Final Year Project

I’ve been dealing with tetracycline for a while, and here’s a quick overview of what I’ve done.

Basically, I just check for the presence of tet(A) and tet(B) genes, which are involved in tetracycline antibiotics resistance.

Today, while testing out all the Expasy, RasMol, SwissProt etc, I found the structure to the protein encoded by the tet(A) gene.

The protein actually pumps in one hydrogen ion into the bacteria, and pumps out one tetracycline antibiotic molecule out into the environment (called the H+/Tetracycline antiporter). You can see the channel as circled lightly in red in the above photo. (Cross Section of the pump)

 

The image below shows the longitudinal section of the pump. You can see that the pump consist of many alpha-helix secondary protein structure.

 

Anyways, just to share with everyone about this.

Learnt something important today

The important message was learnt today. And it will always be in my mind. Will never be forgotten. Thanks to Ms. Kim Chow.

By the way, I think I need to go for shopping… I have to get a new set of clothing for my possible interviews…

Taman Tasik Perdana

Also known as the ‘Central Park’ in Malaysia, Taman Tasik Perdana host some of the most fantastic tourists sites for the public to visit.

A few of us dropped by the Orchid and Hibiscus Park first, then went on to visit the Bird Park. Initially, I was supposed to head over to the Butterfly park, but decided to change to the Bird Park as majority decided to go there for the photo shoot. I’m definitely heading back to the Butterfly park in near future.

Anyways, here are some photos taken today…

This is my first try on high sync flash photography. Turned out a bit underexposed. But looked alright.

 

Never seen a hibiscus (Rosa sinensis) so complex before…

 

Some clover for a bit of luck… No four leaves here though.

 

Dragonflies flying around, so hard to catch them…

 

At the Bird Park…

 

 

 

The peacocks kept on showing us their backs… no choice, take photo also.

 

 

Fiery red Chattering Lory, very playful too…

 

 

The girl was taken by surprise when the Lory landed on her cap to feed on the sunflower seeds…

 

 

Another beautiful bird…

 

… So sad for them… How I wish they’re not closed up in a cage.

 

The cute chicks…

… and the duckling…

…they’re so cute when they’re small, that doesn’t mean that we have to eat them when they’re big right?

Anyways, the last week was hectic, and this coming week, will be crazy with all the notes for studying. All the best to everyone.

KLIA Express / Transit

I must say, the KLIA Transit is so far the best public transport in Malaysia. PERIOD.

Fast and efficient. Quiet and smooth. Clean and comfortable.

A ride from KL sentral to Putrajaya was a fantastic and a smooth one. Saved me 1 hour of waiting time for other public transports.

When is KTM going to upgrade the trains ah? Shouldn’t we be moving forward?

Getting cancer soon…

Tomorrow is the day where I have to sit for a test called Oncology. And the section tested would involve all the cancer pathways and the dysregulation of all these pathways lead to cancer formation (carcinogenesis).

So here’s an overview of the cancer pathways:

1. The AKT/PKB Pathway

 

This pathway is involved in the cell proliferation and growth.

 

2. Cyclins and Cell Cycle Regulation

 

This pathway is a continuation of previous pathway. This pathway regulates DNA replication and cell proliferation.

 

4. The Famous p53 Pathway – One of the most important cell guardian

This pathway makes sure that everything is right. Not too much of proliferation, induce repair mechanisms and apoptosis in cases of DNA damage. It basically protects a cell from going crazy. Mutation in gene expressing this p53 protein eventually leads to cancer formation, no doubt.

 

4. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Pathway

 

Part of the pathways was learnt, and again, they all regulate cell proliferation and growth.

 

5. (Summary of) Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Pathway

I think this is the most complex diagram ever constructed. This is how complex cancer is. 

6. (Another Summary of) Pathways in Human Cancer

This is exactly what I’m studying at this moment. This PDF is available at http://www.cellsignal.com/about/marketing/pdfs/cancer_poster.pdf

As you can see, the pathways are driving everyone crazy, and these are all normal cell processes. Without them, we cannot survive. Yet, dysregulation of these pathways lead to cancer formation. Why dysregulation occurs? Too many factors already, which include chemical and physical exposures, cellular processes etc. Most frequently, food is one of the main causes of cancer. So, YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

By the way, too much of stress do induce cancer formation… and I’m a bit stressed out… Hope that I don’t get cancer because of this… CHOY!!!

Also, if you like the other posters, do not hesitate to download them from http://www.abcam.com/index.html?pageconfig=resource&rid=11069&pid=10628. Credit goes to them for creating such fantastic posters that makes everyone crazy!!!

Failed…

I am an example of failed education system… Yes or No?

 

P/S: I’m not talking about our Malaysian Education System ah! Don’t get me wrong.

Too busy to abandon blog…

I’ve been too busy … where got time to even consider abandon blog… just to inform you that I’m too busy, need some time away from blogging also so difficult already.

Anyways, next week is going to be worse. The only thing I can do now is…

I will try my very best to do whatever I can… By the way, would you like to see how busy is my schedule?

This Week:
Study Oncology, Virology Lab Test, Medical Genomics
Prepare for IPC Presentation.
Summarise Oncology Journal.
Complete virology assignment.
Prepare FYP presentation slides, confirm thesis printing price.
Head over to Putrajaya to complete my studies application.

Next week:
Monday: Might head over to Taiwan Embassy
Tuesday: MG Quiz 2
Wed: Viro Lab Test, IPC presentation
Thur: Pharmaco lab report, Onco journal summary submission
Fri: Onco test 2, Viro assign presentation, collection of thesis for printing.

A lot more haven’t included yet… the small small details are the time consuming ones…

All the best to everyone!