S/N/206. Discuss the importance of major histocompatability complex (MHC) in transplantation

The paper addresses the issues of human organ transplantation discussing the problem of potential donors, the management of the transplant recipients, and the risk of organ rejection. The features of transport molecules called Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins are described discussing their role in immune mechanisms.

S/N/200. Is biology important in defining gender?

The paper examines whether individuals' perception of their sex depends on nature rather than nurture. The ideas of Eric Villain, a human genetics scientist, are reviewed discussing the concept of sex and gender from biological and social perspectives.

P/N/50. Barnacles

The paper offers a review of studies on barnacles, the shelled molluscs attached to surfaces such as rock, coral, etc. Types of barnacles are identified and described including their anatomy, reproduction, habitats, eating habits, life cycles, etc. Various applications of barnacles in human practices are highlighted.

P/N/46. Ethical and commercial issues of gene patenting

The paper examines the problems of biotechnology related to gene patenting. Ethical and commercial issues of engineering micro-organisms are outlined; the implications of gene patenting are discussed from scientific and organisational perspectives highlighting the problems of funding, legal rights, etc. The rights of the inventor to protect and promote his invention are argued.

P/N/45. Biotech food: drawbacks and benefits

The paper addresses the problems related to genetically modified (GM) food. The environmental impacts of growing GM crops are discussed; the attitudes of farmers towards GM crops are reviewed; the safety of biotech products consumption is argued. Conclusions are made about the risks and the advantages of GM food.

P/N/44. Biomedical aspects of insulin delivery

The paper reports on the biochemical and medical parameters of insulin in treating diabetes. Various aspects of the drug delivery are discussed focusing on the properties and functions of hydrogels in the insulin delivery system. Various types of hydrogels are singled out; the problems related to the use of hydrogels for biomedical applications are highlighted.

P/N/43. Dissertation. Physiological, ecological and functional characteristics of barnacles

The dissertation is devoted to the study of barnacles, the molluscs making up the group of sessile crustaceans. A detailed description of the species is given, including their anatomy, natural habitats, geographical distribution, etc. The authors objectives are to combine field and laboratory studies of the barnacles collected in Portugal. Direct observation methods of research and experiment (measuring the dimensions of the collected species, watching their eating habits, larval rearing, etc.) are followed up by statistical analysis combined with the secondary data analysis obtained from the literature review. Conclusions are made about the diet of the studied species.

S/N/24. Use of immunological methods in detecting food poisoning bacteria in foods

There are a range of immuno-assays, which have been developed in the past few decades of which the enzyme immuno-assay and the latex agglutination assay are the most widely applied assays. This essay looks at the recent developments in these assays, including ELISA, and latex agglutination. It looks at the reliability of the assays and their use in identifying Listeria sp, E-Coli sp, Salmonella sp, staphlococcal sp, clostridium sp and fungal contaminations.

S/N/22. What are microsatellites and why are they useful for paternity studies?

This paper discusses the nature of DNA microsattelites and how their finger-print like nature lends themselves to studies of relatedness. It will be seen that by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the study of microsattelites is becoming increasingly useful not only to those wishing to test paternity but also to forensic teams and police investigations

S/N/21. Iodine related disease: the link between cretinism, cassava and seafood

Cretinism is a congenital form of hyperthyroidism, and here will be discussed the biological reasons iodine deficiency leads to this disease. It will be seen that there are reasons as to why certain people are susceptible to iodine deficiency, including those with high intakes of cassava, and the ways in which it can be avoided by eating foods such as seafood. Case studies are provided. The function of the thyroid gland and the physiological use of iodine in the body is discussed in detail.

P/N/33. Food packaging materials: applications of plastics

The paper discusses the advantages of plastics over other packaging materials. A brief overview of the food preserving and packaging history is given. The benefits of plastics are outlined; the polymers used in food packaging are enumerated and discussed.

P/N/27. Genetic aspects of Iron and Aluminium transfer

The aim of the project is to investigate an autosomal recessive disease, Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH). The authors set the objective to analyse its genetic origin focusing on the mechanisms of iron absorption associated with the disease. The research is performed on foetal mice; the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry is used. Iron metabolism, its transport in the body and homeostasis regulation are described; the functions of proteins involved in iron metabolism are outlined. Biochemical and medical profile of the disease is presented with the focus on the foetal development during pregnancy. Conclusions are made about placental iron transfer and the role of HFE protein in its regulation.

P/N/23. The role of nuclear pore complexes in the molecular transport

The paper examines the mechanisms of bi-directional transport of molecules into and out of the nucleus focusing on the nuclear pore complex (NPC) that can selectively transport proteins due to a nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) for import, and a nuclear export sequence (NES). Molecular characteristics of RAN proteins known as importins (nuclear import receptors) and exportins (nuclear export receptors) are described.

S/N/20. Explain the benefits and the concerns with regard to genetic manipulation of food supply and discuss the role of large corporation in the control the food supply

Genetic engineering is considered to be one of the biggest scientific revolution in the recent 50 years. Although genetic engineering promises several benefits, it also has raised serious concerns. In addition, genetically modified food has already rushed into the markets without any kind of presentation. It developed many products that could used in many different ways. Therefor it must controlled in order to be successful. This essay will define the process of genetic engineering. Then it will discuss the argument some of the benefits and some of the concerns about genetically modified food. Next it will cover the large corporation in the control of the food supply.

P/N/14. Global mercury cycle and anthropogenic emission

The paper gives a brief review of the problems related to the bio-geo-chemical cycling of mercury known as an environmental pollutant capable of having adverse effects on human health. Proceeding from the results of recent scientific research findings, the author offers an overview of its chemical properties followed by a model of the global cycle of mercury that reflects basic transportation processes. The paper expresses concern over mercury emissions to the atmosphere, lithosphere and oceans by anthropogenic industrial activities.

S/N/10. Affinity maturation of antibodies

Affinity maturation is a response to an antibody that occurs in vivo. It can be defined as the gradual increase of antibody affinity for the immunising antigen with time. This essay looks at it's association with an enhanced secondary (anamnestic) response, somatic hypermutation, isotype switching and memory development. All of these work together to produce an increased affinity of antibodies for their specific antigen.

S/N/11. Describe how the understanding of the molecular basis of a disease can be used to design novel strategies of therapy

There are two main categories of disease for which therapies are currently being investigated at the molecular level. These two categories of disease are genetic and infectious. This essay discusses cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy at the molecular level and looks at possible gene therapy treatments.

S/N/13. Dissertation. Male Factor Infertility

Male factor infertility is a serious medical condition that can be induced even before the child is born. This means that during pregnancy any exposure to harmful compounds will result in alteration of the developing reproductive system, which may cause permanent damage to the fertility of the male child. Both the environment and genetics are involved. Once the cause of infertility has been established, treatment is often available that will correct the condition and restore fertility. Recently there has been an intense interest in how the environment affects male fertility, especially compounds that disrupt the endocrinology of the reproductive tract. These will be discussed, in relation to how they alter the male reproductive tract and thereby influence fertility

S/N/14. Describe the analyte prolactin and its structure

The analyte prolactin is described in terms of its structure and function. Diseases associated with it are discussed as well as methods of detection.

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