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Showing posts from April, 2024

Sentinels of the Roof of the World: The Himalayan Marmot's Alpine Existence

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You may have seen the Himalayan marmots basking in the sun or acting as sentries in their alpine meadow homes through viral videos. However, there's much more to learn about these charismatic residents of the Himalayan heights. The Himalayan marmot, scientifically known as Marmota himalayana , is a sizable species of ground squirrel that is indigenous to the elevated alpine areas of central Asia. The species is found in meadows and rocky regions at altitudes ranging from 2,700 to 5,300 meters (8,900 to 17,400 feet) in the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Pamir, and Tian Shan Mountain ranges. This species has gained significant interest from researchers and environmentalists because to its unique look and important ecological importance. Appearance The Himalayan marmot is a sturdy, cylindrical mammal with a sizable, wide head and little ears. Adults generally have a total length ranging from 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 inches) and weigh between 3 and 8 kg (6.6 to 17.6 pounds). They posse

QBP3: Quantum tunnelling in enzyme action

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Unlocking the Quantum Edge in Enzyme Catalysis: Navigating Energy Obstacles through Tunnelling: Enzymes, essential catalysts driving countless vital chemical reactions within organisms, rely on the formation of an "enzyme-substrate complex" as a cornerstone of their exceptional efficiency. This complex serves as an impeccably engineered reaction chamber, bringing substrates into close proximity and ideal orientation for chemical transformations. Despite these optimal conditions, certain reactions encounter a challenge: an energy barrier separating reactants from products. Traditionally, particles must possess adequate kinetic energy to surmount this obstacle and progress the reaction. Enter the captivating realm of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics introduces the concept of wave-particle duality, wherein particles can exhibit characteristics of both waves and particles. This has profound implications for enzyme catalysis, as it permits the phenomenon of quantum tunneli