Mitochondrion Cell Organelle: A Symbiotic Cyanobacteria

An archaic ancestor (a prokaryotic Cyanobean symbiont) resides in our cell, a case of organisms within organisms, providing mutual benefit, the recipe for long-term evolutionary success.

In cell biology, a mitochondrion (plural mitochondria) is a membrane-enclosed organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. These organelles range from 0.5 to 1.0 micrometer (μm) in diameter. Mitochondria are sometimes described as "cellular power plants" because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. In addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in other tasks such as signaling, cellular differentiation, cell death, as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growth. Mitochondria have been implicated in several human diseases, including mitochondrial disorders and cardiac dysfunction, and may play a role in the aging process. The word mitochondrion comes from the Greek μίτος mitos, thread, + χονδρίον chondrion, granule.

Although most of a cell's DNA is contained in the cell nucleus, the mitochondrion has its own independent genome. Further, its DNA shows substantial similarity to bacterial genomes.

Origin: Mitochondria have many features in common with prokaryotes. As a result, they are thought to be originally derived from endosymbiotic prokaryotes.

A mitochondrion contains DNA, which is organized as several copies of a single, circular chromosome. This mitochondrial chromosome contains genes for redox proteins such as those of the respiratory chain. The CoRR hypothesis proposes that this co-location is required for redox regulation. The mitochondrial genome codes for some RNAs of ribosomes, and the twenty-two tRNAs necessary for the translation of messenger RNAs into protein. The circular structure is also found in prokaryotes, and the similarity is extended by the fact that mitochondrial DNA is organized with a variant genetic code similar to that of Proteobacteria. This suggests that their ancestor, the so-called proto-mitochondrion, was a member of the Proteobacteria. In particular, the proto-mitochondrion was probably closely related to the rickettsia. However, the exact relationship of the ancestor of mitochondria to the alpha-proteobacteria and whether the mitochondrion was formed at the same time or after the nucleus, remains controversial.

A recent study by researchers of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the Oregon State University indicates that the SAR11 clade of bacteria shares a relatively recent common ancestor with the mitochondria existing in most eukaryotic cells.

Humans must think like a Mitochondrion: Parasites that do not debilitate their host can get along indefinitely.  But the relationship that works the best is that of symbiont.  Bacteria have been at it for literally billions of years.  At some point prokaryotic cells found a comfortable shelter inside larger cells, and lent their particular expertise to their host’s success.  The mitochondrion within the cells have their own distinct DNA.  They do provide the abundant supply of energy that the cells enjoy.  Within animal cells, mitochondria are small powerhouses providing benefit to the cell.  They, too, show evidence of their colonial past in their distinct DNA.Organisms within organisms, providing mutual benefit, the recipe for long-term evolutionary success.  

If we are wise, we will mimic this strategy.  We will seek ways to become a contributor to the overall health of the greater organism.  Chloroplasts and mitochondria didn’t plan out their success; it wasn’t intelligently designed.  Countless millions of other viruses and bacteria were mutating, evolving, swapping genetic code .......and this worked.  It was perpetuated.

*Note: all pictures thankfully shared from various sources on Internet

Chloroplast Cell Organelle: A Symbiotic Cyanobacteria

 An archaic ancestor 
(a prokaryotic Cyanobean symbiont) 

resides in our cell, 

a case of organisms within organisms,  

providing mutual benefit, 

the recipe for long-term evolutionary success.

Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells and other eukaryotic organisms that conduct photosynthesis and other chemical reactions. Chloroplasts capture the sun's light energy, store it in the energy storage molecules ATP and NADPH and use it in the process called photosynthesis to make organic molecules from carbon dioxide and free oxygen from water.

All chloroplasts contain the green pigment chlorophyll a, but not all chloroplasts are green because accessory pigments may be present that can change or override the green colour. The word chloroplast (χλωροπλάστης) is derived from the Greek words chloros (χλωρός), which means green, and plastis (πλάστης), which means "the one who forms". Chloroplasts are members of a class of organelles known as plastids.

Origin:They are considered to have originated from cyanobacteria through endosymbiosis. This was first suggested by Mereschkowsky in 1905 after an observation by Schimper in 1883 that chloroplasts closely resemble cyanobacteria. All chloroplasts are thought to derive directly or indirectly from a single endosymbiotic event (in the Archaeplastida), except for Paulinella chromatophora, which has recently acquired a photosynthetic cyanobacterial endosymbiont which is not closely related to chloroplasts of other eukaryotes. In that they derive from an endosymbiotic event, chloroplasts are similar to mitochondria, but chloroplasts are found only in plants and protista. The chloroplast is surrounded by a double-layered composite membrane with an intermembrane space; further, it has reticulations, or many infoldings, filling the inner spaces. The chloroplast has its own DNA , which codes for redox proteins involved in electron transport in photosynthesis; this is termed the plastome.

