The Genetic Disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU)
A brief examination of this disorder, which affects brain development. Includes an examination of the genetic components and illustrations.
Analytical Essay # 1472 |
850 words (
approx. 3.4 pages ) |
7 sources |
2001
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$ 19.95
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From the Paper
"Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by an inability of the body to utilize one of the constituents of a normal diet- phenylalanine (PHE), which is one of the essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within the body. It means that they have to be taken in from the foods. PHE is found in all protein foods such as meat, eggs, fish, milk, cheese, and so forth. "
Tags:acid, amino, dna, enzyme, metabolism, mutation, pha, phe, phenylpyruvic, pheoh, proteins, trysosoine, tyrosine
Alcohol and the Brain
A paper which looks at the effect of alcohol on the brain.
Essay # 22824 |
817 words (
approx. 3.3 pages ) |
5 sources |
MLA | 2002
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$ 19.95
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Abstract
The effects of alcohol abuse on the unborn child, on society and on relationships are quite well-known, but the fact that alcohol can affect the brain is a fact that is less known. The paper shows that in fact alcohol stops the cortex from serving its role in integrating cognitive processes, resulting in disorganized thinking and motor control difficulties. The paper examines research that shows that individuals with a history of chronic alcohol abuse had significantly smaller brains than non alcoholic individuals. Finally, the paper concludes that continuous research on the subject may help combat alcoholism in the future.
From the Paper
"The actions of several neurotransmitters are significantly affected by the actions of alcohol. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most prevalent neurotransmitters in the human brain, and alcohol is clearly linked to affects on the GABAergic system in the human brain. For example, the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are reduced by blocking the activity of the neurotransmitter by the use of drugs that are well known to block GABA receptors. This evidence suggests that alcohol may play an important role in the biological underpinnings of human alcoholism. Researchers have also noted that tolerance and dependence on alcohol can be explained by the neuropharmacological effect of chronic alcohol use (Brain & Mind Magazine)."
Tags:ethanol, occipital, cortex, Gamma-aminobutyric, acid, GABA
Androstenedione
An examination of the chemical makeup of the drug androstenedione and a discussion of the pros and cons of its use.
Essay # 29546 |
1,537 words (
approx. 6.1 pages ) |
10 sources |
MLA | 2002
|
$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the muscle building synthetic hormone called androstenedione or androstenediol, also nicknamed "andro" which became the first in a list of performance-enhancing substances called pro-hormones. It is called a pro-hormone because it is a precursor to testosterone and metabolizes directly into testosterone and is commonly used by athletes. It analyzes the so called beneficial effects which make "andro" attractive to males of different persuasions with (mostly) cosmetic, non life threatening problems and how research has shown that the negative effects far outweigh the potential benefits. It looks at how aggressive behavior, mood swings and bad moods are commonly reported side effects of androstenedione as well as hair loss, blurred vision, acne, enlarged breasts, shrunken testicles and rarely, liver cancer.
From the Paper
"Androstenedione is also naturally produced by the adrenal gland in humans. Androstenedione was first synthesized in 1935. (Ruzicka and Wettstein, 1935) In 1936, world expert on steroid hormones, Dr. Charles Kochakian, was the first to show that androstenedione produced both androgenic and anabolic effects. But the anabolic effects were significant only in castrated dogs, and even then were much weaker than effects of testosterone. (Kochakian and Murlin, 1936) Its variants are commonly found in the pollen of Scotch pine trees. Androstenedione, when taken orally, will increase blood levels of both Androstenedione and testosterone. According to the German patent given for Androstenedione, 50mg given orally to men raised plasma testosterone levels up to 20 per cent; 100mg raised levels higher than 35 per cent. Blood levels start rising about 15 minutes after oral administration and stay elevated for around three hours."
Tags:testosterone, pro-hormones, muscle, andro
A Study of the Medical Aspects of Pathological Intoxication
Essay # 1446 |
1,090 words (
approx. 4.4 pages ) |
6 sources |
1994
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$ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the nature and scope of pathological intoxication, also referred to as alcohol idiosyncratic intoxication. The paper concludes that the insidious nature of pathological intoxication far exceeds other forms of alcoholism due to its nature and effect upon the individual.
From the Paper
"This disorder is usually defined as a mental aberration, involving severe behavioral alterations when the affected individual consumes alcohol (Mendelson 215), yet those affected with pathological intoxication behave in a manner most unlike their normal self, usually resulting in aggression (DSM-III 132). This alteration in behavior is directly associated with the amount of ethanol ingested, for in regular drinkers, small amounts of ethanol produce no ill effects except for mild intoxication, but in individuals with PI, small amounts can trigger bizarre behavioral changes. Following the ingestion of a single drink, the affected individual becomes very intoxicated which results in assault or belligerent behavior."
Tags:alcoholism, etiology, pathology
Isolation and Purification of Lysozyme
This paper looks at an experiment in an enzyme purification lab for the purification of lysozyme.
Research Paper # 103271 |
2,117 words (
approx. 8.5 pages ) |
5 sources |
APA | 2007
|
$ 49.95
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Abstract
The writer explains that in this experiment, lysozyme was purified from egg white solution into 24 fractions using gel column chromatography. The writer points out that the odd-numbered fractions were then assayed in order to determine the enzymatic activity of lysozyme, while the even-numbered fractions were assayed for total protein content, using the Bradford protein assay procedure. The writer notes that lysozyme is one of the most well-known enzymes, being abundant in mucus, tears, and albumen (commonly known as egg white).
