Molecular Science

INTRODUCTION These are transmembrane cell adhesion molecule that helps in conveying signaling by binding to ligands present in the extracellular matrix and to the cytoskeleton microtubules present in the cytoplasm. They are also responsible for cell shape, activating intracellular signaling, such as signaling in platelets for interaction with coagulation factors. Commonly known integrins are collagen, fibronectin, laminins, etc. They are also important for activation of some ligands/signaling molecules, for example, integrin-dependent activation of TGF Beta responsible for apoptosis and cell arrest. Their attachment with ligands based upon the "Velcro principle," i.e., the attachments are through many weak bond interactions. These interactions are not too strong, as in the case of strong interactions, integrin molecules will glue to the ECM. So these integrins bind to their ligand with lower affinity. STRUCTURE Integrins are heterodimers that consist of two glycopro...

Some of the famous oil spill disasters were of Alaska particular in Prince William Sound where 200,000 barrels of crude oil has been expanded on sea due to oil spills. In 1946, Claude E. Zobell reviewed the action of 298 microorganisms on hydrocarbons. The activity of microbes depends upon the chemical nature of the compound, and many microbes use hydrocarbons as a sole source of carbon. In 1986, the Tory Canyon named ship sank in the English Channel (Ronald M. Atlas, 1991). This drew the attention of various researchers and environmentalists and accelerated the research on hydrocarbon degradation. Afterward, various researchers have done to analyzed the microbial activity to degrade hydrocarbons so these microbes can be used as a bioremediation agent. Some of the important researchers are studied from published research papers and research journals, and are described below.  The most successful method for hydrocarbon degradation is through bio-remediation, i.e. use of microb...