Humans must think like a Chloroplast: Parasites that do not debilitate their host can get along indefinitely.  But the relationship that works the best is that of symbiont.  Bacteria have been at it for literally billions of years.  At some point prokaryotic cells found a comfortable shelter inside larger cells, and lent their particular expertise to their host’s success.  The chloroplasts within the cells of leaves have their own distinct DNA.  They do the photosynthesizing to provide the abundant supply of energy that the plants enjoy.  Within animal cells, mitochondria do something similar, in that they are small powerhouses providing benefit to the cell.  They, too, show evidence of their colonial past in their distinct DNA.Organisms within organisms, providing mutual benefit, the recipe for long-term evolutionary success. 

If we are wise, we will mimic this strategy.  We will seek ways to become a contributor to the overall health of the greater organism.  Chloroplasts and mitochondria didn’t plan out their success; it wasn’t intelligently designed.  Countless millions of other viruses and bacteria were mutating, evolving, swapping genetic code .......and this worked.  It was perpetuated.

*Note: all pictures thankfully shared from various sources.

Xenoestrogens: carcinogens with female harmone properties

Estrogens or oestrogen ,are a group of compounds named for their importance in the estrous cycle of humans and other animals. They are the primary female sex hormones. Natural estrogens are steroid hormones, while some synthetic ones are non-steroidal. The name comes from the Greek οἶστρος (oistros), literally meaning "gadfly" but figuratively sexual passion or desire, and the suffix -gen, meaning "producer of".

The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).

Estriol. Note two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to the D ring (rightmost ring).

Estradiol. Note one hydroxyl group attached to the D ring. The 'di' refers both to this hydroxyl and the one on the A ring (leftmost).

Estrone. Note the ketone (=O) group attached to the D ring.

Estrogens are synthesized in all vertebrates as well as some insects. Their presence in both vertebrates and insects suggests that estrogenic sex hormones have an ancient evolutionary history.

Nonsteroidal,  a range of synthetic and natural substances have been identified that also possess estrogenic activity.Synthetic substances of this kind are known as xenoestrogens.Plant products with estrogenic activity are called phytoestrogens.Those produced by fungi are known as mycoestrogens.

Phytoestrogens, functioning as the primary female sex hormone (estrogen) not generated within the endocrine system but consumed by eating phytoestrogenic plants. Their name comes from the Greek phyto = plant and estrogen, the hormone which gives fertility to the female mammals. The word "estrus" -Greek οίστρος- means sexual desire and "gene" -Greek γόνο- is "to generate"). It has been proposed that plants use the phytoestrogens as part of their natural defence against the overpopulation of the herbivore animals by controlling the male fertility.

 Phytoestrogens mainly belong to a large group of substituted natural phenolic compounds: the coumestans, prenylated flavonoids and isoflavones are three of the most active in estrogenic effects in this class.

 These compounds in plants are an important part of their defense system, mainly against fungi.

 Following are some of the strongest phytoestrogen containing substances:

• Soy
• Black Cohosh
• Chasteberry
• Dong Quai      
• Red Clover      
• Caffeine
  

Mycoestrogens are estrogens produced by fungi. The most important mycoestrogen is zearalenone, produced by Fusarium species of fungi.

Xenoestrogens, a group of chemicals present in the environment and the products we use every day, mimic the effects of estrogen and compromise normal hormone function. Combined with the estrogen naturally produced by the body, these foreign chemicals create an excess of estrogen.

These are environmental man made chemicals which contaminate our diets every day, for the whole of our lives. These contaminants have oestrogenic properties either because they have chemical structure similar to oestrogen or affect the sex hormone activity in an indirect pathway. There are concerns that they can increase the risks of hormone sensitive benign diseases such as fibroid and endometriosis, reduce fertility in men and cancers such as testicular cancer, breast or uterus.  There is also a concern that they may increase the risk of relapse following treatment for breast cancer especially if it was ER positive (sensitive to oestrogen).

Since we know that breast cancer develops in the presence of estrogen maintained over a prolonged period of time, this puts both women and men at risk for developing the disease. 

