The Cell Cycle: December 2023

DECEMBER ISSUE 2023

THE CELL CYCLE

See Inside: WOW! What’s new?: Biomarkers and CRISPR Technology Body Systems: The Brain and The Bones Quirky and Creative: Reversing Death and Mosquitos to the Rescue!

Microscopic but Magical: Cells and Enzymes Saving Lives: A Journey of Teaching CPR

The

Cell Cycle

Exchange and Renew.

“The cell, this elementary keystone of living nature, is far from being a peculiar chemical giant molecule or even a living protein; it is an autonomous selfreproducing unit, the material form of which is incorporated in a process of continual exchange and renewal."

Ernst Boris Chain

Contents Editor’s Notes

03

Contributors

05

WOW! What’s new?

Anxiety “Runs in the Blood“

07

Interview: Dr. Reety Arora CRISPR 08 Technology

Body Systems Neuroplasticity: The Way of Evolution

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Bone Zone: Fun Facts

15

Bone Zone: Word Search

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Quirky and Creative An Experiment in Reviving the Dead

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Flying Syringes

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Microscopic but Magical The Cellular Chronicles

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Catalyst Crossword

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Specialised Cells Illustration

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Soap VS Germs

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Saving Lives Suryanayak

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Acknowledgements

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Editor’s Note Anaaya Singhania Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief “The Cell Cycle” is an interdisciplinary science journal with a primary focus on biology. Everyone, regardless of whether they harbour a hearty passion or a slight curiosity in this subject, is welcome to join us and contribute.

In living organisms, the aim of the cell cycle is to duplicate the DNA and organelles in a cell and divide the cell into two daughter cells. It consists of 4 phases: G1, S, G2 and M. The cell cycle is a fundamental process of life which occurs in most cells in not just our bodies, but in all living things. It is what keeps us alive and what makes us “grow”. The cell cycle teaches us about the continual process of creation, teamwork and most of all, growth. Millions and millions of extremely complex mechanisms all operate together to ultimately facilitate the cell cycle. In a similar fashion, the team working on this magazine has contributed their individual skills, interests and thoughts to create this accumulation of fresh perspectives and ideas.

This magazine is a platform to share your love for Biology. All the same, it is also a lesson in responsibility, accountability and punctuality, as well as in research, scientific writing, creativity and critical thinking.

I’m very happy to see how well the first issue of “The Cell Cycle” has turned out. The work ethic, passion and quality of content of every single member of the team has been beyond incredible. This issue is full of some really interesting articles which will keep you hooked and begging for more. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it. Happy reading.

Warm regards, Anaaya Singhania.

PS: Thank you for reading this magazine. It means a lot to all of us. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at sanaaya@tisb.ac.in for any questions or advice you have for us.

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Editor’s Note Shivani Sridharan Co-Founder biology /bʌɪˈɒlədʒi/ noun the study of living organisms, divided into many specialized fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin, and distribution.

Biology is how we breathe, how our hearts beat, how our food is digested. Biology is everywhere. It is the science of life. It helps us understand our living world, and appreciate how its many species function, evolve, and interact. But there is so much more to biology than that. There have been so many recent breakthroughs in the field, promising new technologies, and upcoming research and development. The subject is so much more than just memorizing facts and reading fat textbooks. It is understanding the complicated science that fuels our lives. It has widespread real-life applications which range from super-crops, the cure to cancer, and biodegradable plastics to the science behind hair loss, the production of beer, and even an explanation for chronic stupidity. This magazine is aimed at debunking biology, and truly appreciating and understanding the subtle nuances and intricacies it offers. This magazine is a tribute to Biology.

We wanted to present a system of authenticating accuracy of articles by imitating professional peer-review research journals. Hence, we introduced an element of "peer-reviewing": in essence, for every article written, the writer proof-reads another article written by somebody else. Moreover, to expand the reach of biology, we are going to distribute the magazine to government schools to increase underprivileged students' access to scientific facts and lore. To achieve this, parts of the magazine have been translated into languages such as Hindi and Korean.

Our team is an exciting mix of 6th to 11th graders, who are building essential skills in the field of research by reading about various topics and writing, proofreading, and editing articles. Everyone is both growing and learning individually, and giving back to others as we donate copies of the magazine to government schools, to share our knowledge, interests, and passions, in this exciting field.

