What is recombinant DNA? Draw a schematic to show the process of creating rDNA and explain the roles of restriction enzymes and vectors in this process. Give an example of rDNA technology.

Recombinant DNA Technology: A Deep Dive Introduction: Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology is a powerful set of techniques used to manipulate DNA molecules in vitro. It involves combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations that are not naturally occurring. This process has revolutionized various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The foundation of … Read more

Avian flu

Avian Influenza: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction: Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, refers to a group of highly contagious viral infections affecting birds. These viruses, primarily subtypes of Influenza A virus, are categorized by their hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) surface proteins (e.g., H5N1, H7N9). The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reports that … Read more

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis: A Persistent Global Health Threat Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB, and 1.6 million died from the disease (including 187,000 among people with HIV). This highlights the … Read more

Encephalitis

Encephalitis: A Comprehensive Overview Introduction: Encephalitis, derived from the Greek words “enkephalos” (brain) and “itis” (inflammation), refers to the inflammation of the brain. This inflammation can be triggered by various factors, including viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections; autoimmune disorders; and even certain medications. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of cases of … Read more

Malaria

Malaria: A Persistent Global Health Challenge Introduction: Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a significant global health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, there were an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide, resulting in an estimated 619,000 deaths. The … Read more

Cholera

Cholera: A Global Health Threat Introduction: Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.3 to 4.0 million cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths occur annually worldwide. The disease is … Read more

In October 2020, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to the CRISPR technology. Explain how CRISPR functions in nature and how it has been adapted for research and clinical applications.

The CRISPR-Cas System: From Bacterial Defense to Revolutionary Biotechnology Introduction: The 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna for their development of a method for genome editing – the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. While the prize recognized their adaptation of the system, CRISPR-Cas systems are naturally occurring mechanisms within … Read more

Is there any difference between gene therapy, transgenic organisms, and gene enhancement/genome editing? With examples, explain the ethical concerns in each of these approaches. When can genome editing be considered ethical?

Gene Therapy, Transgenic Organisms, and Genome Editing: A Comparative Analysis with Ethical Considerations Introduction: Genetic engineering encompasses a range of techniques aimed at modifying an organism’s genetic material. This includes gene therapy, the creation of transgenic organisms, and genome editing/gene enhancement. While all involve manipulating genes, they differ significantly in their approach, applications, and ethical … Read more

What do you know about the agents, stages, and effects of soil erosion? What are the factors affecting soil erosion and measures to conserve soil?

Soil Erosion: Agents, Stages, Effects, Factors, and Conservation Measures Introduction: Soil erosion is the process of detachment and transportation of soil particles by natural agents like wind and water, or by human activities. It’s a significant global environmental problem, impacting agricultural productivity, water quality, and biodiversity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that soil … Read more