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The Golgi organelle's ribbon structure is not exclusive to vertebrates, contrary to previous consensus . Researchers report that the Golgi ribbon, an organelle structure previously thought to be exclusive to vertebrates, is also present in animal taxa, including mollusks, earthworms, and sea urchins. The function of the Golgi ribbon is still enigmatic, but its presence in diverse animal lineages indicates that its function is not vertebrate specific, as previously thought. The team also showed Golgi ribbons form at a specific timepoint during embryogenesis, which suggests that they might play a role in cell differentiation. #ScienceDailynews #InnovativeResearch #NextGenScience #ExploringFrontiers

Choose the correct ordering of the events in meiosis Meiosis is a special type of cell division necessary for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes, such as animals, plants and fungi. The number of sets of chromosomes in the cell undergoing meiosis is reduced to half the original number, typically from two sets \(diploid\) to one set \(haploid\). The cells produced by meiosis are either gametes \(the usual case in animals\) or otherwise usually spores from which gametes are ultimately produced \(the case in land plants\). In many organisms, including all animals and land plants \(but not some other groups such as fungi\), gametes are called sperm in males and egg cells or ova in females. Since meiosis has halved the number of sets of chromosomes, when two gametes fuse during fertilisation, the number of sets of chromosomes in the resulting zygote is restored to the original number. Meiotic division occurs in two stages, meiosis I and meiosis II, dividing the cells once at each stage. The first stage begins with a diploid cell that has two copies of each type of chromosome, one from each the mother and father, called homologous chromosomes. All homologous chromosomes pair up and may exchange genetic material with each other in a process called crossing over. Each pair then separates as two haploid cells are formed, each with one chromosome from every homologous pair. In the second stage, each chromosome splits into two, with each half, called a sister chromatid, being separated into two new cells, which are still haploid. This occurs in both of the haploid cells formed in meiosis I. Therefore from each original cell, four genetically distinct haploid cells are produced. These cells can mature into gametes. History Meiosis was discovered and described for the first time in sea urchin eggs in 1876 by the German biologist Oscar Hertwig. It was described again in 1883, at the level of chromosomes, by the Belgian zoologist Edouard Van Beneden, in Ascaris worms' eggs. The significance of meiosis for reproduction and inheritance, however, was described only in 1890 by German biologist August Weismann, who noted that two cell divisions were necessary to transform one diploid cell into four haploid cells if the number of chromosomes had to be maintained. In 1911 the American geneticist Thomas Hunt Morgan observed crossover in Drosophila melanogaster meiosis and provided the first genetic evidence that genes are transmitted on chromosomes. The term meiosis was introduced to biology by J.B. Farmer and J.E.S. Moore in 1905: We propose to apply the terms Maiosis or Maiotic phase to cover the whole series of nuclear changes included in the two divisions that were designated as Heterotype and Homotype by Flemming. It is derived from the Greek word 'lessening'. Youtube video: https://lnkd.in/dAAJTUvf \#nikolays_genetics_lessons

All headgears of hoofed mammals come from a common ancestor: The headgear of ruminant hoofed mammals, including horns and antlers, evolved from a common ancestor, according to new genomic research. #Heagear #Horns #Antlers #GenomicResearch #Genetics #HoofedMammals #Ossicones #Evolution #EarthDotCom #EarthSnap #Earth

