• Title/Summary/Keyword: Interest of Biology

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Species Richness of Aquatic Insects in Wetlands along the Altitudinal Gradient in Jeju, Korea : Test of Rapoport's Rule (고도에 따른 제주 습지 수서곤충의 종풍부성 변화 : Rapoport 법칙의 검정)

  • Jeong, Sang-Bae;Kim, Dong-Soon;Jeon, Hyeong-Sik;Yang, Kyoung-Sik;Kim, Won-Taek
    • Korean journal of applied entomology
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    • v.49 no.3
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    • pp.175-185
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    • 2010
  • The effect of altitude and latitude on biodiversity (or species richness) has been a topic of great interest for many biogeographers for a long time. This study was conducted to examine the dynamics of species richness of aquatic insects along the altitudinal gradient in 24 wetlands on Mt. Halla, Jeju and test the Rapoport's rule. The species richness of aquatic insects monotonically decreased with increasing altitude, showing a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.64). However, the pattern of species richness with altitude showed a hump-shaped relationship, with a peak in species richness at intermediate elevations when the effects of area were removed. The altitudinal range of species tended to increase with increasing altitude, as Rapoport's rule predicts. There was a positive correlation between the altitudinal range size and the midpoint of the range size (Median) except for Hemiptera (Odonata: r = 0.75, Hemiptera: r = -0.22, Coleoptera: r = 0.72, Total: r = 0.55). Also, the extent of average altitudinal range of high-altitude species was 904.3m, and it was significantly wider than a 469.5m of low-altitude species. Consequently, the species richness of aquatic insects in wetlands on Mt. Halla along the altitudinal gradient well supported Rapoport's rule.

Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) Regulates Adipogenesis of 3T3L-1 Cells (단백질 아르기닌 메틸전이효소 5(PRMT5)에 의한 3T3L-1 세포의 지방세포 분화 조절)

  • Jang, Min Jung;Yang, Ji Hye;Kim, Eun-Joo
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.28 no.7
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    • pp.765-771
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    • 2018
  • Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) is a key transcription factor that regulates adipogenesis, and epigenetic control of $PPAR{\gamma}$ is of great interest in obesity-inhibition research. Our previous study showed that CACUL1 (CDK2-associated cullin domain 1) acts as a corepressor that inhibits $PPAR{\gamma}$ transcriptional activity and adipocyte differentiation. Here, we investigated the roles of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), a novel binding partner of CACUL1, in regulating $PPAR{\gamma}$. The interaction between PRMT5 and CACUL1 was shown by immunoprecipitation assay in vivo and GST pulldown assay in vitro. As shown by luciferase reporter assay, PRMT5 and CACUL1 cooperated to inhibit the transcriptional activity of $PPAR{\gamma}$. The suppressive role of PRMT5 in adipogenesis was examined by Oil Red O staining using 3T3-L1 cells, which stably overexpress or deplete PRMT5. Overexpression of PRMT5 suppresses $PPAR{\gamma}$-mediated adipogenesis, whereas PRMT5 knockdown increases lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Consistently, PRMT5 attenuates the expression of Lpl and aP2, the target genes of $PPAR{\gamma}$, as demonstrated by RT-qPCR analysis. Overall, these results suggest that PRMT5 interacts with CACUL1 to impair the transcriptional activity of $PPAR{\gamma}$, leading to the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. Therefore, the regulation of PRMT5 enzymatic activity may provide a clue to develop an anti-obesity drug.

The Effects of Positive Experience about Science of High School Students in an Inquiry Experiment Class on Restriction Enzyme Mapping in Biotechnology Chapter (생명공학 단원의 제한 효소 지도 작성 탐구실험 수업이 고등학생의 과학긍정경험에 미치는 영향)