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Contributors: Content Creators

Verushka Pandey Grade 10

Nivrithi Balachandran Grade 6

Tia Shukla Grade 6

Avanthika Krishnan Grade 11

Spraha TS Grade 11

Adithi Ponnambalam Grade 11

Aditya Sankar Grade 11

Aishani Sinha Grade 10

Jinisha Setiya Grade 11

Anay Chaturvedi Grade 6

Aanika Krishnan Grade 11

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Contributors: Editors

Jinisha Setiya Grade 11

Supriya Krishnamurthy Grade 10

Contributors: Designers

Avanthika Krishnan Grade 11

Supriya Krishnamurthy Grade 10

Contributors: Translators

Hyejun Han Grade6

Aishani Sinha Grade 10

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WOW! What’s new?

DECEMBER ISSUE 2023

THE THE CELL CELL CYCLE CYCLE

Anxiety “Runs in the Blood” Aanika Krishnan, Grade 11

B

iological markers, or biomarkers, are measurable indicators of physiological or pathological conditions in the body. These

can be molecules, genes, or other characteristics such as body temperature or blood pressure. Since the concept gained popularity in the 1980s, biomarkers have been used in clinical research as surrogate endpoints, that is, an alternative to a direct measure of a clinical outcome. So, it is unsurprising that today biomarkers can be used to diagnose and treat even psychological disorders.

In March 2023, the Indiana University School of Medicine developed a blood test for anxiety. The test works on the basis of, you guessed it, blood biomarkers – specifically RNA molecules.

They can be analyzed to determine three properties: someone’s risk of developing anxiety, their current level of anxiety, and effective treatment options for them.

Aanika Krishnan gives us insight into how blood composition can be used to diagnose anxiety.

“It is fascinating how tiny molecules are capable of redefining the scope of psychiatry today."

One main biomarker is the glutamic acid decarboxylase gene, GAD1, which codes for the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase, GAD65. GAD65 breaks down glutamate, an anxiety-inducing neurotransmitter, into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter. Hence, abnormalities in the GABA system caused by a GAD1 mutation can result in anxiety disorder.

Such a blood test is major for the future of psychiatry. It serves as an objective indicator of the condition, rather than having to rely solely on the patient’s description of their symptoms. This means that therapies can be individualized, avoiding the risk of addiction which can happen with some typical anxiety medications. It can also indicate whether the condition will worsen and how other factors such as hormones have an influence. Thus, early treatment can prevent such aggravations. Dr. Alexander Niculescu, professor of psychiatry, hopes to “avoid (such) pain and suffering and treat (patients) earlier with something that matches their profile.”

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Interview: Dr. Reety Arora on CRISPR Technology Anay Chaturvedi, Grade 6

Dr. Reety Arora is a Senior Scientist with CRISPRBITS. In her interview with Anay Chaturvedi (class 6B) she talks about her career in research and work on CRISPR technology.

Finally advising students to have a critical mind in whichever field they pursue in life.

What inspired you to become a biologist?

When I was in high school, I really liked Biology and Math since I had good teachers and I knew I wanted to keep studying them all my life. As I grew up, the option I was presented with was to become a doctor because that's what everyone thought one could do with Biology.

Fortunately, I got lucky after speaking to some friends, family and teachers and understanding that I could also do research. I wasn’t sure what that meant. My father arranged a meeting with an IIT Delhi Professor in Biochemistry, and she told me that you could do a PhD and pursue research in Biology as a profession. I didn’t have to be a doctor.

I took Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in my 11th and 12th.

I pursued Bachelors in Engineering in Biotechnology from Punjab University. After that, I went to University of Pittsburgh in the US, where I did my PhD in Molecular Biology. I also did my post-doc research at inStem and NCBS. What is your area of research?

I did my PhD in viruses that cause cancer. I very specifically looked at a virus called Merkel Cell Polyomavirus. It's a very interesting virus. It's found in all our bodies. If I take a swab from your skin, it'll probably be there, just existing.

People who are old have immuno compromise, which means their immune system stops working properly. There, the virus can go into skin cells and cause a cancer.

And a cancer is nothing but cells growing in an uncontrolled manner.

So, they keep growing, keep growing, and the body can't control their growth and can't kill them off.

