Phosphorus is another essential element for living organisms. Phosphate ions are needed to make phospholipids, ATP, and nucleotides (the monomers of DNA and RNA). Phosphates are transferred through an ecosystem in the phosphorus cycle. In this article we will look at the cycle itself, and the role of mycorrhizae and saprobionts. The phosphorus cycle Many... Continue Reading →
Diffusion is one of those topics that pops up at all levels of biology, and each time gets a little more complicated. But it is still the basic process of substances evenly distributing themselves. It is just a little more complex when it happens across a cell membrane. Simple diffusion Firstly, lets recap the basics... Continue Reading →
Today we are starting a new series looking at how substances are exchanged across cell membranes and transported around organisms. These processes are really important for getting essential resources such as oxygen and glucose to all the cells in an organism. We will start by taking a closer look at the structure of the cell... Continue Reading →
Lipids are a particular interest of mine as my PhD was based on fat metabolism. They have important functions in the body, and can be both friend and foe. Fatty Acids Fatty acids all have the same basic structure, but have a variable R group which is a long hydrocarbon chain. If there are no... Continue Reading →
