The Event: It was during the lunch-time of the leopard when a mouse suddenly appeared in the enclosure where the meats were kept. Unnoticed of the leopard, the mouse went straight over to the meat and started feeding himself. Being surprised, the leopard bent down and sniffed the mouse and flinched a bit like she was scared. In the meantime, the mouse just carried on eating like nothing had happened. But even a gentle shove does not deter the little creature from getting his fill…the mouse continued to eat the leopard’s lunch and show the leopard who was the boss!
The Question: Can you microbiologically explain this unusual behavior of the predator and the prey?
My Take: An interesting explanation would be that the change in the mouse’s behavior is probably due to infection by Toxoplasma gondii .The mouse may be was infected when he ingested T.gondii oocytes excreted by an infected feline and present on something that the mouse ate. The mouse’s behavior is modified as a result of this infection which included loss of fear of cats. Having no fear of the huge carnivore and attracted by the raw meat, the mouse is adhered to the leopard’s lunch. On the contrary, unusual behavior of the cat is because of being raised in captivity, has never seen a mouse before. So, it’s response is the same as would be with an insect, brushing it aside.
Conclusion: As a budding scientist, I shrink from casting a final hypothesis. I would like to have blood samples from both animals to be assayed for T.gondii infection. You too have a say, think over it readers.
Nov 15, 2009
DNA : Don't Know Anything??
It is still a mystery about the macro-molecule that controls our existence.DNA,the double helical structure that is responsible for our identity is still a hidden secret to us.Research works have progressed in this field,but only a mere has been revealed for our understanding.
DNA in eukaryotes which codes for protein expressions of our body,can be broadly split into two discrete regions;the exons which constitute the coding segments which code for various protein molecules and RNAs,the introns that constitute the non-translated DNA do not code for the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide product.
These non-coding portion of the DNA pose several questions about its function in eukaryotes. Eukaryotic genes are very complex;therefore are very difficult to deal with.So,research countering hurdles to solve the hidden mystery.
Many arguments though propose the introns playing a pivotal role in genomic organization,but the proofs are insufficient to seal the proposed fact.Introns occupy as much as 28.5% of the genome;if their role is understood a great progress can be achieved for human development.
DNA in eukaryotes which codes for protein expressions of our body,can be broadly split into two discrete regions;the exons which constitute the coding segments which code for various protein molecules and RNAs,the introns that constitute the non-translated DNA do not code for the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide product.
These non-coding portion of the DNA pose several questions about its function in eukaryotes. Eukaryotic genes are very complex;therefore are very difficult to deal with.So,research countering hurdles to solve the hidden mystery.
Many arguments though propose the introns playing a pivotal role in genomic organization,but the proofs are insufficient to seal the proposed fact.Introns occupy as much as 28.5% of the genome;if their role is understood a great progress can be achieved for human development.
Nov 14, 2009
Let's Celebrate...
Mah Bloggies,
It's Children's Day today here In India,
So let's cherish the old days of our lives with new hopes...
And ofcourse with the children.
Cheers,
X
Missing Something???
Its absolutely unfortunate not to create any magic for my blog visitors...
Promising to serve you more and sooner than expected.
Cheers,
Blogger
Promising to serve you more and sooner than expected.
Cheers,
Blogger
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