I used to study very specific proteins that this virus used to produce and how this virus causes cancer. Then I moved back to India, and I did my post-doc in stem cells at the Institute of Stem Cell Biology and inStem,

and regenerative medicine. And then I also worked on muscle stem cells again looking at a very, very specific protein there to understand how muscle stem cells make muscles.

I currently work for a company called CRISPRBITS, and we're using CRISPR technology. It's a new technology for diagnosis, therapy, microbial fermentation, different other projects.

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CRISPR technology manipulates genes in DNA

I understand that you are working in CRISPR technology. Can you explain this technology, in simpler terms for your readers and help us understand why this research is important and what are its potential applications?

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.

It’s a technology that scientists use to modify DNA of organisms. It was discovered in the immune system of a bacteria. When the scientists studied these sequences, they realized that even though the sequences were part of the bacterial genome, the actual sequence code belongs to a virus that causes infection in bacteria. They were puzzled – why is a viral sequence inside a bacteria? In human beings, we have antibodies against the viruses and bacteria that infect us.

They realised that bacteria work in a similar fashion: every time a bacteria gets infected by a virus, the viral sequence gets stored inside the genome, to remember that this virus had attacked the bacteria. So, the next time the virus attacks, it can fight it back easily. This is the CRISPR technology.

There are two components of the CRISPR technology that you need to remember: one is called a guide RNA and the other is called a CAS protein.

Just like computers use “zero and one”, in DNA and RNA there are four bases – ATGC. A always binds with the T, and C always binds with the G. So, if a DNA sequence is present and a RNA sequence exactly matches that DNA sequence, the RNA sequence is called the guide RNA. Then, there is a protein which recognizes this DNA and RNA bound together.

This entire complex is the CRISPR complex. What happens is that the guide very specifically goes and binds to a target DNA. Then the CAS binds there and “cleaves” it, which means it cuts it. This cutting is very, very precise and to the point.

When this was discovered, the precision of this cut is what got scientists excited because now one can use it for gene editing. Now, what does gene editing mean?

Suppose I'm born with a genetic disorder. So, I have a gene that causes a disease in my back. Now that disease is caused by a small mutation in my gene. So, one A that was supposed to be A is now a T, and this T is causing my disorder.

Now, with CRISPR technology, I can go cut it and replace that T back with an A. And then I can cure the disease. The first big use of CRISPR technology has been to cure sickle cell anemia, which is present in the blood.

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It's a blood disorder where the hemoglobin gets a single mutation, because of which they're not able to breathe very well. They get tired very fast and they have extreme anaemia and weakness. The blood can be taken out of the body, edited, cured and put back.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing a career in biology research?

I would just say think critically and with a sense of enquiry. Whether you choose biology or not, you should always question and look at the things carefully, especially in today's day of false information and fake news. You can only convince somebody else of any data or any piece of work when you convince yourself. Think critically and question and develop your skills in forming hypothesis and testing.

Thank you very much for your time and so many insights for us, Dr Arora!

“Dr Arora gave me so many insights into the world of biology and she was very kind and patient with all my questions.

She was very encouraging throughout the interview - it was a total delight to speak with her!”

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Body Systems

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Neuroplasticity: The Way of Evolution Jinisha Setiya, Grade 11

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's exceptional ability to reorganise and throughout life by creating new neural connections. It's the brain's ability of remaining flexible and malleable in the face of new experiences, learning, and environmental influences.

This process entails the strengthening of existing neuronal pathways as well as the formation of new ones, allowing the brain to compensate for injury or adapt to new surroundings.

Neuroplasticity has been divided into two different criteria which are: Functional plasticity: The ability of the brain to redistribute or transfer functions from damaged parts to intact regions is referred to as functional plasticity. After an injury or while learning a new skill, functional plasticity allows the brain to transfer tasks to different regions, thereby facilitating recovery or adaptation. Cortical Remapping is a specific kind of functional plasticity. This happens when the brain reallocates functions from one section of the cerebral cortex to another. For example, if the portion of the brain responsible for a specific function is damaged, surrounding or related brain regions may take over that function to compensate for the loss. This process involves the adaptive remodelling of neuronal networks, which allows the brain to maintain or recover functions compromised by injury or changes in sensory input. Cortical remapping has been documented in a variety of situations, including after injury, throughout rehabilitation, and even during skill learning.

