Horseshoe Crabs
Polydnaviridae
Biomphalaria
Larva
Ostreidae
Penaeidae
Bivalvia
Mytilus
Wasps
Host-Parasite Interactions
Periplaneta
Arthropod Proteins
Ceratitis capitata
Vibrio
Pectinidae
Phagocytosis
Decapoda (Crustacea)
Ascaridia
Catechol Oxidase
Anopheles gambiae Ag-STAT, a new insect member of the STAT family, is activated in response to bacterial infection. (1/614)
A new insect member of the STAT family of transcription factors (Ag-STAT) has been cloned from the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. The domain involved in DNA interaction and the SH2 domain are well conserved. Ag-STAT is most similar to Drosophila D-STAT and to vertebrate STATs 5 and 6, constituting a proposed ancient class A of the STAT family. The mRNA is expressed at all developmental stages, and the protein is present in hemocytes, pericardial cells, midgut, skeletal muscle and fat body cells. There is no evidence of transcriptional activation following bacterial challenge. However, bacterial challenge results in nuclear translocation of Ag-STAT protein in fat body cells and induction of DNA-binding activity that recognizes a STAT target site. In vitro treatment with pervanadate (vanadate and H2O2) translocates Ag-STAT to the nucleus in midgut epithelial cells. This is the first evidence of direct participation of the STAT pathway in immune responses in insects. (+info)A cell-surface superoxide dismutase is a binding protein for peroxinectin, a cell-adhesive peroxidase in crayfish. (2/614)
Peroxinectin, a cell-adhesive peroxidase (homologous to human myeloperoxidase), from the crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus, was shown by immuno-fluorescence to bind to the surface of crayfish blood cells (haemocytes). In order to identify a cell surface receptor for peroxinectin, labelled peroxinectin was incubated with a blot of haemocyte membrane proteins. It was found to specifically bind two bands of 230 and 90 kDa; this binding was decreased in the presence of unlabelled peroxinectin. Purified 230/90 kDa complex also bound peroxinectin in the same assay. In addition, the 230 kDa band binds the crayfish beta-1,3-glucan-binding protein. The 230 kDa band could be reduced to 90 kDa, thus showing that the 230 kDa is a multimer of 90 kDa units. The peroxinectin-binding protein was cloned from a haemocyte cDNA library, using immuno-screening or polymerase chain reaction based on partial amino acid sequence of the purified protein. It has a signal sequence, a domain homologous to CuZn-containing superoxide dismutases, and a basic, proline-rich, C-terminal tail, but no membrane-spanning segment. In accordance, the 90 and 230 kDa bands had superoxide dismutase activity. Immuno-fluorescence of non-permeabilized haemocytes with affinity-purified antibodies confirmed that the crayfish CuZn-superoxide dismutase is localized at the cell surface; it could be released from the membrane with high salt. It was thus concluded that the peroxinectin-binding protein is an extracellular SOD (EC-SOD) and a peripheral membrane protein, presumably kept at the cell surface via ionic interaction with its C-terminal region. This interaction with a peroxidase seems to be a novel function for an SOD. The binding of the cell surface SOD to the cell-adhesive/opsonic peroxinectin may mediate, or regulate, cell adhesion and phagocytosis; it may also be important for efficient localized production of microbicidal substances. (+info)Acidification of the phagosome in Crassostrea virginica hemocytes following engulfment of zymosan. (3/614)
Phagocytic hemocytes are responsible for engulfing and internally degrading foreign organisms within the hemolymph and tissue of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Since rapid acidification of the phagosome lumen is typically essential for activation of hydrolytic and reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) producing enzymes in vertebrate cells, we measured phagosomal pH in oyster hemocytes by using the emission fluorescence of two fluorescent probes, rhodamine and Oregon Green 488 (OG 488), conjugated to zymosan to determine whether oyster hemocyte phagosomes become acidified after phagocytosis of zymosan. The average pH of 1079 phagosomes within 277 hemocytes 1 h after phagocytosis of zymosan was 3.9 +/- 0.03. Observations of 141 hemocytes with internalized zymosan by light microscopy revealed that, over a 60-min time period, 51% of highly granular hemocytes became partially granular, and 29% became agranular. In addition, 83% of partially granular hemocytes containing zymosan at time = 0 became agranular within 60 min. A comparison revealed that the phagosomes of agranular hemocytes were much more acidic (pH 3.1 +/- 0.02) than those of highly granular hemocytes (4.9 +/- 0.02; P < 0.05). These values are significantly lower than most reported in the literature for blood cells from metazoan organisms. (+info)Prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Purification, characterization, and cDNA cloning. (4/614)
Prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme (PPAE) was purified to homogeneity as judged by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis from larval cuticles of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The purified PPAE preparation was shown to be a mixture of the isozymes of PPAE (PPAE-I and PPAE-II), which were eluted at different retention times in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. PPAE-I and PPAE-II seemed to be post translationally modified isozymes and/or allelic variants. Both PPAE isozymes were proteins composed of two polypeptides (heavy and light chains) that are linked by disulfide linkage(s) and glycosylated serine proteases. The results of cDNA cloning, peptide mapping, and amino acid sequencing of PPAE revealed that PPAE is synthesized as prepro-PPAE with 441 amino acid residues and is activated from pro-PPAE by cleavage of a peptide bond between Lys152 and Ile153. The homology search showed 36.9% identity of PPAE to easter, which is a serine protease involved in dorso-ventral pattern formation in the Drosophila embryo, and indicated the presence of two consecutive clip-like domains in the light chain. A single copy of the PPAE gene was suggested to be present in the silkworm genome. In the fifth instar larvae, PPAE transcripts were detected in the integument, hemocytes, and salivary glands but not in the fat body or mid gut. A polypeptide cross-reactive to mono-specific anti-PPAE/IgG was transiently detected in the extract of eggs between 1 and 3 h after they were laid. (+info)A unique primary structure, cDNA cloning and function of a galactose-specific lectin from ascidian plasma. (5/614)
The complete amino acid sequence of a galactose-specific lectin from the plasma of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi has been determined by sequential Edman degradation analysis of peptide fragments derived by proteolytic fragmentation and chemical cleavage of the reductive S-pyridylethylated lectin. Peptide fragments were separated by reverse-phase HPLC. The N-terminal and C-terminal amino acid sequences were determined by Edman degradation and enzymatic digestion. The H. roretzi plasma lectin is a single-chain protein consisting of 327 amino acids and four disulfide bonds, one of which was found to be cross-linked intramolecularly. A comparison of the amino acid sequence of the H. roretzi plasma lectin with the sequences of other proteins reveals that the H. roretzi lectin has a structure consisting of a twice-repeated sequence, a fibrinogen-related sequence and a C-type lectin-homologous sequence. The above amino acid sequence was verified by cDNA cloning of this lectin. Three cDNA clones that have single ORFs encoding the lectin precursor were isolated from an H. roretzi hepatopancreas cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequences in the three cDNA clones contain the same sequence of the mature lectin molecule and the same putative signal sequence. In addition, it was demonstrated that this lectin can enhance phagocytosis by H. roretzi hemocytes. Thus, the plasma lectin is constructed into an oligomer structure via intermolecular disulfide bonds and plays a role in the biological defense of H. roretzi as a defense molecule. (+info)A hemocyte-like cell line established from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae expresses six prophenoloxidase genes. (6/614)
Cell lines from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae have been established as a tool for the study of the mosquito innate immune system in vitro. Here, we describe the first continuous insect cell line that produces prophenoloxidase (PPO). This cell line (4a-3B) expresses constitutively six PPO genes, three of which are novel (PPO4, PPO5, and PPO6). The PPO genes show distinct temporal expression profiles in the intact mosquito, spanning stages from the embryo to the adult in an overlapping manner. Transient induction of larva-specific PPO genes in blood-fed adult females suggests that the developmental hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone may be involved in PPO gene regulation. Indeed, exposure of 4a-3B cells to 20-hydroxyecdysone in culture results in induction of those PPO genes that are mainly expressed in early developmental stages, and repression of PPO5, which is preferentially expressed at the adult stage. The cell line shows bacteria-induced immune transcripts that encode defensin and Gram-negative bacteria-binding protein, but no induction of PPO transcripts. This cell line most likely derives from a hemocyte lineage, and represents an appropriate in vitro model for the study of the humoral and cellular immune defenses of A. gambiae. (+info)Tachylectin-2: crystal structure of a specific GlcNAc/GalNAc-binding lectin involved in the innate immunity host defense of the Japanese horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus. (7/614)
