Cracking the Code of Life Reflection

This week in class we watched the movie Cracking the Code of Life. We learned about The Human Genome project, its significance, and other studies like it. Also, the film talked about genetic disorders and diseases as well as explaining the research scientists have been doing to decode all of the human genes. The Human Genome Project is a scientific study to decode the entire human genome. This study became a fierce competition between scientists to see who would be the first to complete this complicated and difficult task. The Human Genome Project was eventually completed in 2003 when they decoded all 20,000-25,000 genes  (3 billion base pairs) and put them in a data base.This video also addressed issues such as the copy-writing sections of the human genome. I think this is horrible, everyone possesses those genes and therefore they should not belong to some company. Also, companies charge scientists large sums of money just to experiment on them and search for cures. In conclusion, this video was very interesting and I learned a lot about how scientists study genes.


1.) Would you want to be tested to learn whether thy had a genetic disease or predisposition if no cure was available? Why or why not?
Yes, I would, even if it turned out there was no cure. It is best to know these thinks earlier because if you don't know you have something or carry it,  it can end up seriously effecting  you offspring. Also, if I knew I was going to die soon, I would be able to spend that time doing what I want to and seeing the world. On the other hand, if there was a cure I would be able to be treated for it and therefor that could save my life. In addition, if I had a disease there was no cure for, scientists would be able to study my DNA to try to find a cure and save other peoples lives, as well as possibly my own.

2.) Would you agree agree to have your DNA be part of a study? Why or why not? Would you want royalties for your part in finding the gene? What if during the testing the company discovered you had a gene that might result in a health problem later in life? Would you want to be informed? Why or why not?

I would absolutely agree to have my DNA studied because the studies could potentially cure a disease or further scientists knowledge of the human genome. Also, I would contribute my DNA to a study because even if it did not help find a cure, scientists could also study it to find out more about what causes different traits.  I would not want payment for this however. All I would have contributed was some DNA samples, the scientists did all of the hard work, therefore they deserve all of the money their discovery earned. If the company discovered I had a gene that might give me health problems later in life I would want them to tell me, that way I could do something to prevent it now or make it less harmful in the future. It would be very helpful to know this information ahead of time, even if it is unlikely that I will suffer this genetic problem.

3.) Identify the meaning of the terms genetic discrimination and genetic privacy. What are some ways to protect against this type of genetic discrimination?

Genetic discrimination is when you are treated differently because of your genes, like companies refusing to hire someone because of their DNA. This is horrible because nobody should be able to examine you genes without your permission and you should not be treated differently because of it. There are several ways to prevent against genetic discrimination. Genetic Privacy can be ensured by keeping everyone's medical files should be kept confidential and any studies done on their genes should keep the DNA doner's name anonymous. Also, designer babies (babies who's parents decided all of their genes, like their looks and how smart they are before they are born) should be prohibited. If designer babies became popular than everyone would be basically the same, with no variety of people. Also, this could create serious problems like discrimination and social problems for people who did not have their genes designed. Overall, peoples genes should be kept secret and people should not be discriminated against because of their genes.


Overall Cracking the Code of Life taught me a lot about the human genome and how scientists study it. I found it especially interesting to learn about the human genome projects and the machines they used to decode all 3 billion base pairs. Also, learning about how you can use people's genes to find their relative that lived centuries ago was very interesting. I also learned a lot about how you can transfer genetic diseases down to the next generation and how people can be carriers for certain genetic diseases. Also, I learned a lot about copy writing genes and issues that that causes for scientists. Overall, I learned a lot about this video and found it very interesting.


http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml

pH lab reflection

As a lab my group decided to test the effect of the strength of Domestos (a base) when you added acidic lemon juice to it. I thought my group did a good job on planning and executing the experiment, we were very organized and our information was correct. Also, we the way we recorded information was very organized and it was easy to find any data or information we needed. This lab report improved greatly over my last one, this time I used the correct format witch ensured that all of the required information was there. In my opinion the data analysis was the easiest part of the lab to write because you have to piece together the information you have found and explain what it means. There are several things I could improve with my lab reports. First of all I need to pay closer attention and do a better job of explaining my thinking in the procedure and charts. Also, I need to always remember to have a ratio when diluting something. In conclusion, I am happy with the grade I got and really enjoyed working on this lab.

Chemical Compounds: Silver

Here is the link to my Prezi about Silver (Ag) and the elements it can bond with. http://prezi.com/_k-txu8lfcjc/chemical-reactions/

Unit Question

Unit Question: How does studying chemistry give us a better view of how industry affects the world?

When you study chemistry you learn a lot about Chemical Reactions and what negative effects they could have. In industry you learn about how factories dispose of waste and release chemicals into the air or water. You combine this information and can see how some chemicals destroy the environment and what they can react with. For example, in agricultural pollution I learned how Nitrate and Ammonia effect the environment and the effects they have on humans and animals. Also, when you learn about bonding you can see how easily elements could bond and create a potentially harmful compound or damage another element and ruin an ecosystem. For example, when salts leak into lakes or streams it increases the salt amount in the water so no fish or other animals can live there or rely on that as a source of water. You can also use your knowledge of Chemistry to see how the chemicals in the air cause smog, acid rain, and global warming. Since hydrogen is found almost anywhere on earth, it can bond with every element, but the noble gasses. Also, you can use Chemistry to see how industry makes their products and how they are designed to suit the consumers needs. For example, air fresheners and cleaning products are all made from chemicals by a factory. In conclusion, learning about Chemistry helps us see the effects of industry better.

