Tag: Radhika Desikan
Phytocleaning our planet
Life on Earth has multiple forms. Humans make up only 0.01% of Earth’s total biomass, while plants total a whopping 82.4%. Yet the value of plants is often neglected. Humans have thrived on this planet because of the other life that Earth protects. Advances in human civilisation, such as industrialisation, have polluted the planet, thereby affecting all living organisms. Efforts […]
Vignette on a vital vitamin for vegans
Vitamins are organic (carbon- and hydrogen-based) molecules that are essential nutrients for humans. There are 13 different vitamins, of which the B vitamin group has eight, and they all function as co-factors (non-protein components) for various cellular enzymes. Vitamin B12 is a unique molecule that is not made in animals or plants, but it is vital for cell metabolism and […]
Plant life partners: Beneficial bacteria
The evolution of terrestrial plants from aquatic ecosystems came with challenges: adaptation to survive the harsh environments, and co-evolution with other life, such as bacteria. Bacteria are one of the most ancient forms of life on earth, and amount to about 13% of total biomass (measured as tonnes of carbon) seen on our planet. Land plants have evolved positive relationships […]
Grasping the grains of gluten
Gluten is a type of protein present in certain cereal grains. The composition of gluten gives wheat dough its elasticity and viscous properties. Increasing intolerance to gluten in human diets has led to a surge in gluten-free food consumption. Here, we understand the important, unique characteristics of gluten, and its major sources. The term gluten is now commonplace in everyday […]