Tachylectin-2, isolated from large granules of the hemocytes of the Japanese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus), is a 236 amino acid protein belonging to the lectins. It binds specifically to N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine and is a part of the innate immunity host defense system of the horseshoe crab. The X-ray structure of tachylectin-2 was solved at 2.0 A resolution by the multiple isomorphous replacement method and this molecular model was employed to solve the X-ray structure of the complex with N-acetylglucosamine. Tachylectin-2 is the first protein displaying a five-bladed beta-propeller structure. Five four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheets of W-like topology are arranged around a central water-filled tunnel, with the water molecules arranged as a pentagonal dodecahedron. Tachylectin-2 exhibits five virtually identical binding sites, one in each beta-sheet. The binding sites are located between adjacent beta-sheets and are made by a large loop between the outermost strands of the beta-sheets and the connecting segment from the previous beta-sheet. The high number of five binding sites within the single polypeptide chain strongly suggests the recognition of carbohydrate surface structures of pathogens with a fairly high ligand density. Thus, tachylectin-2 employs strict specificity for certain N-acetyl sugars as well as the surface ligand density for self/non-self recognition. (+info)Factors influencing in vitro killing of bacteria by hemocytes of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). (8/614)
A tetrazolium dye reduction assay was used to study factors governing the killing of bacteria by oyster hemocytes. In vitro tests were performed on bacterial strains by using hemocytes from oysters collected from the same location in winter and summer. Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains, altered in motility or colonial morphology (opaque and translucent), and Listeria monocytogenes mutants lacking catalase, superoxide dismutase, hemolysin, and phospholipase activities were examined in winter and summer. Vibrio vulnificus strains, opaque and translucent (with and without capsules), were examined only in summer. Among V. parahaemolyticus and L. monocytogenes, significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of killing by hemocytes were observed in summer than in winter. L. monocytogenes was more resistant than V. parahaemolyticus or V. vulnificus to the bactericidal activity of hemocytes. In winter, both translucent strains of V. parahaemolyticus showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher susceptibility to killing by hemocytes than did the wild-type opaque strain. In summer, only one of the V. parahaemolyticus translucent strains showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher susceptibility to killing by hemocytes than did the wild-type opaque strain. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in killing by hemocytes were observed between opaque (encapsulated) and translucent (nonencapsulated) pairs of V. vulnificus. Activities of 19 hydrolytic enzymes were measured in oyster hemolymph collected in winter and summer. Only one enzyme, esterase (C4), showed a seasonal difference in activity (higher in winter than in summer). These results suggest that differences existed between bacterial genera in their ability to evade killing by oyster hemocytes, that a trait(s) associated with the opaque phenotype may have enabled V. parahaemolyticus to evade killing by the oyster's cellular defense, and that bactericidal activity of hemocytes was greater in summer than in winter. (+info)Hemocytes are specialized cells found in the open circulatory system of invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They play crucial roles in the immune response and defense mechanisms of these organisms. Hemocytes can be categorized into several types based on their functions and morphologies, such as phagocytic cells, encapsulating cells, and clotting cells. These cells are responsible for various immunological activities, including recognition and removal of foreign particles, pathogens, and debris; production of immune effector molecules; and contribution to the formation of blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding. In some invertebrates, hemocytes also participate in wound healing, tissue repair, and other physiological processes.
Hemolymph is not a term typically used in human medicine, but it is commonly used in the study of invertebrates, particularly arthropods such as insects and crustaceans. Hemolymph is the fluid that circulates within the open circulatory system of these animals, serving multiple functions similar to both blood and lymphatic systems in vertebrates.
