Figure 1. Metaphase stage of cell division. The homologous chromosomes line at the metaphase plate of the cell. Photo by Carolina Biological Supply Company available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolinabio/6241440040/in/photolist under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
The invention of smartphones has led almost everyone to be constantly connected, whether that be through messaging or social media platforms. People have increasingly implemented time during the day to check applications on their phones to the point where it becomes instinctive. Moreover, there’s a constant desire to be involved in the lives of others and pressure to be in the know. The thought of not having a smartphone is no longer imaginable in today’s society as the age range of individuals with devices widened. Although phones have provided major facility and convenience to everyday life, they are unfortunately also a distraction for most. As for students, smartphones are being brought everyday and being continually checked at inappropriate times. For example, entire lectures or meals cannot be completed without checking their phones. A healthier way to continue the use of smartphones on a daily basis while lowering the distractions, is to set designated times during the day when one can check his or her device. These periods of time should not extend for over 30 minutes and should not be right before bed to avoid interference with sleep. Overall, even the slightest efforts to look up from one’s screen and admire the people and places around them is insightful.
Probability is the chance of an event occuring. In genetics, probability plays a significant role during crosses to predict outcomes. In class, students looked at an example where a female gray cat mates with a gray male cat. The black coat color is dominant over the gray coat color in the cross. The parents produce a gray female kitten in a litter of six kittens, what is the probability that there are three blacks kittens and three gray kittens? We know that the mother is black and she must be heterozygous because they produce a kitten that is gray. In order to find the probability of three black kittens and three gray kittens, we have to use the binomial expansion for n=6 and then the equation 20p3q3. Once all the values are plugged into the equation, the chi-square will calculate the goodness of fit. The null hypothesis can then be accepted or rejected based on the probability outcome.
Recrystallization is a process used in chemistry laboratories to purify organic compounds that are solids at room temperature. The identity of a compound can be found using recrystallization methods in conjunction with other procedures. In organic chemistry lab, an unknown compound was given to recrystallize and identify. In order to start with the recrystallization process, one had to first decide the preferred solvent to dissolve the unknown compound. Five different solvents were available ,water, methanol, pure ethanol, hexane and toluene, to test for the most effective solvent for the unknown. Once determined, the student boiled the solvent on a hot plate and slowly added drops to the premeasured erlenmeyer flask containing about 250 mg of the unknown. Soon after, the student placed the dissolved solution on the bench to cool and then into an ice bath to allow crystal formation. The following steps included using a suction filtration to remove as much liquid as possible and then scrape crystals onto a filter paper to weigh. In addition to recrystallizing the unknown, the student measured its melting point, which is another physical property used for compound identification. Performing recrystallization in combination with finding the melting point, will lead to the identification of an organic compound.
The invention of smartphones has led almost everyone to be constantly connected, whether that be through messaging or social media platforms. People have implemented time during the day to check applications on their phones to the point where it becomes automatic. Moreover, there’s a pressure to be caught up on people's’ lives and to have read the latest updates. The thought of not having a smartphone is no longer imaginable in today’s society as the age range of individuals with devices also widens. Although phones have provided major facility and convenience to everyday life, they are unfortunately a distraction for most. As for students. smartphones are being brought everyday and being continually checked. An entire lecture or an entire meal cannot go on without checking ones phone. An healthier way to continue the use of your phone on a daily basis while lowering the distractions, is to set designated times during the day when one can check his or her phone. These periods of time should not extend for over 30 minutes and should not be right before bed to avoid interference with being able to sleep. Overall, even the slightest efforts to look up from one’s screen and instead admire the people and places around them is insightful.
The debate about genome editing arises as the ethical issues are being exposed towards humans. Genome editing is a kind of genetic engineering where DNA can be altered by insertion, deletion, or replacement to modify a targeting gene. CRISPR-Cas 9 is an enzyme that performs the process by cutting out DNA at a specific sequence and makes the ‘edit’. This new tool had led researchers to believe that gene editing could potentially solve health problems linked to genes. Moreover, advancements in gene sequencing allow geneticists to accurately indicate which genes are causing gene related health issues. However, insufficient studies prove that the mechanics of gene editing are safe and effective. Countries are also banning research on gene editing for not only safety and ethical reasons, but because of potential gene edits that would be passed down to future generations. Regulations are currently being placed for studies and guidelines for human use regarding safety.
The Google Scholar is a reliable search to broadly search a topic and find a direction. On the left hand side, there are filters to refine their ideas. In terms of reliability, it provides a variety of sources, which could offer a diverse pool of information. The links include books, articles, and papers that are valid and trustworthy because it comes from notable organizations and experienced authors. We assessed the characteristics by skimming the papers and looking at publication dates and sources.
Viruses demonstrate properties of life and properties of non-life, which makes them difficult to categorize as living or nonliving. However, they belong to both categories that ultimately places viruses in a distinct category. Living properties of viruses include having genetic material (DNA, RNA), being able to reproduce with a host cell, and capable to evolve through mutations. On the other hand, viruses associate in the nonliving group because they lack a metabolism or organelles, cannot maintain homeostasis, and do not grow and develop, which all living cells can accomplish. A virsus' most signitficant feature is the incapability to multiply without host cells. These host cells are crucial for viruses because they reproduce by attaching themselves to a specific host cell and injecting its genetic material into it. Soon after, the host cell lyses and the replicated viruses are released to proceed the same cycle, resulting in greater viral genetic material in its environment.
In Physics 132 Laboratories this week, students were challenged to calculate the volume of the W.E.B. Du Bois library on the UMass Amherst campus. The only tools given were a yardstick and a 12 inch ruler and students were not allowed to enter the library or hop the black fence surrounding the library. My group approached the assignment by first taking the height measurement of one brick that we were able to measure by the entrance. We then used the nine sections of the library’s height structure to estimate the number of bricks. Next, the number of bricks was counted by the naked eye for one section and multiplied by a factor of nine to obtain the total number of bricks that make up the height. In order to measure the width and length of the library, we looked at the equal square pattern of the cement on the ground around the library. We counted nine square patterns to line up with the front of the library and to its depth. The measurement of one square pattern was then taken and multiplied by a factor of nine. After having collected the data, students then returned to the labs and calculated the volume. Shortly after, results were discussed within the groups and the average volume was calculated.
Identifying the differences between somatic cells and germline cells can be complicated but crucial for proper bodily functions. Somatic cells are found in body cells and cannot be passed to offspring. Internal organs, skins, bones, blood, and tissues are all made up of somatic cells. Most importantly, these cells are crucial for replacing old cells in the body and creating new cells through cell growth and development. Somatic cells also function to repair damage of cells that are neither dead or old but contain have a mutation affecting its performance for that specific cell. The cells complete the process of mitosis through DNA replication and cytokinesis to produce two new identical cells. On the other hand, germline cells occur in gametes, both egg and sperm, and can be inherited by offspring because they contain genetic material. An important aspect of these cells is the level of differentiation they obtain as they cannot be any other cell in the body other than a gamete. Lastly, they reproduce through the process meiosis in order to produce viable egg and sperm to pass genetic material to progeny.
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