https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2017.00527 SUMMARY: In 2003, scientists discovered that giant viruses infected amoebas. These giant viruses are so big that they were mistaken for bacteria for the longest time. It wasn’t until scientists realized they contained no ribosomal DNA that these organisms were reclassified as viruses. From there, even more giant viruses were discovered. Some of the… Continue reading Amoebae, Giant Viruses, and Virophages
Tag: cells
The architecture of cell differentiation in choanoflagellates and sponge choanocytes
The architecture of cell differentiation in choanoflagellates and sponge choanocytes SUMMARY: The closest relative to multicellular animals are single-celled organisms called choanoflagellates. These protists look like collar cells. These are cells that have a microvillar ring (the collar) around a flagellum. An example of these cells in animals are sensory epidermal cells. To get a… Continue reading The architecture of cell differentiation in choanoflagellates and sponge choanocytes
A Review of Microbial Biosorbents
A New Strategy for Heavy Metal Polluted Environments: A Review of Microbial Biosorbents SUMMARY: Heavy metal pollution is a serious environmental problem and the chemical/physical means of getting rid of them are either too expensive, not effective for low quantities of pollutants, or produce a lot of toxic waste. One solution is to use microbes… Continue reading A Review of Microbial Biosorbents
Mitochondrial respiration during sepsis
Variability of mitochondrial respiration in relation to sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction SUMMARY: This is an article review on how oxygen is used by the mitochondrion during sepsis. The role of mitochondria play during sepsis is still inconsistent, despite the various studies that have been done. There are three hypotheses for mitochondrial dysfunction. 1. Mitochondria are… Continue reading Mitochondrial respiration during sepsis
Using Phytochemicals to Inhibit Efflux Pumps in Bacteria
Inhibiting Bacterial Drug Efflux Pumps via Phyto-Therapeutics to Combat Threatening Antimicrobial Resistance SUMMARY: Many plants produce chemicals that kill bacteria or prevent their growth. This article looks at how the plant chemicals affect efflux pumps. The first and second sections explain what efflux pumps are and describes the many roles they play in bacteria cells,… Continue reading Using Phytochemicals to Inhibit Efflux Pumps in Bacteria
How the Microbiome Might Affect Microglia
Emerging Developments in Microbiome and Microglia Research: Implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders SUMMARY: Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut bacteria influence the way microglia develop. This then affects the way synapses are pruned, myelination, and other aspects of brain development. There are three types of SCFAs: acetate, butyrate, and propionate. They each have different… Continue reading How the Microbiome Might Affect Microglia