Bisphenol -A , plastic xenoestrogen used in water bottles note the phenolic A rings on both sides

BPA (which hardens plastic) is found most commonly in water bottles, but also baby bottles (and baby toys), most plastic kitchenware, and is also used to line cans of tinned food as well as many milk and juice containers. And whilst it’s true that heat combined with plastic causes the most toxic damage, the truth is that anything housed in plastic will be absorb xenoestrogens in some amount. In fact – and this one freaked me out big time -  if you’re thinking that drinking bottled water is not so bad as long as you don’t let the water heat up, think again. According to a client who works for Coca-Cola, all bottled water (and, I’m guessing, all bottled beverages) is hot poured. They do this to kill bacteria. Awesome.

It is difficult to quantify our exposure 
to oestrogenic pollutants - 
they are present in the air, 
what we drink, eat and put on our skin. 
Some products may have small amounts 
and others have a great deal, 
varying by class of product and brand. 
We may use some or them rarely 
but use others every day.

Research shows that xenoestrogens are not only linked to high rates of breast cancer, but also contribute to endometriosis, precocious puberty (unusually early onset of puberty), infertility, and miscarriages. In men, xenoestrogens are believed to contribute to decreased sperm counts, and prostate and testicular cancers. Other health problems such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and behavioral abnormalities in children, may also be linked to xenoestrogens interfering with the estrogens naturally produced by the body.

Identifying chemicals shown to have estrogenic effects:

• Alkylphenol
• Atrazine (weedkiller)
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)
• Butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)
• Bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)
• Chlorine and chlorine by-products
• Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (one of the breakdown products of DDT)
• Dieldrin (insecticide)
• DDT (insecticide)
• Endosulfan (insecticide)
• Erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3
• Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill)
• Heptachlor (insecticide)
• Lindane / hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide)
• Metalloestrogens (a class of inorganic xenoestrogens)
• Methoxychlor (insecticide)
• Nonylphenol and derivatives (industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents; pesticides)
• Pentachlorophenol (general biocide and wood preservative)
• Polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)
• Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben commonly used as preservatives in personal care products)
• Phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)
• Phthalates (plasticizers)
• DEHP (plasticizer for PVC)
• Propyl gallate 

Estrogen gets into our food and other things we use 
that causes us to be exposed to excess estrogen. 
It’s not possible in our heavily polluted world to avoid 
all estrogen and chemicals, 
so we need to take all possible protections.

Guidelines to minimize your personal exposure to xenoestrogens:

Choose chlorine-free products and unbleached paper products.

Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

Use filtered water to drink and bathe in to avoid chlorine.

Whenever possible, choose organic foods.

Buy hormone free meats and dairy products to avoid hormones and pesticides.

Use chlorine free tampons, menstrual pads, toilet paper, paper towel, coffee filters, etc.

Reduce the use of plastics whenever possible.

Do not microwave food in plastic containers.

Avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for storing or microwaving.

Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food.

Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun.

If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it away - do not drink the water.

Don't refill plastic water bottles.

Avoid freezing water in plastic bottles to drink later.

Buy food grown locally and in season, organic if possible.

Peel non-organic fruits and vegetables.

Use chemical free, biodegradable laundry and household cleaning products whenever possible.

Use chemical free soaps and toothpastes.

Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearal konium chloride.

Minimize your exposure to nail polish and nail polish removers.

Use naturally based fragrances, such as essential oils.

Read the labels on condoms and diaphragm gels.

Minimize X-rays whenever possible.

Be aware of noxious gas such as from copiers and printers, carpets, fiberboards, and at the gas pump. 

Avoid

1. Do not heat food or water with plastic in the microwave. Do not drink hot liquids in foam styrofoam cups or receptacles.

2. Change your laundry detergent because it cannot be fully washed from the clothes and can be absorbed through the skin. Do NOT use dryer sheets or fabric softener.

3. Do not use anything on the skin with parabens or phenoxyethanol in them. This includes shampoo, soap, makeup, hand lotion, body lotion, and toothpaste. Oral substances are 90% filtered by the liver. Skin-absorbed substances are 100% absorbed by the body, thus, a skin dose is 10 times an oral dose.

