PG & Research Department of Biochemistry

     DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. Here’s a concise overview of the process:  Steps in DNA Replication: Initiation : Origin of Replication : Replication begins at specific sites called origins of replication. Unwinding : Enzymes called helicases unwind the DNA double helix, creating replication forks. Priming : RNA Primase synthesizes short RNA primers complementary to the single-stranded DNA. These primers provide a starting point for DNA synthesis. Elongation : DNA Polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, extending from the RNA primer. It synthesizes new DNA in the 5' to 3' direction. The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined by DNA ligase. Termination : Replication continues until the entire DNA molecule is copied. Specifi...

    Glycolysis is a fundamental metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy. It occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and can function in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Here’s a brief overview: Steps in Glycolysis: Glucose Activation : Glucose is phosphorylated using ATP, forming glucose-6-phosphate. Isomerization : Glucose-6-phosphate is converted into fructose-6-phosphate. Second Phosphorylation : Fructose-6-phosphate is phosphorylated again, forming fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. Cleavage : Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate is split into two three-carbon molecules: dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P). Energy Harvesting : G3P undergoes several transformations, resulting in the production of ATP and NADH. Final Products : The pathway ends with the production of two molecules of pyruvate, along with a net gain of 2 ATP and 2 NADH. SIGNIFICANCE: Location : Cytoplasm Net Gain : 2 ATP, 2 NADH, and 2 pyruvate per glucose molecule. Importa...

              PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction  PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. It enables the production of millions of copies of a particular DNA segment, making it easier to study or analyze. Steps in PCR: Denaturation : The double-stranded DNA is heated to separate it into two single strands. Annealing : The temperature is lowered to allow primers (short DNA sequences) to bind to the target DNA sequences. Extension : A heat-stable DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the primers. TYPES OF PCR: Standard PCR : The basic method for amplifying DNA.  Real-Time PCR (qPCR) : Measures the amplification of DNA in real-time, allowing for quantification of the DNA. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) : Converts RNA into DNA before amplification, commonly used for studying gene expression. Nested PCR : Uses two sets of primers to increase s...

Cancer Cancer is a large group of diseases with one thing in common: They happen when normal cells become cancerous cells that multiply and spread. Your  genes  send instructions to your cells — like when to start and stop growing, for example. Normal cells follow these instructions, but cancer cells ignore them. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. But few people  are dying of cancer now than 20 years ago. Early detection and innovative treatments are curing cancer and helping people with cancer live longer. Types of cancer There are over 100 types of cancer. Healthcare providers categorize them according to where they start in your body and the type of tissue they affect. There are three broad cancer classifications: Solid cancers:  This is the most common type of cancer, making up about 80% to 90% of all cases. This includes  carcinoma t hat forms in epithelial tissue (like your skin, breast, colon and...

 Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition or a disease that affects the body’s ability to use the energy found in food. It is referred to as Diabetes. It is the condition where the pancreas gland does not generate enough insulin required by the body to regulate glucose metabolism. The two classes of Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus  – It is one of the Diabetes where the pancreases  fail s to produce enough insulin in the body. It is called insulin-dependent diabetes.  This process involves injecting insulin through the skin. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus  – Also called insulin-independent diabetes, this type of diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces some insulin in the body. But the produced insulin is not sufficient as per the body’s requirements, and the cells are resistant to it. This condition is called Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Main symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus The common symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus are given belo...

  Biochemistry News In 2017 Biochemistry  is also known as biological chemistry. It is the study of chemical processes within the living organisms. In this article, we will explore all breakthroughs, innovations and Nobel prize winners in Biochemistry for the year 2017. 1. Moosy 32Enose – An Electronic Nose The first and most important biochemistry news in 2017 is  Moosy 32Enose . Researchers developed a technology that can help sniff disease, called the  Moosy 32eNose . This new device can help differentiate between patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In the future, the electronic nose could be used to detect pancreatic cancer or to detect microbial contamination of water. 2. The Hybrid-SOEC System A team of scientists at the Ulsan National Institute of science and technology (UNIST) has developed a new system for efficient hydrogen production. This new technology called the Hybrid-SOEC system produces hydrogen in a highly efficient and cost-effect...

 Nucleic acids Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules found in all living organisms. They play a crucial role in storing, transmitting, and expressing genetic information. Types of Nucleic Acids: 1. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) 2. RNA (Ribonucleic acid) Structure of Nucleic Acids: Nucleic acids are composed of: 1. Nitrogenous bases (Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine/Uracil) 2. Sugar molecules (Deoxyribose/Ribose) 3. Phosphate groups Functions of Nucleic Acids: 1. DNA:     - Stores genetic information     - Transfers genetic traits to offspring     - Provides instructions for protein synthesis 2. RNA:     - Transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes     - Participates in protein synthesis     - Regulates gene expression Types of RNA: 1. Messenger RNA (mRNA) 2. Transfer RNA (tRNA) 3. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) 4. Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) 5. MicroRNA (miRNA) Importance of Nucleic Acids: 1. Genetic inheritance 2. Protei...