Structural Plasticity: This refers to physical changes in the structure of the brain, such as the production of new neurons (neurogenesis) and the formation of new neural pathways. It enables the formation of new connections or improvements of existing ones, facilitating learning and adaptation for new experiences. Synaptic Plasticity is comes under the broad range of structural plasticity. It refers to the changes in the strength or efficiency of connections between neurons (synapses) are examples of this sort of plasticity. Examples include Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) and Long-Term Depression (LTD). LTP strengthens synapses whereas LTD weakens them, both of which contribute to learning and memory formation.

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As we age the neuroplasticity of the brain gets affected in multiple ways. Here are 4 ways in which it gets affected: Reduced Plasticity: Generally, neuroplasticity decreases with age. The brain becomes less flexible in forming new connections and adapting to changes. This slowdown in plasticity can affect learning and the brain's ability to recover from injury.

Slower Learning: Older brains might take longer to learn new things or acquire new skills compared to younger brains. However, learning is still possible; it might just require more effort and practice.

Environmental and Behavioural Impact: While the overall plasticity might decrease, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and behaviours can still influence neuroplasticity positively. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, regular exercise, social interaction, and a healthy diet can help maintain a higher level of plasticity.

Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions or injuries might impact neuroplasticity differently in older individuals. In some cases, the brain's ability to rewire itself might be more limited due to the extent of damage or the progression of a condition.

Jinisha Setiya delves into the nuances of neuroplasticity and does a deep dive about the effect of age on it

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Bone Zone: Fun Facts!

A Deep Dive Into Our Skeletal Structure

Aishani Sinha, Grade 10

1. Skull: The human skull is made up of 22 bones, 14 of which are facial bones and 8 of which are cranial bones.

which produces red and white blood cells, and therefore plays an essential role in your body’s immune system.

2. Femur: The femur, or thigh bone, is the longest bone in the human body. The femur is also the strongest bone – so strong that it can support 30 times the weight of an average adult. It’s stronger than steel!

7. Fibula: The fibula, the slender bone next to the tibia, provides support to the muscles of the leg.

8. Pelvis: The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that connects the spine to the lower limbs and protects internal organs in the pelvic cavity. The female pelvis is generally wider and shallower than the male pelvis. This adaptation helps to facilitate childbirth.

3. Ribs: The human ribcage consists of 12 pairs of ribs, and they serve to protect vital organs like the heart and lungs. Your ribs can even change shape!

They are not rigid bones and can flex and move with your breathing. This flexibility allows the ribcage to expand and contract during gas exchange.

4. Vertebrae: The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae, and between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc that acts as a cushion.

5. Humerus: The humerus, also known as the funny bone, is the bone of the upper arm. It is connected to the shoulder blade and the two bones of the forearm (radius and ulna). It's also the bone that many animals have evolved into wings.

6. Tibia: The tibia, or shin bone, is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg. It contains bone marrow,

9. Clavicle: Commonly known as the collarbone, the clavicle is the only horizontal long bone in the human body. It is the first bone to start the process of healing when fractured and often forms a visible "bump" during the healing process.

10. Scapula: The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat, triangular bone that provides an attachment point for many muscles. The scapula has a socket called the glenoid, forming a crucial part of the shoulder joint. It allows for a wide range of arm movements.

11. Radius: The radius is one of the two forearm bones, and it rotates around the ulna when turning the palm up or down. The radius is prone to fractures, but it has the remarkable ability to regenerate and repair itself much more efficiently than many other bones.

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12. Ulna: The ulna, along with the radius, is present in the forearm and provides stability when the hand grips or holds an object.

13. Patella: The patella, or kneecap, is a small, flat and triangular bone that protects and maintains the knee joint.

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20. Sacrum: The sacrum is a triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae, and it connects the spine to the hip bones. The Latin word "sacrum" means sacred; in some cultures, it was considered a sacred bone.

14. Mandible: The mandible, or jawbone, is the only bone in the skull capable of motion. It plays a vital role in eating and speaking.

15. Phalanges: The phalanges are the bones of the fingers and toes. Each finger has three phalanges, except the thumb, which has two.

These bones contain some of the densest concentrations of nerve endings in the body, providing high tactile sensitivity.

16. Metatarsals: These are the long bones in the middle of the foot, connecting the toes to the tarsal bones. The metatarsals in your feet are arched to distribute your body weight evenly and act as shock absorbers, helping you maintain balance.

