New Video Posted: Understanding Mitochondrial DNA: Structure, Function, and Disease

In this video - Understanding Mitochondrial DNA: Structure, Function, and Disease - I look at the mitochondria's circular DNA that contains 37 genes. I discuss how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) differs from nuclear DNA and can exhibit either homoplasmy or heteroplasmy. I then discuss how mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited and not synchronised with cell division, leading to unique genetic traits and potential mitochondrial diseases that predominantly affect high-energy tissues. I wrap up by introducing the idea of how mitochondrial diseases can be treated using "three-parent babies" by replacing the nucleus of a donor egg with one from a mother with mitochondrial disease, effectively substituting the mutated mitochondria.

If you would like to say thanks for the video, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: A free guide giving step-by-step instructions on calculating m and c is available at: - download.

 

Additional Reading

The video was produced with help from the following resources:

• 📗 - The Biosciences Glossary
• 📗 - Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Molecular Cell Biology (Lodish) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Biochemistry (Stryer) - (affiliate link)

New Video Posted: Understanding the Function of Mitochondria | Dr. Peter Mitchell's Nobel Prize-Winning Work

 In this video - Understanding the Function of Mitochondria | Dr. Peter Mitchell's Nobel Prize-Winning Work - I discuss the function of mitochondria, highlighting Dr. Peter Mitchell's Nobel Prize-winning chemiosmotic theory, which explains how mitochondria generate ATP using an electrochemical gradient across their inner membrane.  

I finish up by highlighting that while the mitochondria can give the cell the energy it needs for life, they also play a role in cell death by releasing factors that trigger apoptosis.

If you would like to say thanks for the video, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

 

Additional Reading

The video was produced with help from the following resources:

• 📗 - The Biosciences Glossary
• 📗 - Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Molecular Cell Biology (Lodish) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Biochemistry (Stryer) - (affiliate link)

New Video Posted: Understanding Microtubules: Structure, Function, and Dynamics.

I have posted the third in my series of four videos on the cytoskeleton - Understanding Microtubules: Structure, Function, and Dynamics.

In the video, I take a quick look at microtubules, one of the essential filaments that form the cytoskeleton of cells. I explore their structure, function, and dynamic nature. 

If you would like to support my blogging efforts, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

 

Additional Reading

The video was produced with help from the following resources:

• 📗 - The Biosciences Glossary
• 📗 - Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Molecular Cell Biology (Lodish) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Biochemistry (Stryer) - (affiliate link)

New Video Posted: Understanding Actin Filaments: Structure, Function, and Dynamics

This is the second in a series of four videos on the cytoskeleton - Understanding Actin Filaments: Structure, Function, and Dynamics.

In this video, I look at actin filaments, an essential component of the cell's cytoskeleton. 

I examine their structure, the process of filament formation, and their diverse functions in various cellular processes. I also discuss different types of actin filament structures, including contractile bundles (loose packing with myosin-II), gel-like networks (e.g., filamin), dendritic networks of branched actin molecules, and tight parallel bundles (e.g., fimbrin).

If you would like to support my blogging efforts, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

 

Additional Reading

The video was produced with help from the following resources:

• 📗 - The Biosciences Glossary
• 📗 - Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Molecular Cell Biology (Lodish) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Biochemistry (Stryer) - (affiliate link)

New video posted: What is a cell?

This is an interesting question... what is a cell? What makes a cell a cell? Why do we have cells?

In a recent video post on YouTube, I addressed this question and explored some of the different cell types that can be found in the human body.

To find out more, watch the video and discover the remarkable range of sizes of cells in our bodies.

If you would like to support my blogging efforts, then please feel free to buy me a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drnickm

Blog Bonus: Free information sheet summarising the video and defining the key terms - download.

 

Additional Reading

The video was produced with help from the following resources:

• 📗 - The Biosciences Glossary
• 📗 - Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Molecular Cell Biology (Lodish) - (affiliate link)
• 📗 - Biochemistry (Stryer) - (affiliate link)