Cell Division

Chapter 14 takes a look into the reproduction of eukaryotic cells. Some common terms that are used when looking at cell reproduction are often interchanged with others and they actually have very different meanings. Distinguish between the following sets of terms:

1. haploid, diploid, tetraploid
2. somatic cell, germ cell, body cell, gamete, fertilization, zygote
3. cell cycle, interphase, mitosis
4. kinetochore, mitotic spindle, cytokinesis
5. synapsis, tetrad, chiasma

After that, explain the roles that nutrition, growth factors and cyclin-dependent kinase play in the control of cell division.

Reflection

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29664783/

Follow this link to a story on economic issues with recycling and post a comment on the practicality and the benefits to the community of being a more efficient recycler.

Going Green

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/columbus-ohio-going-green-460309


Follow the link above and read the article on a cities steps towards increasing awareness of the importance of taking care of their environment. Then, propose a strategy to help increase the efforts of environmentally sound actions in Walworth, WI. You can put these thoughts in the comment area of this post.

Forensics

You know that friend you have that no one really likes, but they just kind of tolerate him, and you don't really like him, but you haven't gotten around to telling him to just leave you alone? Let's call him Ethan. Well, Ethan is coming over to your dinner party, and he is going to be bragging about how the FBI just hired him to be the head of their new Forensics division. Being well versed in how Ethan operates, he is going to be dropping all this infor about his great new job. So being the highly educated person that you are, you decide to do a little research about the position before he gets there, so you can really get under his skin by knowing exactly what he is talking about.

Comment on this post with all of the information you acquire about the skills needed (and what those skills are used for) if you want to be a forensic scientist for the FBI. This should take you the whole class. If you find yourself getting done early, you did not do enough research. This is a very broad field, so you will probably be better off creating your post in word while you are doing your research and then pasting it in at the end of class.

Electrophoresis

Discuss the most common uses for gel electrophoresis. You have 15 minutes.

Genetic Engineering

It is easy to discuss and find examples of the benefits of genetic engineering. It is also important to be informed when making a decision. With that in mind, do some research to find examples of genetic engineering gone bad. What was the initial purpose of the work and what went wrong. Use this example to discuss the idea of the other side of genetic engineering. The purpose of this is to have you realize that there is always another side to the story.

Natural Selection

http://notexactlyrocketscience.wordpress.com/2006/11/23/natural-selection-does-a-handbrake-turn-quick-evolution-at-work/

Follow the link above to read an article about natural selection and discuss the genetic role of this phenomenon. As we begin to look at genetic engineering, it is important to see genetic change in nature and how the role of biotechnology has and will speed up the process for the better (or worse?).

Stem Cells

What is the deal with these stem cell things. Why are they so important? Why is there so much controversy over using them? Drop some knowledge on me. This is a particularly hot topic right now, because of the political actions that are under way, so make sure to give the opposing views.

Environmental project posting

What is your progress? Let me know what you have found so far and what direction you are headed in.