Writing in Biology

In this  lab we investigated the properties of magnetism and magnetic induction. We are using the knowledge that there is a magnetic field that mediates the force between magnetic objects. We were able to show  how magnetic fields can generate an electric current and how electric currents generate magnetic fields. First, we used a compass and magnet to show how magnets interact at opposite poles. Then, we utilized a magnet and coil combination to show how magnetic fields can generate current. Lastly, we used a two-coil system to prove there was a voltage across the terminals of the second coil.

Magnetic flux is basically the number of magnetic field lines that passes through a closed surface. Magnetic flux depends on and is also equal to the product of surface area and magnetic field. It depends on it changing with time. When a magnetic is near a compass and the south pole of the compass needle is pointing at the magnetic, the needle’s point must be at the north pole of the magnet (a compass needle is simply a small magnet balanced on a pin). We then can infer that when the compass needle is exposed to a magnetic field it will pivot (because it wants to  align with the field lines of the magnet). This is because the north pole will repel the north pole of the magnet and vise versa with south. On the other hand, the north pole will attract the south-pole (opposites attract).

We decided to investigate tree species richness and diversity of a small hill in Thatcher way and on University Drive behind the school parking lot in Southwest. These two places are at least 1.5 miles away from each other meaning the areas are different enough to have different populations. The trees of interest on Thatcher way are on a hill in an isolated area in the Northeast residential area on campus, whereas the trees on University Drive are surrounded by parking lots and involve a larger surface area. The trees on University Drive appear to be more spread out, therefore receive sunlight and rain more directly than the trees on Thatcher way. Temperature is most likely the same in both areas. The trees in Thatcher way are in a steeper area compared to the trees in Southwest. We predicted there would be more species richness and diversity in the Southwest area. Our predictions were based on observations of Southwest receiving more direct water and sunlight. This would make it easier for them to create their own food and energy through photosynthesis. An increased space promotes growth and resistance to stress whereas a tighter space makes the trees more vulnerable to disease, fire, and droughts. If our predictions are correct, the Southwest area will have a higher Shannon Index, meaning a greater variety of species and a somewhat equal distribution. If we are wrong, this means we overlooked other factors that could contribute to a reduced diversity in the Southwest area.

In Spring 2018, as part of the Writing in Biology Course at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, pictures were taken of  a flowering plant and a close-up of one of that plants flowers. Using these pictures and a map locating the flowering plants origins, a multi-panel figure was then made on the program Inkscape.  Methods were written to describe in detail how the multi-panel figure was made as well as what was photographed and how it was photographed. The methods were then shared with another student in the class for them to replicate what was done.

In Spring 2018, as part of the Writing in Biology Course at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, pictures were taken of  a flowering plant and a close-up of one of that plants flowers. Using these pictures and a map locating the flowering plants origins, a multi-panel figure was then made on the program Inkscape.  Methods were written to describe in detail how the multi-panel figure was made as well as what was photographed and how it was photographed. The methods were then shared with another student in the class for them to replicate what was done.

Dark cycle is very similar to light cycle, you would assume that dark cycle doesn't need light as its energy source but it actually does. Dark cycle uses more chemical energy as the calvin cycle enters with its CO2 to make sugars and ATP. As electrons exit the biochemical cycle, electron transport occurs with the help of light. H2O turns into O2 hence why photosynthesis has its formula. There are 3 stages, carboxylation, reduction, and regneration. The products that are formed are 3-phospho-glyceric acid, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, and Ribulose 1,5 bis-phosphate. We touched upon Rubisco reaction in class as well but not too sure what it is.

The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members interact to maintain mitochondrial integrity and regulate cellular commitment to apoptosis. Apoptosis, cell death, is crucial for development and homeostasis. These signals are normally tightly regulated in cells. An unbalance is needed for tumorigenesis to occur and becomes even greater when the tumor becomes resistant to the treatments. By specifically regulating these proteins and the pathways involved, it can be possible to have more control in the way cancer cells act.

Inhibitory interneurons make it harder for action potential to fire. They work by allowing GABA to bind to transmembrane receptors that allow chloride ions into the cell. This binding makes the membrane potential more negative and the threshold for action potential harder to be achieved. If these were changed to excitatory in the stretch reflex, functions to maintain the muscle at a constant length would fail. As soon as the stretched muscle began to contract the antagonist muscle would stretch & both muscles would contract simultaneously.

The arms allow the force on the torso to be displaced without the use of extra energy by muscles. If arm swing is done incorrectly while walking or running, extra energy will be used by your core muscles to keep proper posture. This extra energy is inefficient. A study conducted on people while walking and running showed that the swing of the arm is powered by the movement of the legs and not by the muscles in the shoulders, and that the arms act as a “passive damper” reducing head and torso rotation (Pontzer, Holloway, Raichlen, & Lieberman 2009).

Observational differences are present throughout the figures. The flower pictured in the original, Figure 1, the pictured flower does not have a hint of white on it. Meanwhile in the replicate, Figure 2, has a hint of white on it. Another difference is that the flower pictured in panel B of Figure 2 appears larger, than the flower pictured in panel A of Figure 1. Also the flower pictured in panel A of Figure 2 appears larger, than the flower pictured in panel B of Figure 1.

Other differences appear when you look at the overall structure of the figure. The shading color of the map in panel C of Figure 2 is red, which is different than the blue color used in panel C of Figure 1. More of China is also shaded in panel C of Figure 2 than in panel C of Figure 1. Also the panel labels, A, B and C, in Figure 2 are white with a black background, however in Figure 1 they are black with no background. Lastly in panels A and B of Figure 1 there are arrows indicating location of important structures on the plant and flower, meanwhile in Figure 2 these arrows are absent.

A study was conducted on diet-induced obese mice, in which some mice remained obese, and some mice were exercising on a treadmill. It was found that in the mice that exercised, hippocampal neuroplasticity was increased, thus increasing cognitive function. This conclusion suggests that exercise can help to protect against obesity-induced cognitive impairment.