17. Metacarpals: These are the five long bones in the palm of the hand, connecting the fingers to the carpals.

18. Sternum: The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located in the centre of the chest and is connected to the ribs. The sternum has a distinctive "J" shape, with the top part (called the manubrium) resembling the letter J. This shape provides additional structural support.

19. Coccyx: The coccyx, or tailbone, is the small, triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of several vertebrae.

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Bone Zone: Word Search Aishani Sinha, Grade 10

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Quirky & Creative

DECEMBER ISSUE 2023

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An Experiment in Reviving the Dead Aditya Sankar, Grade 11

W

ho dares revive the dead?

Since time immemorial, there have been countless attempts to revive the dead. Russian scientist Sergei Bryukhonenko notably designed and constructed the ‘autojektor’, intending to resuscitate a dead canine. The autojektor was essentially a pump, used as a substitute for its circulatory system; alongside surgeon Nikolay Terebinsky, he conducted a series of experiments where he tried to keep the head of the animal alive while separated from its body.

Bryukhonenko, however, was not the first to suggest a mechanism of artificial circulation. The French physiologist Cesar Julien Jean Legallois wrote in 1812 that “if one could substitute for the heart a kind of injection of arterial blood, either naturally or artificially, one would succeed easily in maintaining alive indefinitely any part of the body whatsoever.” Nonetheless, it was not until Bryukhonenko’s experiments that the feasibility of artificial full-body perfusion (the passage of fluid through blood vessels or the lymphatic system to an organ or tissue) was established. His achievements in these experiments led to significant advancements in cardiac surgery.

The Experiment Bryukhonenko’s most famous experiment with the autojektor was documented in the 1940 film ‘Experiments in The Revival of Organisms’. This included discussions of his 1926 attempt to keep the head of a dog alive using an artificial circulatory system.

The apparatus used two electric pumps: an arterial pump, taking blood from a reservoir to the head of the dog, and the venous pump, taking the blood back for re-oxygenation in the reservoir. This system acted as an artificial means of blood circulation, continuously supplying the head with the resources it needed for metabolism.

The dog’s head, once connected to the autojektor, displayed reactions to external stimuli. These included being poked with a stick and tickled with a feather; it was even recorded as reacting to light and sound.

Bryukhonenko and Terebinsky decided to take their experimentation even further. They connected the blood vessels of another dog to the autojektor while it was alive; in this experiment, the head of the dog remained connected to its body. Briefly, the dog’s heart and the autojektor worked in parallel; the artificial pump, however, was soon deactivated, resulting in the clinical death of the dog.

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A few minutes postmortem, the autojektor was reactivated and metabolism resumed, leading to the restoration of blood perfusion. The heart and lungs of the dog returned to normal, and the dog was resuscitated.

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Institute records state that the fully revived dogs survived for only a few days, rather than the many years described by Bryukhonenko and Terebinsky. Certain researchers present during the experiments also claim that the revived canine heads only survived for a few minutes.

Nevertheless, the consensus is that the experiments still had merit, despite the exaggerated coverage of their results. The same principles behind the autojektor have become key to many modern advancements in cardiac surgery and extra-corporeal life systems. Bryukhonenko even went on to win the prestigious Lenin Prize in 1965 for his work in the field.

Implications and Reliability

Following the success of Bryukhonenko and Terebinsky, many also began to question the feasibility of reviving human bodies in the same manner.

The same idea occurred to Bryukhonenko himself, who had been given access to human cadavers during the 1950s by the Soviet Union. Even so, his attempts were recorded as failures (although rumours suggesting otherwise do exist). Yet unfulfilled, it appears that the quest for human resurrection will continue.

The autojektor acted as a primitive basis for techniques such as ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) which are used today to provide cardiac and respiratory support to a patient if their own heart and lungs are failing. It is also used in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and other cases where patients require external substitutes for organs.

However, some scientists have raised arguments against the validity of the original experiments.

For example, many argue that merely restarting circulation would not be sufficient to completely revive an organism, as irreversible brain death also begins to occur after death.

The video documentation of the experiment has also been criticised for propagating misleading information.

