Microscope Lab

Today you worked with microscopes to examine different types of cells.  Kudos to Mike and Daniel who went the extra mile and were very inquisitive about other things which they could look at underneath the microscope.

Quiz, Central Dogma & Microscope Prelab

Today you had a quiz on cells, DNA structure and DNA replication.  For class on Thursday, read pages 1 and 2 of the microscope prelab.  You'll have a short quiz on how to correctly use a microscope at the start of lab.  If you're confused about some of the terminology in the prelab, check out this video below.

DNA replication

Today we review DNA replication and you had a pop quiz on the structure of DNA.  Some of you asked how long does it take to replicate DNA?  Click the picture below to try it for yourself and find out.

Homework: On Tuesday you will have a 20 minute quiz on cells, DNA structure and DNA replication.

DNA Structure and Replication

Today you learned about the structure of DNA.  Use this silly replication animation to complete the worksheet on DNA replication. 

More than a Membrane

Today you learned about the organelles inside an animal cell as well as review the structure of a cell membrane.  We wrapped up class with each of you sharing a Want Ad for a part of the cell.

Tonight for homework click on the picture below to link to the Utah Genetics site.  First go through the What's is DNA section then go through the What is a Chromosome section and answer the questions below.

If you are running out of internet time you can download the tour (although the site should be cleared through IT).

Questions for What is DNA

1. How many total chromosomes does a human have?

2. What are the four bases in DNA?

3. DNA must follow certain base paring rules.  Write each letter with its corresponding pair.

4. Draw the structure of DNA.  Be sure to label the following parts: hydrogen bonds, sugar phosphate backbone, and include all four correctly paired bases.

5. What do the DNA bases (code letters) stand for?

6. Each of the words in a DNA "sentence" contains ____ letters.

Questions for What is a Chromosome

1. Suggest a reason why DNA needs to be packaged into chromosomes.

2. What can you learn from looking at a picture of chromosomes?

3. What are the sex chromosomes for a female? What are the sex chromosomes for a male?

After seeing this brief preview of DNA and chromosomes, write down three questions you have about DNA and/or chromosomes.  These could also be questions about something you'd like to learn more about. 

Welcome Back to the Blog!

We've returned to the blog...for now.  We may be using a page through Veracross eventually, but for now, you'll find your assignments posted here.

Homework: Read sections 6.1 and 6.4  You should briefly annotate as you read, but you do not need to take notes.

Our central question for this term is:

Is Biology Destiny?

Is Biology Destiny?:
Yes! - 4
No! - 2
Mayyyybee.... - 6

This question could also be asking:
....Is life the most that universe can achieve (WC)
....Does biology and genetics determine the life of a living thing (KP)
....Is biology a predetermined factor in life? (JL)
....Does DNA in people control their thought process or decisions (SS)
....Does biology determine what happens to me, for example diseases (EM)
...Is biology the key to our future (MS)
....How many variables are there that affect my life that I can't control or change? (SM)

For the most part it is predetermined, but there are things that can change the outcome.
Nature vs. Nurture
No, it's not destiny for human future.