Thursday, December 9, 2010

Epigenetics

A changing epigenome informs cell expression. A changing epigenome informs cell expression. Cells listen to signals so they can grow and divide. Once a signal arrives inside of a cell, proteins carry it where it needs to go.

Proteins have two main functions, one is to turn different genes on and off, while the other one is to get enzymes that add or remove epigenetic tags.Cells are always sending signals, although what technique they use depends on what age the human is at.

All of these can work together so signals can be sent more efficiently throughout the body. Hormones can send something much like radio signals.

Signals may come within the cell.

They can send signals to their neighbors through direct contact.

Expiriences a cell has is passed on to their daughter cells.


Epigenetics and Inheritance

Althrough we use to think that an embyro's epigenome was just completely rewritten, this is not completely true. Some of the tags remain in the same place they were for the parent. This is called epigenetic inheritance.

Overcoming the Reprogramming Barrier

For complex organisms to reproduce, the epigenome must be erased by a process called reprogramming. This needs to take place for a healthy baby.

To prove that epigenetic inheritance exists, scientists first need to rule out the possibility of genetic change and...

To show how the epigenetic effect can pass through enough generations to eliminate the possibility of direct exposure

Epigenetics introduce a whole other side to modern evolution theories.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

DNA Fingerprinting


1. DNA is unique for everyone. The only exception is if a person has what?
If the person has an identical twin.

2. What are DNA fingerprints used for?
They can be used to help solve a crime and identify a biological mother or father.

Part 1 “It Takes a Lickin”

3. What “crime” was committed?

Someone ate part of Jimmy's lollipop.

4. What bodily fluid was removed from the “crime scene” to get DNA?
Saliva

Part 2 “DNA Fingerprinting at the NOVA Lab”


5. What does a restriction enzyme do?
They cut the DNA at different locations.

6. What is agarose gel?
It is a think, porous, jello-like molecule strainer.

7. What is electrophoresis?
It is a process of moving electrically charged molecules.

8. Smaller fragments of DNA move ____________ than longer strands?
faster

9. Why do you need to place a nylon membrane over the gel?
Because it makes it easier to move than it would be without.

10. Probes attach themselves to __________
the DNA fragments on the nylon membrane.

11. Which chemical in your “virtual lab” is radioactive?
The probes.

12. Sketch your DNA fingerprint.
It is a stretch of horizontal lines that vary in thickness.

13. Based on your DNA fingerprint, who licked the lollipop?

Honey licked the lollipop.

14. What kinds of things could you do at the DNA workshop?

You could learn about DNA and protein synthesis.



Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Mitosis Tutorial Questions

1. Which stage does the following occur
Chromatin condenses into chromosomes: Prophase
Chromosomes align in center of cell: Metaphase
Longest part of the cell cycle: Anaphase
Nuclear envelope breaks down: Prophase
Cell is cleaved into two new daughter cells: Cytokinesis
Daughter chromosomes arrive at the poles: Telophase

2. The colored chromosomes represent chromatids. There are two of each color because one is an exact duplicate of the other.

--How many chromosomes are visible at the beginning of mitosis? 92
-- How many are in each daughter cell at the end of mitosis? 46
--The little green T shaped things on the cell are: centriolies
-- What happens to the centrioles during mitosis? The centrioles move up to the poles of the cell and then send out spindle fibers. The spindle fibers
3 . Identify the stages of these cells: 1. Metaphase
2. Anaphase
3. Interphase

(scanner not working properly, so was not able to sketch the cells phases. Instead, I just ended up describing them.)
Prophase- In prophase, the nuclear dissolves and the centrioles go to the poles of the cell. One they get there, they send out fibers known as spindler fibers that ripe apart the sister chromosomes later in mitosis.

Metaphase- The spindler fibers that are attached to the centioles connect to the sister chromosomes in the middle of the cell and ripe them apart. They then pull them to there designated sides of the cell and get ready to split apart.

Telophase- In telophase, the spindler fibers disolve while two nuclei develop on either side. Then, when the cell finally splits into two, a new membrane forms.

You will have 36 cells to classify. When you’re finished, record your data in the chart below.
Interphase: 20, 56%
Prophase:10,28%
Metaphase:3,8%
Anaphase:2,6%
Telophase:1, 3%
Total Number of cells:36
Percent of cells:100%

Mitosis in Whitefish & Onion Roots
For each organism, identify the stage of mitosis.

Whitefish
View 1-Telophase
View 2-Metaphase
View 3-Interphase
View 4-Anaphase

Onion
View 1-Anaphase
View 2-Metaphase
View 3-Prophase
View 4-Interphase
View 5-Anaphase