The Science

Phytochemicals help in defending plants and they are so intricate, that each taxonomic grouping of plants can be identified by the unique phytochemicals that are produced by that group. Let us find out more about phytochemicals... Meet Phytoalexins: Natural Plant Antibiotics Love eating veggies? If yes, then you shouldn't miss this information! Do you know why we make sure infected leaves are removed from leafy vegetables? It is quite amazing to see how nature works. Plants are used as food by animals and humans use plants and animals as our food. Plants have naturally occurring chemicals known as Phytochemicals. Phytochemicals help in defending plants and they are so intricate, that each taxonomic grouping of plants can be identified by the unique phytochemicals that are produced by that group Pre-existing Defensive Phytochemicals Most of the biochemical facility of plants is mainly for protection from being used as food by bacteria, fungi, insects and larg...

Women love their makeup, and out of the hundreds of makeup products, nail polish is on the top five of their list. Nail polish today has become a significant part of women's fashion and nail care. These small bottles of coloured nitrocellulose have become a symbol of the 20th century, with more than half the women using it. The origin of nail polish Nail polish is a coloured lacquer applied on toe and fingernails for appearance as well as protection. Nail polish was used in various forms right from the beginnings of civilization, 5000 years ago. The Chinese used a mixture of Arabic gum, egg whites, gelatin and beeswax. Egyptians dipped the tip of their fingers in henna staining their nails a rich dark brown colour and this is still done on festive occasions here in India, especially during marriages. Chinese royalty used gold and silver to decorate their nails, while Egyptians used nail colour to signify social order with red used by the highest ranks. Queen Cl...

We have all heard of DNA. But what exactly is RNA? RNA is similar to DNA in many ways at the structural level however; the differences that are present make RNA chemistry very different than that of DNA. We know DNA. But what is RNA? Almost everyone has heard of DNA and knows the role it plays in heredity. But another extremely important nucleic acid in the cell is RNA. RNA or Ribonucleic acid is similar to DNA in many ways at the structural level. However there are certain differences that are present in RNA chemistry that make it very different than DNA. What is RNA? RNA serves many functions in a cell and is typically a linear polymer that consists of a sugar-phosphate backbone with nitrogenous bases projecting off the backbone. This structure is very similar to DNA. Both of these nucleic acids carry genetic information, which is based on the order of the bases that are present along the chain of the molecule. The presence of a single atomic change in the...

Man invented fire ages ago and till date, fire is an indispensable aspect of our everyday life. Right from cooking to light, we use fire directly or indirectly. We use matchsticks for lighting the lamp and also for many other things. The matchsticks have phosphorus and let us now find out more about phosphorus....  Phosphorus: The Bringer of Light Ever since man discovered fire, it has been an indispensable aspect of our everyday life. Wondering what phosphorus has to do with fire? Keep reading... Let there be Light (Phosphorus) Phosphorus has the ability to ignite readily and hence is used as the main constituent in the heads of matches. It smoulders in air, and when it is warmed, it bursts into flames thereby producing thick, acidic smoke. In the late 17th century, a German alchemist named Hennig Brandt heated the solid residue that was formed by the evaporation of urine. The distilled vapour glowed in the dark. As a result of this observation, Brandt named...

If you have been in the kitchen when your mother boils some water or milk, you may notice the flame of the gas burner turns yellow when liquid comes in contact with the flame. Did you know that there is chemistry at work behind this? The story of sodium ions A natural gas flame is yellow because of burning sodium atoms or ions. Water consists of salt dissolved in it. Common salt is sodium chloride. This is why you may notice that water that falls on the burners grill and evaporates leaves a white residue left on it. This white residue is salt. At the same time the sodium ionizes releasing photons that give the yellow. You may have also seen this yellow emission of sodium atoms in sodium lamps, which produce yellow light due to this reason. Even the tail of the Hale-Bopp comet is yellow for the same reason. The colour of a flame The colour of a flame is also determined by the oxygen that is available to it. You may see that in your school chemistry lab the B...

Adhesive tape is a tape that is coated with adhesive either on one side or both, and used for temporarily or permanently joining two overlapping materials. Adhesive tape is something we all use in our daily lives. It serves a number of purposes. Its convenience makes it virtually indispensable in our homes and while at work. If for example, you accidentally tear an important document at work, you reach for an adhesive tape to fix it in a jiffy. Though this invention has become indispensable in our lives, have you ever thought about what is the science behind this invention? History of adhesive tape Natural adhesives like beeswax, resin and bitumen have been used for a long time. The ancient Egyptians used glue made from animal skin and bones for woodworking. Medieval monks used egg white to bind gold leaves to their illuminated manuscripts. The 19th century saw the advent of rubber and pyroxylin cements. Adhesive tape was invented in 1925 by American inventor Richar...

When we say the word "carbon monoxide", the first thing that comes to our mind is pollution and dangerous diseases that are associated with it. Let us find out more about this otherwise harmless molecule..... Carbon Monoxide: Useful but Deadly The word "carbon monoxide" is associated with deadly diseases and pollution. However, in reality, it is a simple molecule that regularly gets a bad reputation in the press! It is in fact quite useful in many parts of the chemical industry. Let us reintroduce you to Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide is a very versatile element and forms the basis for all of organic chemistry. It is the main greenhouse gas and is constantly monitored by pressure groups throughout the world. Carbon monoxide is made up of molecules containing one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. Both of these atoms join together with a multiple covalent bond . The molecule formed as a result is used to make useful chemicals such as aldehydes, ...