Primary productivity refers to the rate at which biomass is generated in an ecosystem, expressed as mass per unit surface (or volume) per unit time, such as grams per square meter per day (g/m²/day). The types of plants present in a specific region are influenced by various environmental factors, including temperature, sunlight, salinity, oxygen and … Read more
Ecological pyramids Ecological pyramids depict the interconnections among various ecosystem components across consecutive trophic levels. Pyramid of numbers: 1. The pyramid of numbers visually represents the numerical relationships between producers, herbivores, and carnivores across trophic levels. 2. As we ascend trophic levels, the organisms’ numbers decrease; for instance, grasses outnumber herbivores, and herbivores outnumber carnivores. … Read more
The main characteristics of a population encompass population size, population density, natality, mortality, sex ratio, immigration, emigration, age distribution, age pyramids, expanding population, population growth forms, and biotic potential. 1) Population Density: This metric reveals the number of individuals within a population per unit space at a specific time, highlighting the spatial concentration of the … Read more
1. In any species, populations inherently face constraints on resources, fostering competition among individuals for survival and reproduction. The success in these endeavors determines the fitness of organisms. 2. Habitats possess a threshold of resource availability, allowing for the maximum sustainable population. However, growth beyond a certain limit becomes unattainable. 3. This limiting factor is … Read more
Various biological tools essential in rDNA technology include: i. Instruments: PCR, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a vital process for amplifying the gene of interest in vitro using a PCR machine. It can generate billions of copies of a specific DNA or RNA segment with high accuracy and specificity within a … Read more
Various types of restriction enzymes commonly used in rDNA technology are: 1) Type I – These enzymes, such as EcoK, serve both as endonucleases and methylases, playing a dual role. 2) Type II – These enzymes, including EcoRI and BglII, exhibit separate cleaving and methylation activities. They are more stable and extensively employed in rDNA … Read more
A vaccine is essentially a biological tool that trains our immune system. It introduces a weakened or harmless part of a pathogen to our body, teaching our immune system to recognize and defend against it. So, if we later encounter the actual disease, our immune system is ready and equipped to mount a swift defense. … Read more
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique for in vitro amplification of a target gene using a PCR machine. i. PCR has the capability to produce a billion copies of the desired DNA or RNA segment with high accuracy and specificity within a few hours. ii. This automated process involves thermal cycles for denaturation and … Read more
Transgenic mice: 1. Utilizing a specific oncogene (cancer-causing gene), transgenic mice undergo modification, resulting in the development of a distinct type of cancer. This modification proves valuable for addressing inquiries related to the correlation between oncogenes and the progression of cancer. 2. Theoretically, these animals also hold promise for conducting research on cancer treatment and … Read more
Gene therapy involves treating genetic disorders by replacing, altering, or supplementing a gene that is either absent or abnormal, responsible for the disease. Two types of gene therapy are: (a) Germ Line Gene Therapy: 1. Genetically modify germ cells to correct genetic defects. 2. Introduce a normal gene into germ cells like sperm, eggs, and … Read more