Wk 8, Looking Ahead to Wk 9

Respiration

This week in lab we reviewed respiration, and how it is like the mirror opposite of photosynthesis.

We also walked through a lab procedure, discussing how to set up an experiment with a hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, controlled variables, experimental treatments, controlled treatments, and alternative hypotheses.  We then attempted to observe respiration of bread yeast indirectly by the bubbles of carbon dioxide it produced.  Sadly, because of poorly controlled variables (temperature) and lack of sufficient time we had very unimpressive results.

Sigh. That happens in science though, more often than you might think.  But you probably didn't realize that because you only hear about the exciting results.  Why? Because we don't publish results that are inconclusive.  Therefore, I am scratching this first lab write up.  There's not enough data to write up on!

Don't feel too sad about it though, we still have 4 more labs this year. And I still think the time walking through the parts of an experiment was time well spent.

Looking ahead to wk 9 (and beyond)

The coming weeks are very information heavy.  We will spend our time in class reinforcing ideas from the reading, but if you don't read you're going to be lost.

Wk 9 will cover DNA, DNA replication, RNA, transcription and translation, and the organizational relationship between DNA-genes-chromosomes.  

There is way too much for me to do a short intro, so please do your reading and be mindful of the following:

• DNA is an incredibly long molecule holding the "code" for living organisms
• Each DNA molecule is coiled and wound tightly into a structure called a chromosome
• Distinct segments of DNA on a chromosome, and is the molecular unit of inheritance
• The central dogma of molecular biology: DNA is transcribed into RNA which is translated into proteins

*In your reading and watching videos be careful not to confuse DNA replication with transcription to RNA*

The wk 9 videos are organized so there is a series for the transition students (Amoeba Sisters) and a series for scholar students (the Australian guy).  There are also three videos to clarify some basic points.  I know there are a lot of video links, but as I said in the beginning this is a lot of material to cover and can be confusing to understand.  Use the videos to solidify the concepts from your reading.  The last two links are for interactives on DNA replication and transcription and translation.

Don't forget to keep working on your vocabulary lists!

9 DNA Structure and function, DNA replication, DNA-genes-chromosomes relationship, RNA structure and function, Protein synthesis (transcription and translation)	RSO Ch. 7 The Message	LOE Ch. 10 Intro-10.3	CK12 BC 2.34 And 4.1-4.7	CK12 LSC 3.1-3.6	DNA Structure and Function - Transition, Amoeba sisters  video about DNA and what it does DNA Replication - Transition, Amoeba sisters video about DNA replication Why RNA is Just as Cool as DNA? - Transition, Amoeba sisters video about the important role the types of RNA plays in  protein synthesis Protein Synthesis and the Lean, Mean, Ribosome Machine - Transition, Amoeba sisters video on how proteins are synthesized What is DNA and How Does it Work? -  both, general overview of DNA  from Stated Clearly What is a gene? - both, general overview of genes from Stated Clearly From DNA to Protein - both, highlights of the process of protein formation from the DNA code What is DNA? - Scholar, the first in a series of videos from our Aussie friend on DNA, RNA, genes, chromosomes, how this message codes for and creates proteins. DNA Replication - Scholar What is RNA - Scholar DNA, Chromosomes, and Genes - Scholar The Genetic Code - Scholar Protein Synthesis I (Transcription) - Scholar Protein Synthesis II (Translation) - Scholar Interactive on building a DNA molecule Interactive on transcription and translation
10 Cell Division, Cell Cycle, Chromosomes, Mitosis, Cytokinesis	RSO Ch. 8 Mitosis	LOE Ch. 9 Intro-Review	CK12 BC 2.32-2.35	CK12 LSC 2.17-2.19
Thanksgiving Break	Have fun!	Eat proteins (turkey)	Eat carbohydrates (pie)	Eat fats (gravy)
11 Sexual vs Asexual reproduction, ploidy, meiosis	RSO Ch. 9 Meiosis Divides by Two and Makes You	LOE Ch. 12 Intro-Review	CK12 BC 2.36-2.40	CK12 LSC 2.20-2.22
12 Genetics, Inheritance *Second Mini Project - Qwotekutesnute*	RSO Ch. 10 Your Inheritance	LOE Ch. 11 Intro-Review	CK12 BC 3.1-3.15	CK12 LSC 3.8-3.14