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Who Discovered Restriction Enzymes

Restriction enzymes are any enzymes that cut DNA at specific points. They are found in bacteria and archaea, a type of single celled microorganism, and protect them from viral infections. Over 3000 restriction enzymes have been discovered and more than 600 are available for commercial use. They are very important for science because they can be used for DNA manipulation and modification. It is for this reason that they are often described as “chemical knives.” If you have ever wondered who made this important discovery, keep reading to find out.

Who Discovered the Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone is one of the most important archaeological discoveries of all time. It is a large piece of granite that is inscribed with Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, demotic script and Ancient Greek. It is inscribed with a decree from 196 BC and because each language is a direct translation of the decree modern archaeologists were able to use it to get a better understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphics. The ability to translate hieroglyphics has led to a better understanding of Ancient Egyptian history. If you have ever wondered who discovered this important piece of history, read on to find the answer.

Who Discovered Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungal infection and commonly affects humans and domesticated animals. This condition was originally named ringworm because it causes raised red rings on the body, it is also commonly called tinea and has the official name dermatophytosis. There are many different species of fungi that cause ringworm and they also affect different areas of the body. The most well known conditions caused by ringworm are athlete’s foot and jock itch. Ringworm is best avoided through prevention, but it can be treated with antifungal creams and oral medication in severe cases. In the past ringworm was treated with mercury, sulfur, iodine, antiparasitic medication and x-rays in hairy areas. Continue reading to find out who discovered that fungi that causes ringworm.

Who Discovered Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a group of fat soluble vitamins. There are 5 types of vitamin D, but the major forms are referred to as D2 and D3 . It is a very unique vitamin because it is capable of being synthesized in the human body with exposure to the sun. There are many health benefits of vitamin D, including strengthening bones by aiding calcium absorption. A deficiency of vitamin D causes a disease called rickets, which softens the bones and can lead to deformity or bone fractures. It is no longer a common disease in developed countries, but is still a major problem in developing countries. If you have ever wondered who discovered this important vitamin, read on to find the answer.

Who Discovered Selenium

Selenium is a chemical element with the chemical symbol Se. It has the atomic number of 34 and an atomic mass of 78.96. Most selenium is produced as a by-product of refining other elements or during the production of sulfuric acid. It is solid at room temperature and can exist in many forms. The most common of these forms is gray selenium, but red selenium is also quite common. It is toxic in high doses, but, in the correct doses, it is an essential nutrient for animals. It also has many other uses including in glass production. If you have ever wondered who discovered this important element, continue reading to find out.

Who Discovered the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands consist of a tiny group of volcanic islands that are located on the equator (about 970km west of Ecuador) . The Galápagos islands are famous for the unique wildlife that inhabit the region. Many of these were studied by Charles Darwin and played an important part in the development of his theory of evolution. The islands are popular with scientists who come to study the location and animals and tourism is also becoming more popular. The islands are owned by Ecuador and the entire Galápagos province has a population of approximately 23,000.

Who Discovered the Atom

The atom is considered to be the basic unit of matter. Atoms consists of a nucleus, that contains protons and neutrons, and electrons, that are believed to occupy an set of electron shells. Atoms are very tiny objects and can only be observed with specialized equipment such as a scanning tunneling microscope. Certain atoms can combine to create molecules, the most commonly known molecule is H2O (water), which consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded with a single oxygen atom.

Who Discovered Cells

The cell is the building block of life for all living organisms. Some of the smallest organisms, such as bacteria, consist of just once cell. Large organisms, such as monkeys, are made up of trillions of cells. Cells are usually too small to observe with the naked eye and require a microscope to study properly. However, the largest cell is an unfertilized ostrich egg, which can weigh over 3 pounds and be observed without a microscope. Even though they are present in all life, cells are a relatively recent discovery.

Who Discovered Glutathione

Glutathione is an important tripeptide (a peptide is molecules of amino acids linked by peptide bonds) that is found in animal and plant tissues as well as blood. It is an important part of cellular respiration in both plants and animals. It is important for protecting against oxidative stress, by neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen compounds. It is also known to activate some enzymes. It has many other important functions in the body and is considered to be essential to good health. Glutathione is produced in the body and it is for this reason that it is not considered to be an essential nutrient (you don’t need to get it from your food). If you are wondering who discovered this amazing substance, read on to find out.

Who Discovered Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is an organic compound which is a colorless and toxic gas with a strong order. When at room temperatures it exists in its gaseous state, but can easily be converted to a liquid state when combined with other substances. It is used to create a number of other chemical compounds commonly used in the world today. It is particularly important in the production of polymers. Naturally formaldehyde is broken down quickly by sunlight or bacteria in soils. Within the body it is quickly converted to formic acid and expelled. When exposed to large doses the human body has trouble converting it quickly enough. It has recently been stated by the the US National Toxicology Program to be a carcinogen (cancer causing).