4. Avoid coffee. Avoid decaf coffee. No caffeine. No tea. No colas. Caffeine increases estradiol levels by 70%!

5. No sunflower oil, no safflower oil, no cottonseed oil, no canola oil. (Guess that leaves olive oil).

6. Avoid shampoos that are “rich in hormones” and have estrogen added to them.

7. Avoid estrogenic herbs especially TOPICALLY such as sage and rosemary. (Good to know coming up on Thanksgiving!)

8. Avoid weak estrogens such as soy and ground flax seed.

9. Many sunscreens are estrogenic. Use a hat and long sleeved shirt.

10. Use cosmetics with minerals or grapefruit seed extract as a preservative.

Some more don'ts:

• Avoid all pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Wash your food well to rid the pesticides. Bathe the washed food in a produce wash or ozonated water for 20 minutes before cooking.
• Have a good water filter for your source of water.
• Use only organic based whole foods when you can. Buy hormone free meats and dairy products where possible.
• Avoid plastic goods - they leach into the environment.
• Do not microwave food in plastic containers, and especially avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for microwaving.
• Use glass or ceramics whenever possible to store food.
• Do not leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun.
• If a plastic water container has heated up significantly, throw it away - do not drink the water either.
• Don't use fabric softeners as it puts petrochemicals right on your skin.
• Use a simple laundry and dish detergent with less chemicals.
• Use organic soaps and toothpastes. Avoid fluoride.
• Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearal konium chloride. Switch to more natural products. Cheap brands usually have more toxic ingredients.
• Avoid nail polish and nail polish removers.
• Use only naturally based perfumes. Most perfumes are petrochemically based.
• Avoid surfactants found in many condoms and diaphragm gels.
• Avoid new carpet - it can give off noxious fumes.
• Avoid X-rays as much as possible.
• Be aware of noxious gas such as that from copiers and printers, carpets, fiberboards, etc. Computer monitors can emit a high level of electromagnetic force (EMF). Read about the Aulterra Neutralizer for preventing EMF damage.

#Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical doctor.

#Estrogen chemical structure and pictures thankfully shared from wikipedia.org, cancernet.co.uk,

 

Andean Condor, Incan myth and pollution

Andean civilization probably began c. 9500 BP. Based in the highlands of Peru, an area now referred to as the punas, the ancestors of the Incas probably began as a nomadic herding people.

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is a species of South American bird in the New World vulture family Cathartidae and is the only member of the genus Vultur. Found in the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America, the Andean Condor has a wingspan of up to 3.2 m/10.5 ft; 15 kilograms in weight, nests at elevations of up to 5,000 m (16,000 ft).

The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It is the national bird of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. It plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the South American Andean regions, and has been represented in Andean art from c. 2500 BCE onward, and they are a part of indigenous Andean religions. 

Andean Condor a giant national flying symbol of Ecuador.
picture by s. brown

The Condor is featured in several coats of arms of Andean countries as a symbol of Andes mountains.

First Coat of arms of Peru

Coat of arms of Bolivia

Coat of arms of Chile

Coat of arms of Colombia

Coat of arms of Ecuador

In Andean mythology, the Andean Condor was associated with the sun deity, and was believed to be the ruler of the upper world. The Andean Condor is considered a symbol of power and health by many Andean cultures.

Incan believed that they are born from 'stars' and after their death they would reach up to the 'milky-way' by riding over the wings of Condors.

It is threatened by habitat loss and due secondary poisoning from carcasses killed by hunters. 

The Andean Condor is considered near threatened by the IUCN.

Captive breeding programs have been instituted in several countries.

Every living species must be saved as this may cost us much dearly. We all know that even one broken link in ecosystem may bring existential devastation for humanity at large ..

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Eagle in Asian mythologies: 
#In India, Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia the eagle symbolism is represented by Garuda, a large mythical bird with eagle-like features that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology as the vahana (vehicle) of the god Vishnu. Garuda became the national emblem of Thailand and Indonesia; Thailand's Garuda is rendered in a more traditional anthropomorphic mythical style, while that of Indonesia is rendered in heraldic style with traits similar to the real Javan Hawk-eagle.

#Garuda Purana (Devanagari: गरुड़ पुराण) is one of the Puranas which are part of the Hindu body of texts known as smriti. It is a Vaishnava Purana and its first part contains a dialog between Vishnu and Garuda, the King of Birds. The second half contains details of life after death, funeral rites and the metaphysics of reincarnation, thus it is recited as a part Antyesti (Antim Sanskar) or funeral rites (funeral liturgy) in Hinduism.

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more blog reference:

andean civilization inca empire and global warming

# pictures thankfully shared from wikipedia.org and other internet resources.