In simpler terms, hemolymph is a combined fluid that performs the functions of both blood and lymph in invertebrates. It serves as a transport medium for nutrients, waste products, hormones, and immune cells (hemocytes) throughout the body. Hemolymph does not contain red and white blood cells like human blood; instead, hemocytes are the primary cellular components responsible for immune responses and wound healing in these animals.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Horseshoe Crabs" are not a medical term or a medical condition. They are actually marine arthropods that have survived for over 450 million years, and are found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, especially around the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern seaboard of the United States.
However, Horseshoe Crabs do have a significant role in the medical field, particularly in the production of Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), which is used to test for bacterial endotoxins in medical equipment and injectable drugs. The blood of Horseshoe Crabs contains amebocytes, which can clot in response to endotoxins found in gram-negative bacteria. This reaction forms a gel-like clot that can be detected and measured, providing a crucial tool for ensuring the sterility of medical products.
So while "Horseshoe Crabs" are not a medical term per se, they do have an important place in medical research and production.
'Crassostrea' is a genus of marine bivalve mollusks that are commonly known as oysters. Members of this genus are characterized by their rough, calcified shells and their ability to filter water for food. They are often found in estuarine or intertidal habitats and are important both economically, as a source of food, and ecologically, as they provide habitat and feeding grounds for many other marine organisms.
Some examples of oyster species that belong to the genus Crassostrea include:
* The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), which is found on the Atlantic coast of North America and is an important commercial and ecological species.
* The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), which is native to Asia but has been widely introduced around the world for aquaculture purposes. It is now one of the most commonly farmed oysters in the world.
* The European flat oyster (Crassostrea angulata), which is found in Europe and North Africa, and is an important commercial species.
It's worth noting that there are other genera of oysters as well, such as Ostrea, Saccostrea, Magallana, etc. Each genus has its own characteristics and some have different ecological roles than Crassostrea.
Polydnaviridae is a family of viruses that have a unique relationship with parasitic wasps in the order Hymenoptera. These viruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that are integrated into the genome of their wasp hosts and are transmitted vertically from one generation to the next through the eggs.
Polydnaviruses (PDVs) have a complex structure, consisting of multiple circular DNA molecules encapsidated in enveloped particles. They do not replicate in the wasp host but instead are produced in the calyx cells of the wasp's ovary and incorporated into the venom that is injected into the caterpillar or other insect host during oviposition.
Once inside the host, PDVs alter the host's immune system to prevent encapsulation and destruction of the wasp egg, allowing the wasp larva to develop within the host. The PDV genome also encodes various proteins that can manipulate the host's physiology and development, providing nutrients for the developing wasp larvae.
Overall, Polydnaviridae is a fascinating example of a virus-insect symbiosis that has evolved over millions of years to benefit both the wasp and the virus.
'Biomphalaria' is a genus of freshwater snails that are intermediate hosts for the parasitic flatworms that cause schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever. This is a type of trematode infection that affects humans and other animals. The snails of the 'Biomphalaria' genus are native to Africa and parts of South America and play an essential role in the life cycle of the parasitic worms that cause this disease.
Schistosomiasis is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries with poor sanitation and hygiene. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 200 million people worldwide are infected with schistosomes, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths each year. Effective control of the disease requires a multi-faceted approach, including the prevention of transmission through snail control and the treatment of infected individuals with praziquantel, the drug of choice for schistosomiasis.
A larva is a distinct stage in the life cycle of various insects, mites, and other arthropods during which they undergo significant metamorphosis before becoming adults. In a medical context, larvae are known for their role in certain parasitic infections. Specifically, some helminth (parasitic worm) species use larval forms to infect human hosts. These invasions may lead to conditions such as cutaneous larva migrans, visceral larva migrans, or gnathostomiasis, depending on the specific parasite involved and the location of the infection within the body.
The larval stage is characterized by its markedly different morphology and behavior compared to the adult form. Larvae often have a distinct appearance, featuring unsegmented bodies, simple sense organs, and undeveloped digestive systems. They are typically adapted for a specific mode of life, such as free-living or parasitic existence, and rely on external sources of nutrition for their development.
