Arabic Culture Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Arabic Culture - Assignment Example Also, Arabic traditions and cuisine is largely influenced by the geographic regions that constitute the Arab region (Ayalon 14). This paper will look at three cultural practices that are impacted by history and geography. First, Brides all over the Arab region take part in the customary henna ceremony or party. All the countries in the Arab region consider henna as both decorative and carrying fertility and good luck to the women who are going to be married (Ayalon 31). In some Arab regions, females go to a party shortly prior to the wedding where the feet and hands of the bride are painted with elaborate outlines. The henna paste is applied in a cautious manner and should stay untouched on the skin for a number of hours to form a stout dark blemish. During this period the bride is kept company by her family and friends and this is her last chance to socialize without the watch of her companion and, finally, a household. In other Arab regions, the application of henna may be applied directly before the wedding or constitute part of the ceremony. Second, Muslim eating practices exist all over the Arab region. Arab Muslims do not consume any alcohol or eat meat from pigs. In addition, these people keep the left hand at the side and eat with the right one during meals. This is because Muslim Arabs in all regions perceive the left hand as unclean. They are also extremely cautious not to point the sole of their feet at another person during meals, if they are sitting on the floor. This is presumed to be offensive (Ayalon 38). Arab cuisine is also a mixture of richly different cuisines from all over the Arab region from northern Africa to the Middle East. They also consume lots of tea or coffee before, during, or after meals. Finally, Arab communities have an extremely strict policy regarding female and male interaction. A large part of the Arab region is made up

Calmodulin Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Calmodulin - Article Example Calmodulin possesses a very important function of stimulating the functioning of different enzymes as well as the mediation of ion channels. The activity of calmodulin is only brought about by the attachment of four calcium ions. This attachment brings about a change in the structure of calmodulin and makes it capable of performing its functions. The withdrawal of calcium ions from calmodulin restores it to its inactive state. The different enzymes that work after being activated by calmodulin include adenylyl cyclase, calcium magnesium ATPase, nitric oxide synthase, phosphorylase kinase, calcium dependent protein kinases and calcium phospholipid dependent protein kinase. It also possesses the function of acting on certain receptors like NMDA-type glutamate receptor as well as on ion movement pathways which include L-type calcium channels. Calmodulin also has an effect on other cellular mechanisms. The contractility of smooth muscle is one such function. In cells that are non-contrac ting, calmodulin has an effect on the motile activity of the cells and other processes like mitosis. The wide ranges of functions that can be performed by calmodulin clearly explain the importance of this protein in the living organisms. Its malfunctioning can result in hampering the activity of many enzymes, ion pathways and affect other regulatory processes (Champe et al 2005; Murray et al