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Flying Syringes Mosquitos...Saving Us? Adithi Ponnambalam, Grade 11 Mosquitoes; we just hate them, don’t we? Apart from their distinct, droning buzz that doesn’t let us sleep and the itchy, ugly bumps that they leave on our skin, mosquitoes transmit serious illnesses (Malaria, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, etc.), some of which are fatal.

With climate change increasing the number of regions with the tropical conditions under which they thrive (higher temperatures, higher humidity and increased precipitation), the mosquito population has increased significantly these past few years, resulting in an increase in the reported cases of these mosquitoborne illnesses. The estimate that there are over a million deaths that occur each year due to these mosquito-borne illnesses is scary to think about!

How can we stop these disease outbreaks from getting worse and win this ‘war’ against the mosquitoes? With global warming still a prevalent issue in our world, scientists predict that the mosquito population will continue increasing.

So, to find a solution both efficiently and in as little time as possible, it is wiser to ‘attack’ the source of these outbreaks; the mosquitoes themselves.

Scientists have tried to figure out ways to manipulate the mosquitoes’ DNA to combat this, but unfortunately, these ways have all had major drawbacks. These were some of their ideas: Idea 1: Create strains of mosquitoes that are either resistant to the parasitic and/or viral infections.

Drawback - It is too difficult of a task to completely replace the natural, disease-carrying mosquito population.

Idea 2: Create strains that cannot pass on the unwanted pathogen to humans.

Drawback - Same as for Idea 1.

Idea 3: Introducing transgenic (definition - organisms that contain genetic material into which DNA from an unrelated organism is artificially introduced) mosquitoes which prevent viable offspring from being produced.

Drawback - Decline in mosquito populations, which would cause imbalances in food chains and so would also affect the survival of other species.

But what if we could somehow change a mosquito’s DNA so that instead of spreading illnesses, they could spread vaccines?

This is exactly what a group of Japanese researchers had done, with the hopes of developing a vaccine using less cost as compared to an injectable vaccine, and finding an easier method to distribute the vaccine.

Vaccines are made from dead or weakened pathogens (definition organisms that cause disease) of the illness that the vaccine is developed for. They help prepare our bodies to fight the same illness quickly, in the case of an actual infection.

A mosquito bite contains a drop of the mosquito’s saliva that prevents the host’s blood from clotting. Since the saliva enters our body, this group of researchers had decided to use this feature as the means of transfer of the vaccine.

After genetically modifying (changing the genes) a group of mosquitoes to contain the vaccine for a disease called leishmaniasis, the researchers then allowed the mosquitoes to bite some mice. As they had predicted, these mice were able to develop antibodies against the vaccine; meaning that they had become more immune to the pathogen and the illness itself.

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If we could execute this all around the world, there would be less number of deaths due to these illnesses. Also, wouldn’t it be so much more convenient to have our vaccinations flying all around us rather than just being annoying shots that are jabbed into our skin?

Unfortunately, mosquitoes were concluded to be ‘unacceptable’ as a method of vaccine delivery. This is because there would be a wide range in the number of mosquito bites that a person would receive. This means that each person would get a different dose of the vaccine,

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which would end up in dosage being ineffective or very unsafe, with even the possibility of death. It would be similar to giving someone one vaccine while giving another person 200 vaccines; crazy, right?

Though such a fascinating and innovative idea, the ‘flying vaccines’ project is not practically workable.

Hopefully, we can develop some solutions to these illnesses and problems soon, because time is ticking!

Adithi Ponnambalam tickles our brains with a very creative idea which uses mosquitos to solve the problem of mosquitos!

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Microscopic but Magical

The Cellular Chronicles

Spraha TS, Grade 11

DECEMBER ISSUE 2023 THE CELL CYCLE

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Catalyst Crossword Ft. Enzymes, the Biological Catalysts

Avanthika Krishnan, Grade 11 “I love learning about both chemistry and biology and it fascinates me when both those worlds combine. I think one area where they do combine which is universally known is enzymes.

The process was really enriching since I had to do a bit more research about the workings and the different kinds of enzymes present in the body and it helped me learn a lot of new and insightful things.”

Answers will be given in the next issue!

DOWN

ACROSS

1. An enzyme’s perfect match 3. An enzyme reacts with its substrate to form a ______ complex 4. A bridge for a chemical group to get to another substance 5. An enzyme’s better half 7. Gives enzymes mood swings!