In the context of helminth infections, larvae may be transmitted to humans through various routes, including ingestion of contaminated food or water, direct skin contact with infective stages, or transmission via an intermediate host (such as a vector). Once inside the human body, these parasitic larvae can cause tissue damage and provoke immune responses, leading to the clinical manifestations of disease.
It is essential to distinguish between the medical definition of 'larva' and its broader usage in biology and zoology. In those fields, 'larva' refers to any juvenile form that undergoes metamorphosis before reaching adulthood, regardless of whether it is parasitic or not.
Ostreidae is a family of marine bivalve mollusks, commonly known as oysters. These are characterized by a laterally compressed, asymmetrical shell with a rough, scaly or barnacle-encrusted exterior and a smooth, often highly colored interior. The shells are held together by a hinge ligament and the animals use a powerful adductor muscle to close the shell.
Oysters are filter feeders, using their gills to extract plankton and organic particles from the water. They are important ecologically, as they help to filter and clean the water in which they live. Some species are also economically important as a source of food for humans, with the meat being eaten both raw and cooked in various dishes.
It's worth noting that Ostreidae is just one family within the larger grouping of oysters, known as the superfamily Ostreoidea. Other families within this superfamily include the pearl oysters (Pteriidae) and the saddle oysters (Anomiidae).
I apologize for any confusion, but "Penaeidae" is not a medical term. It is actually the scientific name of a family of crustaceans, specifically marine decapods, commonly known as prawns or shrimps. If you have any questions about medical terminology or concepts, I would be happy to help with those instead.
Bivalvia is a class of mollusks, also known as "pelecypods," that have a laterally compressed body and two shells or valves. These valves are hinged together on one side and can be opened and closed to allow the animal to feed or withdraw into its shell for protection.
Bivalves include clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, and numerous other species. They are characterized by their simple body structure, which consists of a muscular foot used for burrowing or anchoring, a soft mantle that secretes the shell, and gills that serve both as respiratory organs and feeding structures.
Bivalves play an important role in aquatic ecosystems as filter feeders, helping to maintain water quality by removing particles and organic matter from the water column. They are also commercially important as a source of food for humans and other animals, and their shells have been used historically for various purposes such as tools, jewelry, and building materials.
"Mytilus" is not a medical term itself, but it is a genus of marine bivalve mollusks commonly known as mussels. While there are no direct medical applications or definitions associated with "Mytilus," it's worth noting that various species of mussels have been used in scientific research and can have implications for human health.
For instance, mussels can serve as bioindicators of environmental pollution and contamination since they filter water to feed and may accumulate pollutants such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) within their tissues. This information is valuable in monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems and potential human exposure through seafood consumption.
Moreover, mussels produce byssal threads, which are strong, adhesive proteins used to attach themselves to surfaces. These proteins have been studied for their potential applications in biomaterials science, wound healing, and tissue engineering. However, these uses are still primarily within the realm of research and not yet widely adopted as medical treatments or interventions.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "wasps" is not a term that has a specific medical definition. Wasps are a type of insect in the order Hymenoptera, and some people can have allergic reactions to their stings. However, there is no medical condition or disease specifically associated with wasps. If you have any specific medical concerns or questions, I would be happy to try to help if I can!
Host-parasite interactions refer to the relationship between a parasitic organism (the parasite) and its host, which can be an animal, plant, or human body. The parasite lives on or inside the host and derives nutrients from it, often causing harm in the process. This interaction can range from relatively benign to severe, depending on various factors such as the species of the parasite, the immune response of the host, and the duration of infection.
The host-parasite relationship is often categorized based on the degree of harm caused to the host. Parasites that cause little to no harm are called commensals, while those that cause significant damage or disease are called parasitic pathogens. Some parasites can even manipulate their hosts' behavior and physiology to enhance their own survival and reproduction, leading to complex interactions between the two organisms.
Understanding host-parasite interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat parasitic infections, as well as for understanding the ecological relationships between different species in natural ecosystems.