  • Soo Yeon Jeong;Jeong Ho Chang
    • Journal of Science Education
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    • v.46 no.3
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    • pp.293-311
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    • 2022
  • In this study, a restriction enzyme mapping inquiry experiment was developed for cultivating basic knowledge on molecular biology and the effects on inquiry experiment ability and positive experience on science through student-centered molecular biology inquiry experiment class for second graders of a general high school was analyzed. First of all, it was found that the experimental class through the inquiry experiment was significantly effective as the percentage of high school students who answered 'yes' or higher in the positive science experience of general high school students was higher after than before the test. As a result of developing and applying a series of five classes for the creation of restriction enzyme maps, not only did the students' interest in science studies, but also their class participation increased. They were also used as effective specific science learning motives, science career aspirations and experience data. The science environment of the inquiry experiment class led to the improvement of students' learning attitudes and positive science experience, which had a positive effect on the importance of class concentration and class quality, active communication and mutual cooperation among students. In addition, inquiry and experiment classes will provide opportunities for career experience, which will become the foundation for cultivating basic knowledge on molecular biology and advancing to science and engineering.

The Present of Convention on Biological Diversity Maritime Agenda (해양관련 생물다양성협약 의제 소개)

  • Back, Jinwook;Lee, Kanghyun
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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    • v.32 no.4
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    • pp.397-402
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    • 2014
  • In June 1992, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was concluded by 158 countries in Rio de Janeiro. And now, 194 member nations are participating in discussions for their own profit. Recently, Nagoya Protocol regarding Access to genetic resources and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) was approved and took effect from October $12^{th}$, 2014. Thus, it is important to understand the impact of CBD and ABS functioning on researchers studying marine biodiversity. Until now, in the previous Conference of the parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the interest towards researching marine and marine living resources was relatively low, and accordingly, the discussions regarding marine and marine living resources were delayed. However, in the $12^{th}$ Pyeongchang Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the arguments concerning Ecologically or Biologically Significant marine Areas (EBSA) and the other marine related issues were discussed. Although, South Korea has not yet officially joined Nagoya Protocol, however the consultations in regard to Prior and Informed Consent (PIC), Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) and Global Multilateral Benefit-Sharing Mechanism (GMBSM) were discussed. We belive that as a possessing nation of biological resources, South Korean government authorities should revise their management systems protocol and regulations concerning domestic biological resources, in order to strengthen the information system and help academia and industry to utilize the biological resources abroad easily and effectively.

A Study on the Development of Web-based STS Instruction Model for the Scientifically Gifted Students- Centered on Biology Education - (과학영재교육을 위한 웹기반 STS수업모형 개발-생물교육을 중심으로-)

  • Lim, Gil-Sun;Jeong, Wan-Ho
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.24 no.5
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    • pp.851-868
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    • 2004
  • The main purposes of this study is to develop a web-based STS biology instruction program (WB-STS) for the scientifically gifted students. The specific main research questions were as follows; 1. How can the WB-STS for biology education be developed and what are the primary components involved in it? 2. Is there any proper validity for developed the WB-STS in biology education? To solve the above mentioned problems, several procedures were applied. First, in order to develop WB-STS for the scientifically gifted students, NCISE, Renzulli' s Enrichment Triad Model and the Iowa Chautauqua program's main characteristics were analyzed systematically and the principles and general process for constructing WB-STS were examined. Additionally, the needs of students and the goals of Biology education were identified thoroughly. And then all these ideas were embodied in an agenda for constructing WB-STS. Second, to analyse the validity and utility of developing WB-STS, a questionnaire was developed and submitted to seven specialists and a group of twenty students who would participate in the experiment later. The main results of study are summarized below: First, WB-STS appeared to be successfully constructed based on Renzulli' s Enrichment Triad Model and the Iowa Chautauqua program. Its main features are that it was made emphasizing a learner-centered approach and constructive learning. It is composed of five steps: Scientific theme selection -${\rightarrow}$Exploration ${\rightarrow}$ Concept & Principle Check ${\rightarrow}$ Finding Solution ${\rightarrow}$ Action. Second, seven specialists and a group of students assessed the developed WB-STS's validity and utility with a questionnaire, the results appeared satisfactory. Students showed high interest in WB-STS and gave a positive evaluation of WB-STS.

