cellular functions
Chromosomes: the importance of keeping the balance
Before every cell division, the hereditary information, that is the chromosomes, are duplicated and distributed to the daughter cells so that each cell again…
Giant cell reveals its secrets
The “slime mold” Physarum polycephalum is an amazing creature. As a giant single cell it is visible with the naked eye. The yellow, slimy mass of protoplasm,…
A long-standing mystery in membrane traffic, the disassembly of a SNARE complex by NSF, was solved.
KAIST researchers discovered that the protein N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) unravels a single SNARE complex using one round ATP turnover by tearing…
Transport molecule forms a protective structure to guide proteins to cell membrane
This structure shields tail-anchored membrane proteins – which have roles in a wide variety of cellular functions from neurotransmitter release to insulin…
Unraveling the light of fireflies
We know that this reaction needs oxygen, but what we don't know is how fireflies actually supply oxygen to their light-emitting cells. Using state-of-the-art…
Study links carcinogens to cancer stem cells – but spinach can help
The findings are part of a growing awareness of the role of epigenetics in cancer, or the ways in which gene expression and cell behavior can be changed even…