faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Biological sciences

Structure and evolution of insulins: implications for receptor binding

Article Abstract:

X-ray crystallography studies on 2-zinc porcine insulin first elucidated the insulin fold, a 3-axial hexamer conformation composed of three identical dimers. Receptor interaction is assumed to occur on an extended binding region not confined to portions of the primary or secondary structure. In insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1, the extracellular domain of alpha2beta2 heterotetramers is involved in specific ligand binding which leads to tyrosine kinase activation, phosphorylation and other subsequent signal transduction events.

Research, Reports, Peptide hormones, Hormone receptors, Insulin, Hormone research

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Evolution of the hemiascomycete yeasts: On life styles and the importance of inbreeding

Article Abstract:

The evolution, life styles and the reproductive strategies of yeasts, particularly S. cerevisiae, are discussed. The analysis has shown that a high level of plasticity is inherent in the yeast breeding system, which allows genetic variation of the breeding behavior in accordance with the needs imposed by the environment.

Analysis, Natural history, Courtship of animals, Mating behavior, Yeast fungi, Yeasts (Fungi), Mating behaviour

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Spam and the evolution of the fly's eye

Article Abstract:

The open rhabdoms of the fly's eye enhance absolute sensitivity but to avoid compromising spatial acuity they require precise optical geometry and neural connections. An attempt is made to outline how open rhabdoms and neural superposition may have evolved via nocturnal intermediates.

United Kingdom, Physiological aspects, Diptera

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