Wikipedia’s Five Pillars

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There are five core principles or ["pillars"] that aid those new to Wikipedia in learning how this online encyclopedia operates.

First Pillar-Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia

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The first pillar emphasizes that Wikipedia is not a random collection of information, a means of advertisement nor is it a collection of source documents.[1] Instead, it is a platform that allows for the accumulation of high quality information through collaboration and constant editing from a large network of people around the world.

Second Pillar-Wikipedia has a neutral point of view

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Bias and opinions do not belong on Wikipedia as it strives for information that is balanced.[2] This does not, however, mean that, for example, a view on a controversial issue such as Medicare is omitted. It means that these view are characterized or explained in an objective and accurate manner. The necessity of citing sources acts in preventing information from being interpreted or misused.

Third Pillar-Wikipedia is free content

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One of the main purposes of Wikipedia is to provide free information to anyone around the world. It is essential for those contributing to Wikipedia to adhere to copyright laws and refrain from plagiarizing. Seeking content from free alternatives is highly preferred.[3] One of the more important points is that no one owns any of the articles that are put onto Wikipedia. They are constantly subjected to editing and improvement.

Fourth Pillar-Wikipedians should interact in a respectful and civil manner

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Because Wikipedia is centered around collaboration, it is important that all users treat each other with courtesy and respect even in the face of difference of opinion. Therefore, according to the fourth pillar, no one should make a personal attack towards another user nor should they do anything that impedes the sincere efforts of others. Compromise is something that all those on Wikipedia should strive for.

Fifth Pillar-Wikipedia does not have firm rules

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Rules on Wikipedia are meant to serve as more of a guide than as boundaries. Therefore, if a rule prevents you from enhancing an article or contributing in a meaningful way, then rules may be excluded. It is always important, however, to be responsible by providing citations and obeying copyright laws. Because former versions of pages are saved, one should not worry about making errors because they can be corrected.[4]

Summary of characteristics of target article

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There are several ways that one can produce an article of target quality (B to GA). Users should strive to increase article verifiability which can be done by providing plenty of in-text citations as well as a comprehensive list of references. The wording and sentence structure of information contained within the article must be original or minimally paraphrased with quotation marks and citations when appropriate. Even if it is on a complex topic such as glycolysis, the article should still be fairly easy to read for those that don’t have much background knowledge on the subject. In other words, the way information is presented should be useful to all readers. In addition, the article must be well-developed and thorough meaning that it doesn’t exclude any details. This includes the use of images, charts, tables, and other figures with the appropriate captions which help to convey details within the article.


Base Excision Repair System

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There are several mechanisms that the cell uses to repair damaged DNA one of which is the base-excision repair (BER) system. BER detects and repairs damaged bases by employing an enzyme called DNA glycosylase. The number of DNA glycosylases in humans (approximately 11) contributes to its ability to repair many different types of damaged bases.[5] This enzyme hydrolyzes the glycosidic bond between the damaged base and its corresponding sugar creating an abasic site.[5] The remaining sugar (deoxyribose) is then removed from the DNA backbone by further cleavage termed endonucleolytic cleavage. Following complete removal of the nucleotide, DNA polymerase followed by DNA ligase then adds the correct or undamaged base to this site. One of the most common lesions that is acted upon by BER is uracil which results from the deamination of cytosine. Uracil in DNA is recognized and repaired by uracil DNA glycosylase.[6]

Notes

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  1. ^ Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 6 2013
  2. ^ Wikipedia: Neutral point of view. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 6 2013
  3. ^ Wikipedia: Wikipedia is free content. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 6 2013
  4. ^ Wikipedia:Ignore all rules. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 6 2013
  5. ^ a b U.. Nucleic Acids Research. 13 [Retrieved 25 February 2013];41(4). PMID 23408852.
  6. ^ Kim YJ, Wilson DM. Overview of base excision repair biochemistry. Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2012;5(1):3–13. PMID 22122461.

Preliminary Outline for Cell-cell interactions

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Lead Section

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  • General introduction to the types of cell interactions to be described in depth in the following sections of the article.

Types of Interactions

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1. Stable

  • Description of cell junctions and the functions they serve.
  • Cell-cell adhesion
  • Mention proteins and other structures involved (i.e. cadherins).
  • Implications in gene expression.

2. Transient

Common examples

a. Immune System

  • Leukocytes destroy abnormal cells and also provide protection against bacteria.
  • T-helper cells interact with other leukocytes (i.e. Killer T-cells, B cells).

b. Coagulation and Tissue Inflammation

  • Blood clotting cascade and thrombus formation.
  • Platelet aggregation.

c. bacterial interactions

  • cooperative
  • competitive

Cell Migration and Development

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  • Explain how differentiation is dependent on adhesive interactions and anchoring.

Pathological Implications

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1. Bacterial Infection

  • Describe how bacteria adhere to specific tissue and how the formation of biofilms is involved.

2. Cancer

  • Many disease such as cancer can results from the loss of cell-cell interaction; Metastatic cells can detach from tumor site and bind to distant tissue.
  • Loss of contact inhibition allows for uncontrolled proliferation.

Other Types of Interactions

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Interaction with the extracellular matrix. (Brief mention of other types of cell interactions)


List of Possible References

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1. Cell:cell interactions in the immune system

  • Discusses receptors on membranes required for immune cell interactions

2. Tit-for-Tat: Type VI Secretion System Counterattack during Bacterial Cell-Cell Interactions

  • predative interactions between bacteria and its prey bacteria.
  • Type IV secretion system is used to target prey

3. Cell-cell interactions in Bacterial Populations

  • Underscores the importance of cell-cell interactions in pathological processes such as infection.
  • Describes two types of cell-cell interactions in bacteria: signaling molecules and cell aggregation (physical contact.

4. Molecular Bases of Cell−Cell Junctions Stability and Dynamics

  • Discusses cell interactions, particularly through the formation of junctions, during development.
  • Describes cell surface proteins that are mediated by cell-cell interactions.


List of Potential Article Images

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Adhesion between leukocytes and endothelial cells