Pictures

Red Blood cells

A gene is a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity.

Its function is to carry out protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is when amino acids are linked together in peptide chains which are dictated by the sequence of nucleotides  in DNA; this governing sequence is conveyed to the synthesizing apparatus in the ribosomes by mRNA, which is formed by base-pairing on the DNA template.

Here is a lengthy web definition in more detail: During the process of transcription, the information stored in a gene’s DNA is transferred to a similar molecule called RNA (ribonucleic acid) in the cell nucleus.

Translation, the second step in getting from a gene to a protein, takes place in the cytoplasm. The mRNA interacts with a specialized complex called a ribosome, which “reads” the sequence of mRNA bases. Each sequence of three bases, called a codon, usually codes for one particular amino acid. (Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.) A type of RNA called transfer RNA (tRNA) assembles the protein, one amino acid at a time. Protein assembly continues until the ribosome encounters a “stop” codon (a sequence of three bases that does not code for an amino acid).

It is controlled by separate transcriptional controls on each gene. A transciptional control controls a gene expression by controlling the number of RNA transcripts of a region of DNA. This is a major regulatory mechanism for differential control of protein synthesis in both pro and eukaryotic cells. 

Red blood cells originally have a nucleus when they are formed in the bone marrow but their nucleus disintegrates so that the cell can hold more oxygen and because the nucleus consumes the most oxygen from all the cell organelles. A web definition of red blood cells: a mature blood cell that contains hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the bodily tissues; a biconcave disc that has no nucleus.

Week of 8-18/22

Monday- We continued learning about the organic molecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic acids. We also started exploring theories on the Origin of life.

Tuesday- We examined the role and importance of organic molecules to organisms. A lab was conducted today where each group tested for starch with iodine, tested for lipids with brown paper, tested for monosaccharides with Benedict's Solution, and tested for protein using Biuret's.

During this experiment we learned to distinguish among mono, and polysaccharides. We placed special emphasis on the functions and subunits of each organic molecule. An example of this would be-an enzyme is a protein composed of long chains of amino acids that are folded into particular shapes and whose shape determines the specific reaction the enzyme will catalyze.

Wednesday- Today we investigated and described the structure and function of enzymes and explain their importance in biological systems. 2.04

Three important bullets about enzymes are:

1. Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions (catalyst).



2. Enzymes are reusable and specific.



3. Enzymes are affected by such factors as pH, and temperature.
   
   

This information helped us set up an experiment where we measured how fast the enzyme catalase decomposes Hydrogen Peroxide. Chicken Liver and Potato slices where used. The chicken liver produced more pressure and oxygen then the potato after the experiment was run.

Thursday- Continued from Wednesday.

Friday- Test:Goal#1{The Nature of Science objectives 2.01 2.04}

Week of 8/11-15

Science- Way of life and thinking that involves examining the universe and everything within it or that is involved with it.

Monday- Today we learned about the Scientific Method and how to set up an experiment. 1.01

Tuesday- Today we learned about designing and conducting scientific investigations to answer biological questions. 1.02

The steps are as follows:

• Create testable hypotheses.
• Identify variables.
• Use a control of comparison group when appropriate.
• Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
• Collect and record data.
• Organize data into charts and graphs.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Communicate findings.

We also learned about formulating and revising scientific explanations and models of biological phenomena using logic and evidence. This was used to Explain observations, make inferences and predictions, and to explain the relationship between evidence and explanation. 1.03

How to apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies to recognize and avoid potential hazards, and to safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations. 1.04

Finally we learned how to analyze reports of scientific investigations from an informed, scientifically literate viewpoint which includes the ability to consider whether a appropriate sample is given, the experimental controls are adequate, the findings can be replicated, and that alternative interpretations of data are given.

Wednesday- Continued from Tuesday.

Thursday- Continued from Tuesday.

Friday- Today we learned about comparing and contrasting the structure and functions of the following organic molecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic acids. 2.01

Basically today we defined what life is and its characteristics.