The molecular biology of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes: 'what's in a name?'

Article Abstract:

Desmosomes are intercellular junctions between epithelial cells while hemidesmosomes mediate adhesion between the basement membrane and the epithelial cells. Although they both function in transmembrane signalling and resemble each other in structure, monoclonal antibody tagging and amino acid analyses of their components show that they are quite unrelated. More studies are needed in this aspect since the two have been found to be related to specific malignancies and skin disorders.

Molecular biology, Cell adhesion, Junctional complexes (Epithelium), Desmosomes

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Fundamental issues in systems biology

Article Abstract:

The underlying issues in identifying systems and how causality operates at different levels of organisations are discussed. Scientists and philosophers would need to develop sociologically informed philosophies of systems biology in order to offer the most valuable guidance to scientific practice in a time of rapid change.

United States, Systems biology

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Historical baggage in biology: the case of 'higher' and 'lower' species

Article Abstract:

The use of the terms 'lower' and 'higher' to refer to life forms originates from the Platonic idea that life lies on a gradient of perfection. Because the terms are used inconsistently for various plants and animals, biologists would be better off abandoning them.

Terminology, Evolution (Biology), Evolution, Biology

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