Enzyme is appointed by the International Union of BioChemistry(IUB). Transferase:     Transfe...

What is mycorrhizae?       It is the relationship between fungi and higher vascular plant. The fungi  attach to  the roots of plant. It is mutualistic relationship. It means that mycorrhizae is beneficial for both organisms. Benefits:      The fungal hyphae increase the amount of nutrient such as phosphorus, copper, and other  nutrient in soil. It also help in directly absorption of these elements. On the other hand fungi absorbed nutrients from plant. Plant can grow better with mycorrhizae than the other plants. Root Epidermis:      Upper layer of root is called root epidermis which consist of  epidermal tissues. It helps in  protection, absorption as well as  interaction of plant with soil. Fungal hyphae attach with  root epidermis. Root hair:          These are thread like structure which are found on the tips of root. It helps in absorption of      nutrients f...

 Biotechnology:      Biotechnology is a branch of biology that uses living organisms and biological processes for the benefit of humanity. It involves altering or transferring the unique characteristics of one organism into another to develop useful products and applications. Biotechnology is not a new concept. For instance, the use of bacteria in making yogurt and the grafting of plants are traditional techniques that have been practiced for centuries.  Techniques used in biotechnology: Genetic engineering Tissue culture Cloning Fermentation Genetic engineering:      Genetic engineering is one of the most important techniques in biotechnology. It involves directly modifying the DNA of an organism to replace a faulty gene with a healthy one or to introduce a completely new trait. Organisms produced through this process are called genetically modified organisms (GMOs) . Methods of genetic engineering:    ...

 Kingdom Protista: Protists     Kingdom Protista is a distinct kingdom of organisms. It includes mostly  eukaryotic aquatic organisms. These organisms have characteristics which cannot be classified into any other kingdom. Their mode of nutrition, reproduction, lifestyles, and body forms are different from those of the other four kingdoms. There are four major groups of protists: The single-celled protozoa Unicellular and multicellular algae Slime molds Oomycetes Protozoa: Animal-like Protist These are animal like protists. These are unicellular eukaryotic organisms.  These are free-living, symbionts or parasitic.  They ingest their food by endocytosis. They use cilia, flagella, or pseudeopodia for locomotion. Some common protozoa are: Amoeba Ciliates  Zooflagellates Apicomplexans Actinopods Foraminifera  Amoeba: Amoeba may be free-living or parasitic. They are unicellular organisms. They live in marine, freshwater and soil. They have no definite ...

What is cellular biology?       Cellular biology is a branch of biology which deal with structure and function of cell. It also deal with processes such as cell division, signaling, and energy production. Cell theory: The first scientist  to observe and name dead cells  was Robert Hook . In 1665 he examined a piece of cork under a compound microscope. He observed that there are empty spaces resembling a honeybee hive. Today we know these structures as cells.  In 1831 Robert Brown discovered the nucleus. This discovery proved that cells are not empty spaces. A German botanist Mtthias   Schleiden and German zoologist Theodor Schwann work independently and presented a theory called the  cell theory . They observed that there are three basic pats of a cell: Cytoplasm, nucleus, and outermost covering, plasma ...

 Biomolecules:     Biomolecules are organic macromolecules which are produced by living organisms, essential for life. Carbon and hydrogen are basic units of biomolecules. They are classified into following categories: Carbohydrates Lipids proteins  Carbohydrates:     Chemically, carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones. The general formula is  C n ​ ( H 2 ​ O ) n.  The word carbohydrate means hydrated carbon. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen as the same ratio in water.  Classification of carbohydrates:     Carbohydrates are classified into three groups. Monosaccharides Oligosaccharides polysaccharides Monosaccharides:    These are simple and sweet sugar. These are easily soluble in water. Chemically, they are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones. With aldehyde group these sugar are called aldo-sugar and with ketone group is called keto-sugar . They are called trioses, tetroses, pentoses, hexoses and...