DNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands during replication by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing strand using the original DNA as a template. It works in the 5′ to 3′ direction, ensuring accurate base-pairing to maintain genetic fidelity. DNA polymerase also has proofreading capabilities, correcting errors […]
RNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription. It binds to specific regions of the DNA called promoters and unwinds the DNA strands to read the sequence. RNA polymerase then assembles complementary RNA nucleotides to form a single-stranded RNA molecule. This RNA serves as […]
Archaebacteria, or archaea, are a group of single-celled microorganisms distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. They thrive in extreme environments like hot springs, salt lakes, and deep-sea vents. Unlike bacteria, archaea have unique cell membranes and genetic material. They lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which sets them apart from true […]
Bacterial conjugation is a process where one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. A donor cell with a plasmid forms a pilus to connect with a recipient cell, transferring genetic material that can lead to new traits or antibiotic resistance in the recipient. This is an MCQ […]
A restriction enzyme, or restriction endonuclease, is a protein produced by bacteria that cuts DNA at specific sequences, known as recognition sites. These enzymes serve as a defense mechanism against invading viruses by chopping up foreign DNA. In biotechnology, restriction enzymes are used for genetic engineering, as they allow precise […]
Restriction endonucleases, or restriction enzymes, are proteins that cut DNA at specific recognition sequences, usually palindromic. Found naturally in bacteria, they serve as a defense mechanism by cleaving foreign DNA, such as that of viruses. Each enzyme recognizes a particular sequence of nucleotides and cuts at or near this site, […]
Chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate, identify, and analyze components in a mixture. It involves a stationary phase and a mobile phase. As the mixture moves through the stationary phase, different components travel at different rates, leading to separation. Types include gas, liquid, paper, and thin-layer chromatography, each […]
Column chromatography is a technique used to separate and purify individual compounds from a mixture. It involves a column filled with a stationary phase (usually silica gel or alumina) through which the mixture is passed along with a mobile phase (a solvent or solvent mixture). As the mixture moves through […]
Gas Chromatography (GC) is a powerful analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify volatile compounds in a mixture. In GC, the sample is vaporized and carried by an inert gas (the mobile phase) through a column packed with a stationary phase. As the sample travels through the column, its […]