Indian Journal of Animal Research Published Volume 58 Issue 6 (JUNE 2024) The Relationship of Mitochondrial-derived Peptide (MOTS-c) and Brain Mitochondrial Carrier Protein 1 (BMCP1) Response in Sheep with Some Physiological Parameters B. Bayraktar, N. Demir, V. Aksakal doi: 10.18805/IJAR.BF-1785 Cite article:- Bayraktar B., Demir N., Aksakal V. (2024). The Relationship of Mitochondrial-derived Peptide (MOTS-c) and Brain Mitochondrial Carrier Protein 1 (BMCP1) Response in Sheep with Some Physiological Parameters . Indian Journal of Animal Research. 58(6): 912-917. doi: 10.18805/IJAR.BF-1785. ABSTRACT Background: Mitochondria are organelles called power plants of the cell, which are found in eukaryotic cells and are responsible for the production of energy needed by the cells through aerobic respiration. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes endocrinological, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of body condition score (BCS), lactation, pregnancy, age and gender on Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MOTS-c) and Brain Mitochondrial Transporter Protein 1 (BMCP1) levels in Akkaraman sheep. Methods: Sheep are classified into 3 categories according to BCS (BCS<2, BCS=3-3.5, BCS≥4). In creating groups in terms of BCS, it was determined by the palpation method applied to the waist area. The sheep included in the study were divided into 4 groups: early lactation, early pregnancy, late pregnancy (dry period) and age (female and male sheep).1st group, ewes in the first period of pregnancy (on the 100th day of the first pregnancy) (n = 30), 2nd group, ewes in the early lactation period (n = 30), 3rd group, ewes in the dry period (the last two months of pregnancy) (n = 30) and in the 4th group, <2 (young) (n=30), 2-8 (adult) (n=30), 8> (old) (n=30), male and female sheep (n=30) of different ages. =180) total of 270 animals. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of the sheep before the morning feeding. MOTSc and BMCP1 levels were determined in blood serum samples by ELISA method. Result: In the study, serum MOTS-c and BMCP1 levels in sheep during lactation and pregnancy were determined to be lowest in the VKS<2 group and highest in the VKS≥4 groups. Likewise, in age and gender groups, the highest level was detected in young lambs and yearlings in the VKS<2 group, while the highest level was detected in old sheep and rams in the VKS≥4 group. As a result, it was determined that different age, gender, pregnancy and lactation periods affected serum MOTS-c and BMCP1 levels depending on the change in BCS (P<0.05). It was concluded that MOTS-c and BMCP1 may be useful parameters in the evaluation of mitochondrial function, energy metabolism and metabolic profile. KEYWORDS Brain Mitochondrial Transporter Protein 1 (BMCP1), Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide (MOTS-C), Physiological Parameters, Sheep https://lnkd.in/gBybUJni

What the Pug? : Exploring the Dark Side of These Adorable Loaves Our puppy-eyed fur friends exist as they are today because of selective breeding. Humans yearned to create domesticated and adorable companions, and it's safe to say they succeeded. Breeders carefully chose features that made dogs not only fun to be around but also useful. For instance, bloodhounds made great hunters due to their acute sense of smell. But what about the flat-snouted, round-headed loaves covered in squishy folds? What was their purpose? The origin of pugs can be traced back to ancient China around 400 B.C. Their large eyes and round heads were carefully chosen genetic traits. These "Lo-Sze" (as pugs were famously called) were considered symbols of good fortune and luck. Their primary purpose was simply to sit still and look adorable in the laps of Chinese emperors. They were provided with luxurious accommodations and often given as prestigious gifts. However, the very features that made pugs globally sought after and considered symbols of luck are now the reason they face such severe health issues. Here are some of the most common problems that pugs face today: 1. Breathing problems: Have you notices pugs seem to have a perpetual cold? Well, the reason is because of their flat nose and short skull, these traits affect their respiratory causing a condition called 'Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome' or BOAS for short. Since pugs are afflicted with this condition they are brachycephalic which makes them a huge flight risk. 2. Cataracts: This condition is often linked to specific genetic mutations passed down through generations making pugs genetically predisposed to developing cataracts at an earlier age compared to other breeds . A study suggests that these cataracts are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the defective gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition, which is more likely than you think. 3. Epilepsy: Pugs have a higher incidence of idiopathic epilepsy, which is epilepsy without an identifiable cause. A paper found that familial patterns of epilepsy in pugs suggest a hereditary component, although the exact genetic mechanisms are still being studied. Genetics can be an incredibly powerful tool for understanding organisms and improving their lives. Through the study of genetics, scientists can identify hereditary diseases, develop treatments, and even prevent health issues before they arise. However, when genetic manipulation is used irresponsibly or purely for aesthetic or superficial purposes, it can lead to severe health consequences, as seen in certain dog breeds like pugs. Let us take the example of pugs to illustrate the need for a more ethical and holistic approach to genetics, one that is beneficial to all and minimizes potential harms. #puglife #dogs #genetics #biotech #pugs #ethics #ethicalgenetics #science

In our latest video, Dr. Rodney E Rohde, SV, SM, MB (ASCP), FACSc, sheds light on the intricate connection between wildlife, zoonotic viruses, and human health. Explore how understanding this relationship can help safeguard ourselves from potential threats. Watch: https://bit.ly/3YmyrG5 #infectiousdiseases #viruses #virology #zoonotic #mls #wildlife #viralvectors #medicallabscience #publichealth #microbiology #wildlifebiology #patientpreparedness

