PG & Research Department of Biochemistry

  Protein Engineering Concepts in Protein Engineering Protein Structure and Function : Proteins are composed of amino acids and fold into specific three-dimensional structures, determining their function. Understanding the relationship between structure and function is crucial for effective engineering. Methods of Protein Engineering : Site-Directed Mutagenesis : Targeted changes to specific amino acids in a protein to study effects on function. Random Mutagenesis : Introducing random mutations to create a library of variants for screening. Directed Evolution : Iterative cycles of mutation and selection to evolve proteins with desirable traits. Computational Protein Design : Utilizing algorithms and simulations to predict how changes in amino acid sequences will affect protein structure and function. Tools like Rosetta and AlphaFold are increasingly used to model protein structures accurately. Applications of Protein Engineering Therapeutics : Designing proteins for targeted drug d...

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic- Statistics & Facts The lockdown in India in response to COVID-19 was one of the largest and most stringent in the world.  Timeline of Lockdown in India Initial Lockdown (March 2020) : Announcement : On March 24, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. Duration : The initial phase lasted for 21 days and was later extended multiple times. Restrictions : All non-essential services were suspended, schools and colleges were closed, and people were required to stay at home, except for essential activities. Phased Unlocking (June 2020 onwards) : Unlock 1.0 : Starting in June 2020, the government began a phased reopening, allowing certain sectors to resume operations while maintaining safety protocols. Subsequent Unlocks : Various phases continued throughout the summer and into the fall, with states given some autonomy to implement localized restrictions based on their COVID-19 sit...

  covid 19 complications 1. Respiratory Complications Pneumonia : Inflammation of the lungs, which can be severe and lead to respiratory failure. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) : A severe condition characterized by rapid lung failure. 2. Cardiovascular Issues Myocarditis : Inflammation of the heart muscle, which can affect heart function. Arrhythmias : Irregular heartbeats, which can be life-threatening. Blood Clots : Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embo lism (PE). 3. Neurological Effects Cognitive Impairment : Some patients report “brain fog,” memory issues, or difficulty concentrating. Stroke : Increased risk of ischemic strokes, particularly in severe cases. 4. Gastrointestinal Complications Diarrhea and Nausea : Common symptoms during the acute phase and can persist in some cases. Liver Damage : Elevated liver enzymes may indicate liver involvement. 5. Kidney Damage Acute Kidney Injury : Can occur in severe cases, sometimes requiring dialy...

COVID-19  COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a respiratory illness that emerged in late 2019.  Overview Transmission : Spread mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread via surfaces and aerosols in enclosed spaces. Symptoms : Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms, while others can develop severe illness. Variants Multiple variants have emerged, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron. Variants can have different transmissibility and severity, affecting public health responses. Prevention Vaccination : Vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use, significantly reducing the severity of illness and transmission rates. Public Health Measures : Wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and practicing good hand hygiene are crucial for preventing the spread. Treatment Mild Cases : Ofte...

  Room fresheners Room fresheners, while popular for improving indoor air quality and creating pleasant scents, can have some side effects.  1. Respiratory Issues Irritation : Some fresheners contain chemicals that can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Allergic Reactions : Certain ingredients may trigger allergies or asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. 2. Chemical Exposure Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) : Many air fresheners release VOCs, which can contribute to indoor air pollution and may have long-term health effects with prolonged exposure. Endocrine Disruption : Some synthetic fragrances may contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormonal disruptions. 3. Headaches and Nausea Fragrance Sensitivity : High concentrations of artificial scents can trigger headaches, migraines, or nausea in some individuals. 4. Skin Reactions Contact Dermatitis : Direct contact with certain fresheners can cause skin irritatio...

  Types of Food Coloring Agents Natural Colorants : Plant-based : Derived from fruits, vegetables, and plants (e.g., beet juice for red, turmeric for yellow). Animal-based : Includes cochineal (carmine) from insects, often used for red. Synthetic Colorants : Artificial Dyes : Created through chemical processes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5). Lake Colors : These are dye salts used in products that contain fats and oils. Common Food Coloring Agents Beet Red (Beet Juice Extract) : Used for red/pink hues. Carotenoids : Found in carrots and tomatoes, used for yellow/orange colors. Annatto : Derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, used for yellow/orange. Spirulina : A blue-green algae used for blue coloring. Titanium Dioxide : A white pigment often used in dairy products and sauces. Regulatory Aspects Approval : In many countries, food colorants must be approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA in the U.S., EFSA in Europe). Labeling : Products containing synthetic dyes must list these on in...

  cancer statistics in India  Incidence and Prevalence New Cases : India reports over 1.5 million new cancer cases annually. Common Types : The most prevalent cancers include breast, cervical, lung, oral, and stomach cancers. Gender Differences : Breast cancer is the most common among women, while lung cancer is prevalent among men. Mortality Death Rates : Approximately 800,000 cancer-related deaths occur each year. Survival Rates : The overall five-year survival rate varies by cancer type, with some cancers like breast cancer showing better outcomes due to early detection and treatment. Risk Factors Lifestyle Factors : Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are significant contributors. Infections : Certain cancers, such as cervical and liver cancer, are linked to viral infections like HPV and hepatitis B/C. Regional Variations Urban vs. Rural : Incidence rates tend to be higher in urban areas, but rural populations face challenges in access...