13. Charged 13 down

2. A life characteristic enabled by enzymes 6. France’s most popular enzyme-based export 8. This skin condition is caused due to lack of a particular enzyme.

9. Genes?

10. Enzymes function by reducing this energy.

11. Enzymes are ____ catalysts. (PS- There’s a hint!)

12. Special groove.

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Nivrithi Balachandran, Grade 6 Soap is a very critical part of maintaining our hygiene. Germs are everywhere. They cling onto us like a fly stuck onto glue. The germ contains a lot of water. A soap molecule consists a head and tail.

Furthermore, the soap molecule has a large resemblance to a snake. The head dislikes water, while the tail is like a water loving monster. There are two ways that soaps kill germs.

Way 1: One way that soap kills germs is that they loosen up the germs from the surface of the skin and make them fall off.

Way 2: As we said, the soap molecule consists of a head and tail. The soap tail approaches the germ and pokes them.

Deflating and spewing bout all of their insides.

Although not fully accurate, it is interesting to see how a growing mind understands the world around them!

Tia Shukla, Grade 6

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Saving Lives

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Suryanayak A Student Initiative: CPR Verushka Pandey, Grade 10

Suryanyak is a grassroots movement aiming to create a widespread mass movement of CPR training in rural India. It began by training ASHA (accredited health social activists) workers and has since expanded to include BMTC drivers, Anganwadi workers, mall workers, security personnel, factory workers, and gym trainers. Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality in India, and CPR is critical for survival; every minute without intervention decreases the chance of survival by 7-10%. The success of this movement has seen an improvement in the odds of survival in places where hospitals are far away and ambulances take a long time to arrive.

CPR is a life-saving technique that involves five key steps: scene safety, checking for consciousness, calling an ambulance, locating the heart, and performing compressions in cycles at the correct pace and depth. Scene safety is the first step, and should not be overlooked.

Checking for consciousness is done by patting the person hard on the shoulders and calling out their name or 'sir/ma'am', and if there is no response, by placing two fingers under their nose. The third step is to call for an ambulance, and the fourth is to locate the heart, which is done by locating the 'V' like structure in the lower abdomen and placing two fingers of the nondominant hand on top of the sternum. The fifth step is compressions, which should be done with straight elbows at a rate of 120 per minute and with strength from the hips. If the person shows any sign of consciousness during the cycle, compressions should be stopped immediately. The cycle should be repeated until the person responds or the ambulance arrives.

One poignant instance involves an AIIMS doctor aboard a flight who, amidst the announcement of a two-year-old's heart failure, stepped forward to administer CPR, ultimately saving the child's life.

We need to consider the emotional depth that is in this medical performance- it’s not just about the technical terms like the sternum, the compressions, the pace. We play the role of their heart with our hands by pumping blood to every part of their body and keeping them alive. Our hands become their heart…Let’s take a moment to revel in the beauty of that one statement, and how medicine potentially gives us the power of god, the power of saving someone’s life…

CPR is a powerful tool that can be used to save lives in critical moments. Recent stories and news articles showcase the impact of this life-saving skill, and the potential for ordinary individuals to become heroes.

Utilizing the services of ASHA workers, the unsung heroes of this project, 'Suryanyak' has been successful in reaching out to rural healthcare settings, creating a shared endeavor that is based on mutual support and trust. As a result, a domino effect is created, with individuals in the community passing on their knowledge to others.

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Acknowledgements You made it to the end! I hope this issue has been as fulfilling for you to read as it was for us to compile.

This magazine is result of the hard work of all the members of The Cell Cycle Team. They deserve a huge round of applause for their electrifying curiosity, commendable work ethic and exceptional quality of content. A big thank you to all the content creators, the designers, the editors and the translators.

I would also like to thank Ms. Deepa L for being our Teacher Supervisor and the SLT for supporting this initiative.

Finally, thank you to YOU, our readers! We hope this magazine has made you think in a different way and introduced to you new biological phenomena and perspectives. Feel free to contact us at sanaaya@tisb.ac.in for any queries or feedback you wish to impart. It will help us reflect, challenge ourselves and reach greater heights.

Yours sincerely, Anaaya Singhania, Founder and Editor-in-Chief

We are soon releasing Hindi and Korean translations of select articles in a printed format for distribution to lesser privileged students.

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The Cell Cycle: A Magazine, A Voice, A Revolution.