Chemistry Reflection

In this unit I  learned a lot about chemistry. For example I learned that there are two different ways for atoms to bond, ionic and covalent. When two atoms form an ionic bond one atom gives electrons to the other atom and in covalent bonds atoms share electrons. You can tell what elements can bond by looking at a Lewis dot Diagram. Also, the periodic table of elements is organized according to the atomic number and what families the elements are in. Atoms are made of neutrons, which have a neutral charge, electrons, which have a negative charge, and protons which have a positive charge. I also learned that there are negative ions called an Anion and a positive ion is called a Cation. There are two different types of solutions: Colloids that have small undissolved parts of the solute and suspensions that can be separated by a filter. Also, I learned a lot about acids and bases during this unit. A reaction with a acid releases hydrogen, so each chemical equation begins with the atomic symbol for hydrogen which is H. When bases dissolve in water you can separate positive and negative ions and the chemical equation always begin with OH (oxygen and hydrogen). To tell if something is an acid or a base you measure its pH level. If it is high it is a base, and if it is low it is an acid. You can use litmus paper or cabbage juice to measure pH. I really enjoyed studying bonding the most and found it very interesting. In conclusion I thought this unit was very interesting and I learned a lot about Chemistry.

Current Events: DNA Uncovers One of the World's Rarest Birds

DNA Uncovers One of the World's Rarest Birds
November 23, 2010
University of Adelaide
Science Daily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123102403.htm

Researchers at the University of Adelaide  and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy have recently discovered the difference between Western and Eastern Ground Parrots. Scientists tested samples of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from many samples, some were over 160 years old and found many genetic traits that differed between the two different types of ground parrots. This therefore proves that since their are two different types of ground parrots, one is endangered. The Western Ground Parrots are one of the rarest birds in the world, and according to researchers, there are only about 110 left in the wild. Since most of them live in national parks, scientists say that a wildfire or the introduction of a new predator such as a cat, could push this species to extinction. Overall, this newly discovered species is already in danger of extinction.
 This is an important discovery because it could possibly lead to the the discovery of other new species. If we use the technology we could be able to tell the difference between similar animals and could help teach us a lot about our planet. Also, this could help classify the animal kingdom.In addition, if scientists can run theses kinds of tests on plants, they could potentially find cures for diseases by finding certain chemicals. This can also be used to improve agriculture. For instance if a certain species has a trait that others do not, it can be singled out and used to improve plant growth. Western Ground Parrots are currently endangered, if the scientists had done a study a couple years later, the most likely wouldn't have been able to find any specie in the wild. This also shows how we should take care of the environment and preserve our national forests.

All in all, I found this article very interesting and learned a lot about how even the slightest change in an animal or plants genetic code could make it an entirely different species. I found the section about how they tested the DNA of different types of birds especially fascinating and would like to know more about it. This article was written by the University of Adelaid, with information from the Australian Wildlife Concervancy, so you know all of the information is correct and up to date. I found this article very interesting and would like to know more about how the tested the birds DNA.
Overall, this article was very interesting and taught me a lot about how even the slightest change in a group of animals genetics can make it a different specie. This new technology could also lead to the discovery of new species and  teach us a lot more about the environment. Also, this new information could help society grow better crops, develop new medicines, and finding new information about the animal kingdom. For hundreds of years nobody knew there was a difference between eastern and western ground parrots, but scientists discovered that they were not the same. In conclusion, Western Ground Parrots are endangered and in need of help, and new technologies make it possible to tell the difference between closely related species.

Current Event: Genes help plants grow faster

Gene Discovery Suggests way to Engineer Fast--Growing Plants
Science Daily
November 11, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111121626.htm

Scientists and Duke University have recently discovered how to make perennial (last all year) grasses grow faster. They studied the genes of several plants to they could study the UPB1 gene, which causes cells to become more active when cells divide and cause plants to mature. The Scientists then removed and manipulated the gene so plants would grow faster and have thicker roots . Before they  this perennial grasses took two to three years they grow, but this discovery could lead to faster farming that would be more convenient. UPB1 is found in plants such as switchgrass and miscantus, which are used in biofules. Also, removing the UPB1 helps plants convert more Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen, which would help the environment. Overall, speeding up plant growth could help manufacture biofules and help the environment.
If Scientists manipulate the genes of plants it could leave a very positive effect on both society and the environment. First of all, this gene helps plants grow in shorter times. This would help farmers grow more crops to feed the growing population. Secondly, manipulating this gene causes plants to be able to convert more Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen, therefore helping us get rid of greenhouse gasses. Also, removing the UPB1 can help grow biofules faster. There are however some negative effects this discovery could have. For example, if large, industrial farming companies get a hold of this soon, they could rapidly produce crops, running small farms out of business. Also, scientists are still unsure of all the negative effects removing this gene could have. All in all, manipulating the UPB1 gene could have both positive, and negative effects on the environment and society.
Overall, I found this article very interesting. I was especially interested in how they remove the gene and wish they had gone into more detail about it. I am also confused about how removing this gene will help the plant grow faster. Also, how is do they remove the gene in all of the plants, do they have to do it individually or only to a few plants? This article was based on findings at Duke University, as well as published in a scientific magazine, so the information is valid and accurate. I found this article to be very interesting, but I wish they had gone into more detail about some information.
In my opinion, this discovery could be very useful and help the world in many ways. While reading this I learned how removing a one gene could change how a plant looks, or grows. Also, I learned that biofuels take a long time to grow,but last for a very long time. When scientists prefect this new technology it could help produce more food and fuel, as well as get rid of more harmful carbon dioxide. Also, I think removing the UPB1 gene should be heavily tested to make sure that there are no hazards reactions or mutations. In conclusion, manipulating the UPB1 gene could be very useful in industry and farming, as well as help the environment