The life cycle of the #immortal #jellyfish, scientifically known as **Turritopsis dohrnii**, is quite fascinating. This species is known for its ability to revert its cells to their earliest form and grow anew, effectively rendering it biologically immortal³. Here's a brief overview of its life cycle: 1. **Eggs and Sperm**: Like most jellyfish species, they have eggs and sperm which get released to be fertilized². 2. **Free-Swimming Larval Form**: From the fertilized eggs, you get a free-swimming larval form². 3. **Polyp Stage**: The larva moves about in the current until it finds a hard surface to establish itself. It then starts to mature and grow into a polyp². 4. **Medusa Stage**: The polyps then bud off and mature into young jellyfish, also known as medusae². The immortal jellyfish has a unique ability to reverse its life cycle. When the medusa of this species is physically damaged or experiences stresses such as #starvation, instead of dying, it shrinks in on itself, reabsorbing its tentacles and losing the ability to swim². It then settles on the seafloor as a blob-like cyst². Over the next 24-36 hours, this blob develops into a new polyp². This phenomenon has been likened to that of a butterfly which, instead of dying, would be able to transform back into a caterpillar and then metamorphose into an adult butterfly once again². The process behind the jellyfish's remarkable transformation is called **#transdifferentiation**². This process reprogrammes the #medusa's specialized cells to become specialized polyp cells, allowing the jellyfish to regrow themselves in an entirely different body plan to the free-swimming jellyfish they had recently been². They can then mature again from there as normal, producing new, genetically identical medusae². This life cycle reversal can be repeated, and in perfect conditions, it may be that these jellyfish would never die of old age².. Source: (1) Turritopsis dohrnii - Wikipedia. (2) Immortal jellyfish: the secret to cheating death. https://lnkd.in/g6cnNjAE (3) undefined. https://lnkd.in/gRrqmfeT. (4) ‘Immortal Jellyfish’ Could Spur Discoveries About Human Aging. https://lnkd.in/gC4zigCB. (5) News of the Day: Immortal Jellyfish | Ocean Today. https://lnkd.in/gK7yeVTh. (6) The 'Immortal Jellyfish' Can Age in Reverse And Possibly Live Forever. https://lnkd.in/gjQ9FxPi. (7) en.wikipedia.org. https://lnkd.in/ghp8DhGr.

Researchers have been tinkering with pig genetics in order to make donor animals whose organs are more compatible with our own...want to know how close they are? Check out my new article for Nature Lab Animal:

A very interesting article! Exciting progress in xenotransplantation: The field of organ transplantation from pigs to humans is advancing rapidly. Key developments include: • Since 2021, pig hearts, kidneys, and a liver have been transplanted into living human patients. • Gene editing tools like CRISPR are being used to modify pigs, making their organs more compatible with humans. • Challenges remain, including immune rejection and potential viral transmission, but researchers are optimistic. • Different approaches are being tested, from 10-gene edits to as many as 69 genetic modifications in donor pigs. • The goal is to address the critical shortage of human donor organs, potentially saving thousands of lives. As research continues, xenotransplantation could become a viable option for patients awaiting organ transplants, marking a significant leap in medical science and organ availability. #Xenotransplantation #OrganTransplant #MedicalInnovation #Biotechnology

Here is a fun one, for those of us interested in the intersection of neuroscience and leadership. A bit of background: our thinking and our behavior is altered not only by our own DNA, but also by the various genetic makeups of the viruses, parasites and bacteria that get integrated into our systems. One of the most famous examples of this is Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can only sexually reproduce - aka, stay alive - by being inside the digestive system of a cat. Problem is, toxoplasma gondii can actually infect most mammals... but then it gets stuck. It can infect a rat, or a wolf, or a human, but then it can't reproduce. So what did this sneaky parasite do, when it found itself stuck in a rat instead of a cat?  It changed the brains of the rat, so the rat was essentially sexually attracted to the smell of cats and simultaneously, was much less afraid of these felines. The result was very bad for the rats... as they pretty much began jumping into the jaws of their newly beloved predators. But great outcome for T. Gondii... as once the cat ate the rat, it also became the perfect host, allowing T. Gondii to replicate at will. New research has now come out on Toxoplasma gondii and wolves, who fare a bit better than the rats. Being infected as a wolf actually makes you 46x more likely to become the pack leader. (It also makes you 11x more likely to end up leaving the pack, than those who were not infected.) The mechanisms are similar to the ones in rats: increased preference for the smell of cat urine and decreased anxiousness / increased risk taking. But wolves tend to interact more with cougars than housecats, and when driven to increase their search for these felines, this behavior tends to result in the wolf finding new territory (now shared with a few cougars, but this doesn't seem to be so bad). Overall, a better outcome than the rat's death, even thought it is a final act worthy of a Greek tragedy. So the next time we are tempted to blame nature or nurture for our leadership abilities, perhaps we should ask what else could be influencing us. After all, about 50% of us humans are infected with Toxoplasma gondii already. It's more likely to explain our tolerance for the smell of cats than our leadership... but there are studies that indicate this parasite influences us in many of the same ways as rats and wolves, if to a somewhat lesser extent. https://lnkd.in/gUJ5TRpc