Clinical and molecular biological aspect of the hyaluronidases: basis and clinical overview for oriental medical application

  • Kim, Cheorl-Ho;Lee, Dong-Gyu;Jang, Jun-Hyouk;Kim, Jong-De;Nam, Kyung-Soo;Kim, Jeong-Joong;Park, Jong-Kun;Choo, Young-Kug;Kim, Hyung-Min;Lee, Young-Choon
    • Advances in Traditional Medicine
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    • v.1 no.1
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    • pp.8-27
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    • 2000
  • Components of extracellular matrix and the matrix-degrading enzymes are some of the key regulators of tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a matrix glycosaminoglycan, is known to promote tumor adhesion and migration, and its small fragments are angiogenic. Until now, we have compared levels of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrade HA, in normal adult prostate, benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer tissues and in conditioned media from epithelial explant cultures, using a substrate (HA)-gel assay and ELISA-like assay (Kim et al., unpublished results). The present review described an overall characterization of hyaluronidases and its application to human diseases. The hyaluronidases are a family of enzymes that have, until recently, deed thorough explication. The substrate for these enzymes, hyaluronan, is becoming increasingly important, recognized now as a major participant in basic processes such as cell motility, wound healing, embryogenesis, and implicated in cancer progression. And in those lower life forms that torment human beings, hyaluronidase is associated with mechanisms of entry and spread, e.g. as a virulence factor for bacteria, for tissue dissection in gas gangrene, as a means of treponema spread in syphilis, and for penetration of skin and gut by nematode parasites. Hyaluronidase also comprises a component of the venom of a wide variety of organisms, including bees, wasps, hornets, spiders, scorpions, sh, snakes and lizards. Of particular interest is the homology between some of these venom hyaluronidases and the enzyme found in the plasma membrane of mammalian spermatozoa, attesting to the ancient nature of the conserved sequence, a 36% identity in a 300 amino acid stretch of the enzyme protein. Clearly, hyaluronidase is of biological interest, being involved in the pathophysiology of so many important' human disorders. Greater effort should be made in studying this family of enzymes that have, until recently, been overlooked. Also, oriental medical application of the hyaluronidase will be discussed with respect to inhibition and suppression of inflammation and malignacy.

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Whole-Genome Resequencing Analysis of Hanwoo and Yanbian Cattle to Identify Genome-Wide SNPs and Signatures of Selection

  • Choi, Jung-Woo;Choi, Bong-Hwan;Lee, Seung-Hwan;Lee, Seung-Soo;Kim, Hyeong-Cheol;Yu, Dayeong;Chung, Won-Hyong;Lee, Kyung-Tai;Chai, Han-Ha;Cho, Yong-Min;Lim, Dajeong
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.38 no.5
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    • pp.466-473
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    • 2015
  • Over the last 30 years, Hanwoo has been selectively bred to improve economically important traits. Hanwoo is currently the representative Korean native beef cattle breed, and it is believed that it shared an ancestor with a Chinese breed, Yanbian cattle, until the last century. However, these two breeds have experienced different selection pressures during recent decades. Here, we whole-genome sequenced 10 animals each of Hanwoo and Yanbian cattle (20 total) using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencer. A total of approximately 3.12 and 3.07 billion sequence reads were mapped to the bovine reference sequence assembly (UMD 3.1) at an average of approximately 10.71- and 10.53-fold coverage for Hanwoo and Yanbian cattle, respectively. A total of 17,936,399 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were yielded, of which 22.3% were found to be novel. By annotating the SNPs, we further retrieved numerous nonsynonymous SNPs that may be associated with traits of interest in cattle. Furthermore, we performed whole-genome screening to detect signatures of selection throughout the genome. We located several promising selective sweeps that are potentially responsible for economically important traits in cattle; the PPP1R12A gene is an example of a gene that potentially affects intramuscular fat content. These discoveries provide valuable genomic information regarding potential genomic markers that could predict traits of interest for breeding programs of these cattle breeds.