"Periplaneta" is a genus name that refers to a group of large, winged insects commonly known as cockroaches. The two most common species in this genus are the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) and the German cockroach (Periplaneta germantica). These insects are typically found in warm, humid environments and can often be seen scurrying across floors or walls in homes, restaurants, and other buildings. They are known to carry diseases and can cause allergies and asthma attacks in some people.
Arthropods are a phylum of animals that includes insects, spiders, crustaceans, and other creatures with jointed appendages. Arthropod proteins, therefore, refer to the proteins that are found in these organisms. These proteins play various roles in the structure, function, and regulation of arthropod cells, tissues, and organs.
Arthropod proteins can be classified into several categories based on their functions, such as structural proteins, enzymes, signaling proteins, and defense proteins. Structural proteins provide support and protection to the arthropod exoskeleton, which is composed mainly of chitin and proteins. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in arthropod metabolism, while signaling proteins regulate various physiological processes, including growth, development, and reproduction. Defense proteins protect arthropods from pathogens, parasites, and environmental stressors.
Arthropod proteins have attracted significant interest in biomedical research due to their potential applications in drug discovery, vaccine development, and diagnostic tools. For example, some arthropod proteins have been identified as promising targets for the development of new insecticides and antiparasitic drugs. Additionally, arthropod-derived proteins have been used in the production of recombinant vaccines against infectious diseases such as Lyme disease and malaria.
Understanding the structure and function of arthropod proteins is essential for advancing our knowledge of arthropod biology, evolution, and ecology. It also has important implications for human health, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Mya" is not a recognized medical term or abbreviation in the English language. It may be a typo or a name. If you have any other medical terms or concepts you would like me to define or explain, I'd be happy to help!
'Ceratitis capitata' is the scientific name for the Mediterranean fruit fly, also known as medfly. It is a significant agricultural pest that can cause extensive damage to various fruits and vegetables. The larvae of this fly feed on the pulp of ripening or damaged fruits and vegetables, making them unfit for consumption and causing economic losses to farmers and growers.
The adult Mediterranean fruit flies are small, about 3-5 millimeters in length, with a yellowish-brown body and dark markings on their abdomen. They have a characteristic V-shaped pattern on their face, which is one way to distinguish them from other fruit fly species. The females lay their eggs under the skin of host fruits or vegetables, and the larvae hatch and begin feeding on the fruit's interior.
The Mediterranean fruit fly has a wide range, found in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Southern Europe, South America, Central America, and some regions of the United States. To control medfly infestations, various methods are used, such as pesticide applications, biological control agents, sterile insect technique (SIT), and fruit fly traps.
Blood cells are the formed elements in the blood, including red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). These cells are produced in the bone marrow and play crucial roles in the body's functions. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and carbon dioxide away from them, while white blood cells are part of the immune system and help defend against infection and disease. Platelets are cell fragments that are essential for normal blood clotting.
I believe there may be some confusion in your question. "Moths" are not a medical term, but rather they are a group of insects closely related to butterflies. They belong to the order Lepidoptera and are characterized by their scales covering their wings and body. If you have any questions about moths or if you meant to ask something else, please let me know!
A "fat body" is not a medical term that is typically used to describe human anatomy. It is more commonly used in the context of insects and other invertebrates, where it refers to a specialized tissue that functions to store energy in the form of fat.
However, in humans, we do have adipose tissue, which is the medical term for body fat. Adipose tissue is found throughout the body, but is particularly concentrated in certain areas such as the abdomen, hips, and thighs. It serves a variety of functions, including storing energy, insulating the body, and producing hormones that regulate metabolism and appetite.
If you are looking for information on obesity or excess body fat in humans, there are many medical resources available to help you understand these topics better.
"Vibrio" is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, curved-rod bacteria that are commonly found in marine and freshwater environments. Some species of Vibrio can cause diseases in humans, the most notable being Vibrio cholerae, which is the causative agent of cholera, a severe diarrheal illness. Other pathogenic species include Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which can cause gastrointestinal or wound infections. These bacteria are often transmitted through contaminated food or water and can lead to serious health complications, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
"Pectinidae" is not a medical term. It is a taxonomic category in the field of biology, specifically a family of marine bivalve mollusks commonly known as scallops. The members of this family are characterized by their fan-shaped shells and their ability to swim by clapping their valves together. If you have any questions about a medical term, I would be happy to help with that instead.
