Tobacco In Malaysia Essays - Smoking, Tobacco, Human Behavior

Tobacco in Malaysia Tobacco is one of the leading preventable causes of death in Malaysia. Under the current law, smoking is banned in all public places. These include amusement centres, theatres, hospitals, clinics, public vehicles and air-conditioned restaurants. Likewise, anyone under age of eighteen is not allowed to buy cigarettes or any tobacco products. If the seller is not sure of the buyer's age, then it is advisable to check his identity card. Free cigarette samples are not allowed to be distributed at the public events or places as this carries a maximum fine of RM 5000 or not more than two years' jail. Cigarette advertisements in all locally published materials are also banned with the maximum fine. The purpose of our government set our all these rules is to control the use of tobacco in our country; however, smoking should be banned in a country because it is bad for health, environment and the economy. Nicotine, which is an alkaloid derived from the tobacco plant, is a chemical that has powerful effects on the human body. It not only has direct effects to smokers' health but also to the non-smokers' health. When a smoker takes a long drag on his cigarette, he inhales deeply, forcing smoke into the remotest parts of his lungs. The smoke contains tar and nicotine, which attack thousands of air sacs in the lung; as he continues to smoke, his air passages become increasing coated with tar, which includes several cancers causing agents. As the tar residue continues to build up in the air passages over several years, they begin to change the surface cells of the passages cancer cells begin to increase in number within a few years, lung cancer often appears. By the time a diagnosis finally confirming the presence of lung cancer, the disease has usually spread beyond control. Furthermore, the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke pass through the placenta to the fetus. It can result low birth weight babies who are more likely to have health and behavioral problems in children such as attention disorder during preschool or school age and they often need medical attention. In fact, maternal smoking is not the only problem; non-smoking mothers living in a house where someone smokes are also at increased risk for having low birth weight babies. Moreover, the most dramatic effect of maternal smoking is on the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or crib death). SIDS is the most common cause of death in babies between the second week and first year of life. When a women smokes during pregnancy, the risk of SIDS is at least doubled, and possibly tripled. It is estimated that more than 1/3 of all SIDS deaths is due to maternal tobacco use. Smoking is not simply a matter of personal choice when affects nonsmokers. Non-smoker's health is threatened because they force to inhale the secondhand tobacco smoke (also called Environmental Tobacco Smoke, ETS). Environment tobacco smoke is made up of smoke that comes from the end of cigarettes (known as sidestream smoke) and the smoke that is exhaled from the smoker (known as mainstream smoke). Scientists have determined that sidestream has more carcinogens--cancer causing agents than mainstream smoke. In short, nonsmokers or secondhand smokers' health is even worst than smokers although they did not touch the cigarettes for the reason that the chemicals that are inhaled from environment tobacco smoke are not safe for human and can cause serious health problem or make existing health problem even worse. Environment tobacco smoke is a health hazard not only for people who live it day to day, but also for people who are exposed to it occasionally such as in restaurants of bars and for short period. Furthermore, environment tobacco smoke affects the respiratory of nonsmokers and can reduce lung function increasing coughing and chest discomfort. It can also cause eye irritation, sore throat in nonsmokers. Children are particularly vulnerable to environment tobacco smoke because their lung are still growing and developing. For instance, environment tobacco smoke makes existing asthma worse. It is a harmful indoor air pollutant and has serious health problems not only for children but for adults as well. Since even short exposure negatively affects the human

The Differences Between DNA and RNA

The Differences Between DNA and RNA Although their names may sound familiar, DNA and RNA are often confused for one another when there are in fact several key differences between these two carriers of genetic information.  Deoxyribonucleic acid  (DNA) and  ribonucleic acid  (RNA) both are made of nucleotides and serve a role in the production of protein and other parts of cells, but there are some key elements of both that differ on the nucleotide and base levels. Evolutionarily, scientists believe that RNA may have been the building block of early primitive organisms due to its simpler structure and its pivotal function of transcribing DNA sequences so that other parts of the cell may understand them- meaning RNA would have to exist in order for DNA to function, so it stands to reason RNA came first in the evolution of multi-celled organisms. Among these core differences between DNA and RNA is that RNAs backbone is made of a different sugar than DNAs, RNAs use of uracil instead of thymine in its nitrogenous base, and the number of strands on  each type of genetic information carriers molecules. Which Came First in Evolution? While there are arguments for DNA occurring naturally in the world first, it is generally agreed upon that RNA came before DNA for a variety of reasons, starting with its simpler structure and more easily interpretable codons which would allow for faster genetic evolution through reproduction and repetition. Many primitive prokaryotes use RNA as their genetic material and did not evolve DNA, and RNA can still be used as a catalyst for chemical reactions like enzymes. There are also clues, within viruses that use only RNA, that RNA may be more ancient than DNA, and scientists even refer to a time