Natural variation
Final Amarah Adam Biology- Natural variation Natural variation- foot size between boys and girls Abstract The purpose of the report is to analyze the two major factors that affect how we develop which are genetic and environmental variations. I have presented my data in a table, line graph and bar chart. I also composed a questionnaire. My major conclusions are that genes mostly affect the child's physical features. Introduction I am carrying out this experiment to see the difference in foot sizes of children. In the case of genetic variation, genes are a section of DNA within the chromosomes of a cell, which give the instructions to a cell about how to make a protein. Inherited information controls how an organism develops. Genes pass on information from the parents to the next generation and in this way, they affect our features. The environment also plays a major role in the development of humans or Homo sapiens. For example, when we spend more time in the sun, our skin gets darker. Diet choices and fitness also have an effect on our features. Hypothesis: I expect that maybe, footwear can lead to impaired growth. I also think that the length of their foot will depend on their inherited genes. Probably the older they are the larger their foot. 2 Materials and methods Equipment used: A4 blank paper- to measure the foot Tape measure- to measure heights of
Gregor Mendel
Gregor Mendel Gregor Mendel was born on July 22nd, 1822 in Hyncice, Moravia which is now Czech Republic. He was born Johann Mendel into a poor farming family. His academic abilities were recognized by the local priest, who persuaded his parents to send him away to school at the age of 11. His grammar school studies completed in 1840, Mendel entered a two-year program in philosophy at the Philosophical Institute of the University of Olmütz (Olomouc, Czech Rep.), where he excelled in physics and mathematics, completing his studies in 1843. As his father’s only son, Mendel was expected to take over the small family farm, but he preferred a different solution to his predicament, choosing to enter the brünn monastery as a novitiate of the Augustinian order, where he was given the name Gregor. It was at the monastery where he was introduced to a diverse and intellectual community. However, in 1850, Mendel failed an exam introduced through new legislation for teacher certification and was sent to the University of Vienna for two years to benefit from a new program of scientific instruction. Mendel devoted his time at Vienna to physics and mathematics, working under Austrian physicist Christian Doppler and mathematical physicist Andreas von Ettinghausen. He also studied the anatomy and physiology of plants and the use of the microscope under botanist Franz Unger, an enthusiast
Is genetic modification morally wrong?
Is genetic modification is morally wrong? Genetic modification is methods that make it possible to change the pattern in genetic material. The genetic material found in cells in molecules called DNA, is the design for any living thing. I.e. plant, animals, bacteria, etc. Changing the pattern of DNA molecules ay make it possible to change the characteristics in the living organism. The ability to modify organism's genetic makeup has uses: <> Understanding the basic of plant, animals, including humans. <> Use in agriculture; better yield of crops and better for consumers. <> In animals: better health, livestock and humans. However genetic modification is doing more harm then good. Studies show the disadvantages of genetic modification. These studies show that GM crops and foods are harming the environment and could be harming wildlife and even humans. Crops that have been genetically modified (GM) to produce pharmaceuticals that can contaminate the food supply. There were scares that drugs that are produced by GM crops, were getting into the food supply such as cereal. 'Biopharma' grown for the drug, produced for medicines were getting mistaken for GM crops and ending up in American supermarkets as breakfast cereal. There has been a study that shows that crops that have been genetically modified to resist insects kill not just 'target insects' (borer and weevil) but
The role of DNA in protein synthesis
The role of DNA in protein synthesis Introduction to DNA DNA is a polymer of monomers called nucleotides. It has been found in chromosomes which are contained in the nucleus. Many observations contributed to the evidence from which the structure of DNA was eventually deduced by Watson and Crick. DNA is stand for the deoxyribose nucleic acids. It is made from two strand of nucleic acid wound into a double helix. Nucleic acid are macromolecules with relative molecular masses ranging from 10 to 10 . They are biult up of nucleotide subunites, which join together forming long unbranched chains. A nucleotide of DNA is made up of : > a pentose sugar - deoxyribose (C5H10O4) > a phosphate group (H3PO4) > an organic nitogenous base - adenine, guanine, thymine or cytosine -the organic base present in nucleotides are either pyrimidines, which have a single-ring structure, or purines with a double ring structure. Pyrimidines - single rings each with six sides. e.g. cytosine (C) and thymine (T) purines - double rings comprising of a six-sided and five-sided ring. e.g. adenine (A) and guanine (G) Condensation reactions join the nucleotides together, the reaction between the nucleoside and phosphoric acid. A phosphodiester bridge is formed between the 3 carbon atom of one pentose sugar and 5 carbon atom of another sugar. The hydrogen bonds join bases across the strands. Protein
DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SEXUAL AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION
DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SEXUAL AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION In order to avoid extinction species must reproduce and pass their genes on to the next generation, thus ensuring the survival of the population. For reproduction to occur cell division is necessary and this can be divided into two categories according to the behaviour of the chromosomes, they are known as mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is when the daughter cells finish up containing exactly the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell, typically two of each type, known as the diploid state. Mitosis takes place when an organism grows or reproduces asexually. Meiosis is when each daughter cell ends up with exactly half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, one of each type, which is known as the haploid state. Meiosis is associated with sexual reproduction and generally takes place in the formation of gametes or in some cases' spores. Asexual reproduction is the process of one individual organism producing one or more new individuals. It does not involve the combination of genetic material from two different individuals and therefore the new individuals are clones of the parent organism. Mutation is the only variation that occurs in asexual reproduction, unless mutation occurs all the members of clones share the same genetic constitution. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of
Cloning pros and cons
Cloning A group of genetically identical offspring produced by asexual reproduction is called a clone. The nucleus of every cell of an individual contains the genetic information needed to develop the entire organism. It is therefore possible under suitable conditions to produce a whole organism from a single cell. If a cell divides mitotically it will produce a clone. If each cell of the clone is separated and allowed to develop into the complete organism, a group of genetically identical offspring is formed. This is known as cloning. (2). Two very different procedures have been referred to as "cloning": * Embryo cloning has been successfully carried out for years on many species of animals. Some limited experimentation has been done on human embryos. * Adult DNA cloning has been used to clone a sheep, but was not tried on humans until 1998-DEC (3) Humans often think of themselves as being superior to other animals (not to mention plants, fungi, bacteria and so on) and therefore having the "right" to exploit other organisms for their own benefit. (1) The cloning of the sheep, Dolly, in 1997 was an inevitable consequence of the progress being made in genetics and biotechnology. It raises the possibility of breeding many identical copies of animals including transgenic animals, showing desirable features. One of the ethical concerns is that the techniques could be
Debate on Genetically Modified Food.