Phagocytosis is the process by which certain cells in the body, known as phagocytes, engulf and destroy foreign particles, bacteria, or dead cells. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the immune system's response to infection and inflammation. Phagocytes, such as neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, have receptors on their surface that recognize and bind to specific molecules (known as antigens) on the target particles or microorganisms.
Once attached, the phagocyte extends pseudopodia (cell extensions) around the particle, forming a vesicle called a phagosome that completely encloses it. The phagosome then fuses with a lysosome, an intracellular organelle containing digestive enzymes and other chemicals. This fusion results in the formation of a phagolysosome, where the engulfed particle is broken down by the action of these enzymes, neutralizing its harmful effects and allowing for the removal of cellular debris or pathogens.
Phagocytosis not only serves as a crucial defense mechanism against infections but also contributes to tissue homeostasis by removing dead cells and debris.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Insect Proteins" is not a recognized medical term. However, I can provide some information about insect protein from a nutritional and food science perspective.
Insect proteins refer to the proteins that are obtained from insects. Insects are a rich source of protein, and their protein content varies by species. For example, mealworms and crickets have been found to contain approximately 47-63% and 60-72% protein by dry weight, respectively.
In recent years, insect proteins have gained attention as a potential sustainable source of nutrition due to their high protein content, low environmental impact, and the ability to convert feed into protein more efficiently compared to traditional livestock. Insect proteins can be used in various applications such as food and feed additives, nutritional supplements, and even cosmetics.
However, it's important to note that the use of insect proteins in human food is not widely accepted in many Western countries due to cultural and regulatory barriers. Nonetheless, research and development efforts continue to explore the potential benefits and applications of insect proteins in the global food system.
"Ascaridia" is a genus of parasitic roundworms that infect the gastrointestinal tract of various animals, including birds and mammals. The most common species to infect humans is Ascaris lumbricoides, also known as the "human roundworm."
Ascaridia infections can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the infestation. Mild infections may not cause any noticeable symptoms, while more severe infections can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. In extreme cases, Ascaris worms can obstruct the intestines or migrate to other parts of the body, causing potentially life-threatening complications.
Ascaridia infections are typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water that contains eggs shed by infected individuals. Once inside the body, the eggs hatch and release larvae that migrate to the lungs, where they mature before being coughed up and swallowed, eventually settling in the small intestine and developing into adult worms.
Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or handling soil, and cooking food thoroughly to kill any potential parasites. In areas where Ascaridia infections are common, preventive treatment with anthelmintic medications may be recommended for high-risk populations.
Catechol oxidase, also known as polyphenol oxidase, is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of catechols and other phenolic compounds to quinones. These quinones can then undergo further reactions to form various pigmented compounds, such as melanins. Catechol oxidase is widely distributed in nature and is found in plants, fungi, and some bacteria. In humans, catechol oxidase is involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine.
Urochordata is a phylum in the animal kingdom that includes sessile, marine organisms commonly known as tunicates or sea squirts. The name "Urochordata" means "tail-cord animals," which refers to the notochord, a flexible, rod-like structure found in the tails of these animals during their larval stage.
Tunicates are filter feeders that draw water into their bodies through a siphon and extract plankton and other organic particles for nutrition. They have a simple body plan, consisting of a protective outer covering called a tunic, an inner body mass with a muscular pharynx, and a tail-like structure called the post-anal tail.
Urochordates are of particular interest to biologists because they are considered to be the closest living relatives to vertebrates (animals with backbones), sharing a common ancestor with them around 550 million years ago. Despite their simple appearance, tunicates have complex developmental processes that involve the formation of notochords, dorsal nerve cords, and other structures that are similar to those found in vertebrate embryos.
Overall, Urochordata is a fascinating phylum that provides important insights into the evolutionary history of animals and their diverse body plans.