before DNA as the â€Å"RNA world. Then why did DNA evolve at all? This question is still being investigated, but one possible explanation is that DNA is more highly protected and harder to break down than RNA- it is both twisted and â€Å"zipped† up in a double-stranded molecule which adds protection from injury and digestion by enzymes. Primary Differences DNA and RNA are made up of subunits called nucleotides wherein all nucleotides have a sugar backbone, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base, and both DNA and RNA have sugar â€Å"backbones† that are made up of five carbon molecules; however, they are different sugars that make them up. DNA is made up of deoxyribose and RNA is made up of ribose, which may sound similar and have similar structures, but the deoxyribose sugar molecule is missing one oxygen that a ribose molecule sugar has, and this makes a big enough change to make the backbones of these nucleic acids different. The nitrogenous bases of RNA and DNA are also different, though in both these bases can be categorized into two main groups: the pyrimidines which have a single ring structure and purines which have a double ring structure. In both DNA and RNA, when complementary strands are made, a purine must match up with a pyrimidine to keep the width of the â€Å"ladder† at three rings. The purines in both RNA and DNA are called adenine and guanine, and they also both have a pyrimidine called cytosine; however, their second pyrimidine is different: DNA uses thymine while RNA includes uracil instead. When complementary strands are made of the genetic material, cytosine always matches up with guanine and adenine will match up with thymine (in DNA) or uracil (in RNA). This is called the â€Å"base pairing rules† and was discovered by Erwin Chargaff in the early 1950s. Another difference between DNA and RNA is the number of strands of the molecules. DNA is a double helix meaning it has two twisted strands that are complementary to each other match up by the base pairing rules while RNA, on the other hand, is only single-stranded and created in most eukaryotes by making a complementary strand to a single DNA strand. Comparison Chart for DNA and RNA Comparison DNA RNA Name DeoxyriboNucleic Acid RiboNucleic Acid Function Long-term storage of genetic information; transmission of genetic information to make other cells and new organisms. Used to transfer the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosomes to make proteins. RNA is used to transmit genetic information in some organisms and may have been the molecule used to store genetic blueprints in primitive organisms. Structural Features B-form double helix. DNA is a double-stranded molecule consisting of a long chain of nucleotides. A-form helix. RNA usually is a single-strand helix consisting of shorter chains of nucleotides. Composition of Bases and Sugars deoxyribose sugarphosphate backboneadenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine bases ribose sugarphosphate backboneadenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil bases Propagation DNA is self-replicating. RNA is synthesized from DNA on an as-needed basis. Base Pairing AT (adenine-thymine)GC (guanine-cytosine) AU (adenine-uracil)GC (guanine-cytosine) Reactivity The C-H bonds in DNA make it fairly stable, plus the body destroys enzymes that would attack DNA. The small grooves in the helix also serve as protection, providing minimal space for enzymes to attach. The O-H bond in the ribose of RNA makes the molecule more reactive, compared with DNA. RNA is not stable under alkaline conditions, plus the large grooves in the molecule make it susceptible to enzyme attack. RNA is constantly produced, used, degraded, and recycled. Ultraviolet Damage DNA is susceptible to UV damage. Compared with DNA, RNA is relatively resistant to UV damage. The Differences Between DNA and RNA DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, while RNA is ribonucleic acid. Although DNA and RNA both carry genetic information, there are quite a few differences between them. This is a comparison of the differences between DNA versus RNA, including a quick summary and a detailed table of the differences. Summary of Differences Between DNA and RNA DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA contains the sugar ribose. The only difference between ribose and deoxyribose is that ribose has one more -OH group than deoxyribose, which has -H attached to the second (2) carbon in the ring.DNA is a double-stranded molecule while RNA is a single-stranded molecule.DNA is stable under alkaline conditions while RNA is not stable.DNA and RNA perform different functions in humans. DNA is responsible for storing and transferring genetic information while RNA directly codes for amino acids and as acts as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes to make proteins.DNA and RNA base pairing is slightly different since DNA uses the bases adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine; RNA uses adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine. Uracil differs from thymine in that it lacks a methyl group on its ring. Comparison of DNA and RNA While both DNA and RNA are used to store genetic information, there are clear differences between them. This table summarizes the key points: Comparison DNA RNA Name DeoxyriboNucleic Acid RiboNucleic Acid Function Long-term storage of genetic information; transmission of genetic information to make other cells and new organisms. Used to transfer the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosomes to make proteins. RNA is used to transmit genetic information in some organisms and may have been the molecule used to store genetic blueprints in primitive organisms. Structural Features B-form double helix. DNA is a double-stranded molecule consisting of a long chain of nucleotides. A-form helix. RNA usually is a single-strand helix consisting of shorter chains of nucleotides. Composition of Bases and Sugars deoxyribose sugarphosphate backboneadenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine bases ribose sugarphosphate backboneadenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil bases Propagation DNA is self-replicating. RNA is synthesized from DNA on an as-needed basis. Base Pairing AT (adenine-thymine)GC (guanine-cytosine) AU (adenine-uracil)GC (guanine-cytosine) Reactivity The C-H bonds in DNA make it fairly stable, plus the body destroys enzymes that would attack DNA. The small grooves in the helix also serve as protection, providing minimal space for enzymes to attach. The O-H bond in the ribose of RNA makes the molecule more reactive, compared with DNA. RNA is not stable under alkaline conditions, plus the large grooves in the molecule make it susceptible to enzyme attack. RNA is constantly produced, used, degraded, and recycled. Ultraviolet Damage DNA is susceptible to UV damage. Compared with DNA, RNA is relatively resistant to UV damage. Which Came First? While there is some evidence DNA may have occurred first, most scientists believe RNA evolved before DNA. RNA has a simpler structure and is needed in order for DNA to function. Also, RNA is found in prokaryotes, which are believed to precede eukaryotes. RNA on its own can act as a catalyst for certain chemical reactions. The real question is why DNA evolved if RNA existed. The most likely answer for this is that having a double-stranded molecule helps protect the genetic code from damage. If one strand is broken, the other strand can serve as a template for repair. Proteins surrounding DNA also confer additional protection against enzymatic attack. Unusual DNA and RNA While the most common form of DNA is a double helix. there is evidence for rare cases of branched DNA, quadruplex DNA,  and molecules made from triple strands. Scientists have found DNA in which arsenic substitutes for phosphorus. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sometimes occurs. It is similar to DNA, except thymine is replaced by uracil. This type of RNA is found in some viruses. When these viruses infect eukaryotic cells, the dsRNA can interfere with normal RNA function and stimulate an interferon response. Circular single strand RNA (circRNA) has been found in both animals and plants. At present, the function of this type of RNA is unknown. Sources Burge S, Parkinson GN, Hazel P, Todd AK, Neidle S (2006). Quadruplex DNA: sequence, topology and structure. Nucleic Acids Research. 34 (19): 5402–15. doi:10.1093/nar/gkl655Whitehead KA, Dahlman JE, Langer RS, Anderson DG (2011). Silencing or stimulation? siRNA delivery and the immune system. Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. 2: 77–96. doi:10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-061010-114133

Captain History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Captain History - Essay Example For instance, the Romantic exaltation induced the concept of ‘identity’ among the Europeans while enabling them to distinguish themselves on the basis of religion, culture, language and traditions. Hence the country’s interests were put below the national interest primarily guarded by a particular group residing in the society (Nationalism). This was a very significant event in the prehistoric era as it is now considered the major cause of World War I. Moreover, before the inducement of nationalism the governments were made and sustained on the basis of sovereignty of God, imperial domination or in relation to a specific dynasty. These governments were more successful in terms of prevailing justice among their people. However, once the European population became aware of the nationalism and stated practicing it, thereafter the liberalism took over them. Liberalism removed the domination of religions from government formations and law enforcement agencies while ext ending the maximum authority to the ‘people’ or general citizens (Nationalism). This underlying concept of liberalism is now practiced in the form of democracy. Today historians believe that if nationalism was not introduced in the early nineteenth century then there were significant chances that the world’s most devastating wars had never erupted. Hence being Captain History I picked up this event to make the world a better place to live today. On my way back to the nineteenth century I will closely analyze the nationalism and thereafter I will identify its precipitating factors. For instance, people in the late eighteenth century were facing immense societal problems and injustice which actually encouraged them to accept nationalism so that every individual could safeguard its rights while practicing power over the disadvantaged groups of the society. Consequently I will establish a global organization in the early nineteenth century in order to protect the rig hts of people while giving equivalent opportunities to every country. The organization will be made on the outline of United Nations Organization with a chief General Secretary who will evaluate and analyze the problems of different nations residing in the same country. Thereafter the secretary would require spreading global peace while removing the concept of nationalism. People in the early nineteenth century were significantly backwards in terms of technological advancements and communication systems. Therefore, it would be highly challenging for me to initiate such a global organization. Hence I would carry some of the most reliable and appropriate technological equipment to the historic period. This would not only help me in establishing a global peace organization but it will also assist the scientists of that period. Eventually the foundation of nationalism shall be removed from the history whereas people in the contemporary world would experience more advanced technology. Ex clusion of nationalism from the nineteenth century will actually guarantee a better future because historic records reveal that nationalism was followed by alliance politics. Mutual defense alliance is the most obvious example which was formed due to the similar nationalism approach among the European countries. As per the agreement between different countries such as Russia and Serbia, Austria and Germany, France and Russia, Britain and Japan,