Debate on Genetically Modified Food For millions of years, the world has evolved and developed, by selective breeding to adapt into the society, which it is today. Natural adaptations and changes have occurred in various species of plants and animals, which even modern scientists cannot explain. Our world has survived for...well forever, without genetically enhanced produce, so why should it invade humanity now, just because 'we can'? Many scientists, who are in favour of GM foods, claim that it is simply the next step on from selective breeding; however they seem to have overlooked one difference. Genetic modification of anything requires the introduction of 'alien' genes into a species, to modify it and this is certainly not a natural process. For example, GM Soya has been modified using genes that will make it resistant to certain herbicides, such as 'roundup'. Although this may seem like a good thing on the surface, what happens when the pollen from these GM foods is passed on to native species? Aspects like this seem to have been overlooked. It is also a worry, because genetic engineering can be very unpredictable and the damaging effects of GM foods irreversible; if left unconfined it could get out of control. It is possible to end up creating harmful characteristics - such as toxins - unawares. This doesn't necessarily condemn GMOs but it proves the
Evaluating the risks and benefits of GM crops.
Evaluating The Risks And Benefits Of GM Crops This essay aims to define GM, evaluate the risks and benefits of it's current existence and finally I will conclude on whether I think GM crops post a greater risk or benefit to consumers and the environment. The contentious subject of GM crops never seems to leave the media spotlight long enough before entering again with claims of it's hazardous effects or the latest innovations, leaving the consumer baffled by the vast amount of contradictory information. The great worldwide debate concerning all aspects of GM crops has drawn many groups of participants with articles, research, and reports proving their stance, ranging from environmental pressure groups to scientists to biotechnology companies to the government. The British Medical Association defines genetic modification as " the process of altering genetic material to express different characteristics1." Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are plant, animal, or microbe resulting from genetic modification. The regulations on all aspects of GM crops are very stringent. In July 2003, the EU lifting a 5-year ban on the sell of GM food, on the basis that they are fully labelled as containing GMO's2. Non-EU countries especially the US companies have reacted angrily to the mandatory labelling of their GM products, as they know how reluctant the Europeans are to GM. Under the
What is cloning? Are there different types of cloning?
What is cloning? Are there different types of cloning? Cloning is the creation of an organism that is an exact genetic copy of another. There are different types of cloning. A basic understanding of the different types of cloning is key to taking an informed stance on current public policy issues and making the best possible personal decisions. The following 3 types of cloning technologies (1) recombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning, (2) reproductive cloning, and (3) therapeutic cloning. What is a Clone ? As per biology, a clone is a cell or an organism that is genetically identical to another cell or organism. Many simple organisms such as bacteria reproduce themselves by copying their DNA and splitting in half. The two bacteria that result from this form of asexual reproduction are genetically similar, they are clones of each other. In contrast, during the process of sexual reproduction, the nucleus of a sperm cell, which carries the father's DNA, fuses with the nucleus of the egg cell, which contains the mother's DNA. The resulting offspring carry genetic material from both parents and are not identical to either parent. The verb "to clone" refers to the process of creating cloned cells or organisms. The process differs, depending on the kinds of cells used in the cloning procedure and the desired result. Usually, when scientists clone an animal, they take the
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria- 750 words Essay Introduction In the past several decades or so, antibiotics use has been crucial in the battle against infectious sickness caused bacteria and other microorganisms. Many diseases that once killed people can now be now treated effectively with antibiotics. Antibiotics caused a dramatic rise in the average life expectancy. However, disease-causing microbes that have become resistant to antibiotic drugs are an increasing public health problem. Wound infections, tuberculosis, septicemia and childhood ear infections are some of the few diseases that have become hard to treat with antibiotics. One part of the problem is those bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections developing several ways to resist antibiotics. Vaccines are also very helpful in the processes because they very effective. Vaccines are the reason small pox has been extinct and only two of them are kept: one in USA and one in Russia. Some organisms are resistant to all antibiotics and can be only treated with experimental or potentially toxic drugs. There is an alarming increase in the amount of resistant bacteria's, especially in the staphylococci and pneumococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae), which are common causes of disease and death. What happened before antibiotics where invented? And who invented them? Before antibiotics were invented there use to