A Study on Oral Health Awareness and Oral Health Care Practice of the Industrial Workers (산업체 근로자의 구강보건인식 및 구강보건관리 실천에 대한 연구)

  • Yoon, Mi-Sook;Kwon, Hyun-Jung
    • Journal of dental hygiene science
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    • v.12 no.5
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    • pp.535-544
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    • 2012
  • This purpose of this study was to analysis the relation of awareness and practices of oral health promotion. The subjects in this study were 133 workers who worked in Seoul, Gyeonggi province, and were at the age of 20 and up. The survey was conducted from January 16 to March 31, 2012. The collected data is statistically analyzed by SPSS. For the level oral health awareness of industrial workers, the awareness of prevention of tooth decay and periodontal disease was high, but that of necessity of oral hygiene supplies other than tooth brushing was low. For the level of oral health care practice, they showed the highest awareness for the importance of cleaning a tongue when brushing teeth, and the lowest for the importance of dental care. For oral health awareness according to the general properties, workers with average income of 2~3 million one showed higher oral health awareness than others. For oral health care practice, those who brush their teeth more than 3 times a day and who have visited the dentist during the last year had higher oral health care practice than others. For oral health awareness according to the level of interest in oral health and the status of oral health of the industrial workers, those who have higher interest in oral health turned out to have higher oral health awareness. The relation between oral health awareness and oral health care practice of the industrial workers showed a positive correlation, which indicates that the higher oral health awareness is, the higher oral health care practice is.

Floristic Characteristics of Vascular Plants in the Backam-san Mt.(Uljin-gun) Area (백암산(1,004m, 울진군) 일원의 관속식물)

  • Kim, Young-Chul;Chae, Hyun-Hee;Park, You-Cheol;Lee, Seon-Mi;Nam, Gi-Heum
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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    • v.35 no.4
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    • pp.347-376
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    • 2021
  • Investigating and evaluating regionally distributed plant resources provide fundamental information (inventory) to conserve plant diversity in target areas. Nevertheless, the examination of inventory to collect information in areas with little interest has been insufficient. In this study, the vicinity of Mt. Baegamsan(1,004m) was investigated for plant resources in the central and southern part of the Korean peninsula, which has received low interest. Nine surveys identified a total of 638 taxa consisting of 108 families, 339 genera, 572 species, 12 subspecies, 49 varieties, and 5 forms. One taxon was designated to be the endangered wild plant by the Ministry of Environment, and a total of 29 taxa were designated to be endemic species in Korea. Floristic target species identified by the surveys included 1 taxon for grade V, 13 taxa for grade IV, 36 taxa for grade III, 29s taxa for grade II, and 34 taxa for grade I. A total of 38 taxa were identified to be naturalized plants, and 3 of them were designated as invasive alien plants by the Ministry of Environment. There was a difference in plant distribution between western and eastern areas of Mt. Baegamsan. The endangered and valuable plants for conservation were mainly identified from Mt. Baegamsan peak area, the ridge, and the western area. Considering the plant distribution, the Mt. Baegamsan region, located on Nakdong-jungmaek, was estimated to be dispersal routes for plant expansion and retreat.

Analysis of Computer Scientific Attitude of Information Gifted Students in the University of Science Education Institute for Gifted (대학교부설 과학영재교육원의 정보영재 학생들의 컴퓨터 과학적 태도 분석)

  • Chung, Jong-In
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.19 no.8
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    • pp.193-200
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    • 2018
  • There are 27 science education institutes for gifted education institutes in the university with support from the MSIT (Ministry of Science and ICT). Mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and information classes are given in each science education institute for the gifted. The authors developed a curriculum with components of computing thinking for information-gifted students. To determine if the curriculum is effective on the computer scientific attitude of the information gifted, TOSRA was modified and the test was then developed. Information students were educated at K university's science education institute for the gifted with the developed curriculum for one year and the computer scientific attitude of them was tested. According to the test results, there was a significant difference in the computer scientific attitude of the curriculum conducted at the institute at 0.05 level of significance. Statistically significant differences were observed in the social implications of computer science, attitudes of computer scientific inquiry, and the normality of computer technicians at the level of significance of 0.05. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the adoption of computer scientific attitudes, the enjoyment of computer science lessons, leisure interest in computer science, and career interest in computer science.