The writer concludes that the purification of lysozyme from egg white was only somewhat successful since the estimated value of the molecular weight, 14.25 kDa, is practically the same as the known weight of 14.3 kDa. However, the specific activity, calculated at 400 units/mg, was significantly less than the expected specific activity of 25 000 units/mg of protein.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results
Calculations
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Lysozyme is itself composed of 129 amino acids, including four disulfide bridges and three sets of alpha helices. The enzyme's active site consists of a long groove that can hold as many as six polysaccharides. According to past experiments, specific activity of lysozyme from egg white is approximately 25 000 units/mg. This is the expected result for this experiment. However, one factor that influences the specific activity is the actual column and type of chromatography being used, since accuracy differs among the different types of chromatographies. Therefore, some are able to purify enzymes better than others, giving a more accurate specific activity. In addition to obtaining the specific activity, molecular weight of the enzyme can be determined by comparing the fraction in which most of the enzyme eluted with the fractionation range."
Tags:protein, egg, white, calculations, fractions
Stepwise Purification of Lactate Dehydrogenase
A biochemistry paper which outlines the purification of lactate dehydrogenase using many standard biochemistry techniques.
Term Paper # 63164 |
1,857 words (
approx. 7.4 pages ) |
5 sources |
APA | 2005
|
$ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper begins by purifying beef heart and ends with a highly-quantitative analysis of the results of attempting to isolate the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. It contains every aspect of a detailed biochemistry lab report. The paper contains complex quantitative analysis with supporting statistics. It also has scanned photographs of the gel electrophoresis.
From the Paper
"Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a crucial enzyme that regulates lactate levels throughout the mammalian body. Proper LDH function is essential for a number of important biochemical pathways, including the Cori Cycle and glycolysis among others. Without it, the glycolytic cycle would come to a halt due to diminished nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) reserves, and the buildup of lactate would ultimately result in lactic acidosis-a potentially fatal affliction."
Tags:bovine, centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis
This is a short essay outlining the biochemical nature of the lactase enzyme.
Essay # 45380 |
1,032 words (
approx. 4.1 pages ) |
8 sources |
2003
|
$ 29.95
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Abstract
This essay talks about the biochemical nature of the enzyme lactase. It talks about it production, the reaction it catalyzes and the physiological effects of this enzyme, in particular the physiological effects of a deficiency of lactase.
From the Paper
"Lactose is a disaccharide that is the principal carbohydrate found in milk and other dairy products. To digest lactose the enzyme lactase is required to catalyse the hydrolysis reaction to produce the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. This enzyme is usually present at birth but often decreases in activity as the child matures. The condition where an individual has a deficiency of lactase is known as lactose intolerance and produces symptoms such as nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Tags:biochem, biochemistry
Should We Accept Cloning?
A persuasive paper about the negative effects of cloning and the ethical and moral questions involve.
Persuasive Essay # 2312 |
2,095 words (
approx. 8.4 pages ) |
10 sources |
2001
|
$ 49.95
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Abstract
An argumentative paper about the negative effects of human cloning. The author discusses the moral, ethical and religious issues that he believes outweigh the medical advances of cloning. Included is an overview of what cloning is and how it could effect society in the future.
From the Paper
"Human cloning is a controversial topic, the public regards it as inappropriate, while the leaders of certain scientific communities believe it is a sound practice that could be researched and used to benefit society. Human cloning is a form of genetic engineering, which most people consider morally wrong and, "Playing God". Through cloning an individual, you create an exact physical duplicate of that person, however, memories, personality and opinions are not recreated, and so differences do exist. Many pros and cons can be found when looking at cloning in depth, but it is my opinion that overall, it is not a beneficial procedure. There are just too many ethical issues that outweigh medical advances and prolonging life spans. A race has been started between scientists, everyone wants to be the first to clone an adult human, however with hopes of personal glorification and publicity, they have lost sight of the moral and religious issues at hand. Human cloning means creating a breed of people that have no flaws or imperfections, and since perfection does not exist, the clone could be nothing but a disappointment."
Tags:clones, ethics, genetics, twins
Marijuana and its Effects
An examination of marijuana, its chemistry, its actions in the brain, and its psychological effects.
Analytical Essay # 1473 |
848 words (
approx. 3.4 pages ) |
10 sources |
2001
|
$ 19.95
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From the Paper
"THC has a range of physiological and psychological effects on the body. Typically, it produces a mild euphoric intoxication, a sense of well-being, alterations in sense of space and time. Quite likely, THC reduces anxiety and relaxes your tension while it intensifies your sense of sound, touch ,or taste, which often stimulates your appetite. It is suspected that THC has something to do with the Lateral Hypothalamus that control the appetite. For this reason, marijuana is employed as an appetite stimulant for patients with serious illnesses such as AIDS or terminal cancer who need to eat in order to survive. In addition, marijuana is also medically beneficial for pain relief, control of nausea and the treatment of asthma and glaucoma."
Tags:drugs, addictive, brain, cannabis, dopamine, fatty, hemp, metabolism, pot, receptor, reward, smoking, system, thc
A short essay outlining the biochemical nature of the lactase enzyme.
Essay # 45396 |
983 words (
approx. 3.9 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2003
|
$ 19.95
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Abstract
This essay talks about the biochemical nature of the enzyme lactase. The paper includes a discussion of it's production, the reaction it catalyzes and the physiological effects of this enzyme. In particular the essay includes an explanation of the physiological effects experienced with a deficiency of lactase.
From the Paper
"Lactose is a disaccharide that is the principal carbohydrate found in milk and other dairy products. To digest lactose the enzyme lactase is required to catalyse the hydrolysis reaction to produce the monosaccharides glucose and galactose. This enzyme is usually present at birth but often decreases in activity as the child matures. The condition where an individual has a deficiency of lactase is known as lactose intolerance and produces symptoms such as nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea"
Tags:biochem, biochemistry