- Describe the role of the following in protein synthesis - DNA, nucleotides, RNA, ribosomes, rough ER, and Golgi apparatus.
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a double stranded hereditary molecule containing the genetic code from which specific protein molecules are synthesized. First step in protein synthesis is synthesis of single stranded complementary RNA. RNA also contains all the components of DNA except a ribose sugar. Special RNA called messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the message to ribosomes. Under mRNA’s direction, transfer RNA (tRNA) delivers amino acids to ribosomes and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) attaches each amino acid to form the final protein. The organelle that is the site of proteins synthesis, appears rough due to large numbers of ribosomes on it, and is called rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Golgi complex is the organelle where the proteins are stored, processed and sorted before sending to their destination (Alberts, 2002, p 760).
- List three factors that have contributed to the increase in infectious disease, and name a disease that has been particularly affected by each factor.
The three factors contributing to increase in infectious diseases are: urbanization, contaminated hypodermic apparatus and food processing. Dengue is spread my mosquito and due to urbanization, they have a larger host size to inject the infectious agent in them. Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease spread by Human Immuno Virus (HIV). It survives in blood and other secretions. Due to improper practice of sterilization and drug addiction, chances have increased of using contaminated syringes. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is an infectious disease spread by a bacteria E.coli. It resides in undercooked or stale food items, which when consumed infect the host (Morse, 1995, p 8).
- Compare and contrast osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and osteomyelitis.
The bones are a dynamic structure with high turnover of matrix (bone mineral), which is made strong by calcium. Disturbance in the matrix resulting in less deposition or wear and tear causes osteoporosis. If less calcium is deposited on the matrix causes osteomalacia resulting is poor strength. When the bone is infected by a bacteria or fungus, it loses its structure resulting in osteomyelitis (Leppert, ed, 2012).
- Compare and contrast Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease.
Parkinson and Alzheimer are both neurodegenerative, in which neurons progressively get damaged and die. To start with, Parkinson’s is not a memory disorder, but a movement disorder which progresses to dementia. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neuron cells from substantia nigra. Whereas Alzheimer’s disease, is a cognitive disorder as the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex of the brain is affected. A neurotransmitter called acetylcholine is diminished which impairs the memory and learning part (Chang, 2012).
Reference
Alberts, B. (2002). Molecular biology of the cell. New York: Garland Science
Morse, S. (1995). Factors in the Emergence of Infectious Diseases. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 1995, 7-15.
Leppert, MA, ed. (2012). Osteoporosis and osteiomyelitis coding in ICD-10-CM. Retrieved from http://www.justcoding.com/277942/osteoporosis-and-osteomyelitis-coding-in-icd10cm
Chang, E. (2012). Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases: Similar But Very Different. Retrieved from http://www.alznyc.org/nyc/newsletter/fall2012/06.asp#.VFJPASKUdws
