Do you like tree bark? If you like cinnamon you do!

Cinnamaldehyde is the major scent/flavor component of the spice we call cinnamon. If you're an organic chemist or unfortunate enough to be a student in orgo lab, you may have encountered it with liquid chromotography!

#cinnamon #spice #molecule

N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (#NAAG) is a neuropeptide/ neurotransmitter, modulating synaptic transmission, pain perception, and neuroprotection by regulating glutamate and mGluR3 activity. Your brain's brakes for excitement, if you will. It's also the most abundant dipeptide in the brain!

#Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and cognition. It also regulates vasoconstriction and blood-clotting. It’s mainly found in the gut, brain and platelets, influencing well-being, digestion, and vascular function.

#Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles. It is influenced by (blue) light exposure and helps maintain circadian rhythms. It’s also used as a supplement for sleep aid.

Bombesin!

#peptides

Substance P!

#peptides

#Poneratoxin is a neurotoxic peptide found in the venom of Paraponera clavata (bullet ant). It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, causing intense pain, paralysis, and disruption of neuronal signaling. It's chemically responsible for the highest rated sting on the Schmidt Pain Index!

Horseshoe crab blood is harvested for an immunogenic component called Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL). LAL is very sensitive to bacterial endotoxins, making it crucial for testing the safety of injectable drugs and medical devices. This ensures they're free from harmful contaminants.

#blueblood

Nucleic Acid "Assembly"

DNA & RNA are vital for life, carrying genetic info. DNA, as a double helix, stores it, while RNA translates it to proteins. DNA's stability ensures accurate replication, RNA's versatility aids gene expression.

Made in Blender.

#molecules #nucleicacids #blender #molbio

Adenosine acts as a signaling molecule, influencing heart function, nerve transmission, and blood vessel dilation. It's antithetical to caffeine. It's used medically to treat irregular heart rhythms and in cardiac stress tests.

#adenosine #caffeine #sleep #rest #molecule

Octopamine, an invertebrate neurotransmitter, is like adrenaline's cousin. It promotes alertness and muscle function, especially in insects (though discovered in octopi). It's vital for flight, fight responses, and even social behavior.

#octopamine #invertebrate #neuroscience #molecule

Adrenaline (epinephrine) fuels "fight-or-flight," in vertebrates, spiking heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. It preps muscles for action, triggered by stress or danger. Essential for survival, but excess can cause anxiety.

#adrenaline #fightorflight #molecule

Capsaicin | Spicy Heat | Molecular Cartoon

#Capsaicin is the active compound in chili peppers responsible for their spicy heat. It binds to TRPV1 receptors, triggering a burning sensation without actually burning you! Because birds lack the TRPV1 receptors, they are unaffected by this #molecule.

Dopamine | The Neuronal "Like" Button | Molecular Cartoons
#molecules

Made in #Blender.

Acetylcholine | The Motor Motivator | Molecular Cartoon