3.1Explain how traits are determined by the structure and function of DNA.
Krysti Maines
Different traits are determined by structure and sequences of DNA. DNA is a double-helix structure that can not exit the nucleus, it has to be transcribed into tRNA to be able to leave the nucleus and to begin the process of protein synthesis. But, before DNA is changed into tRNA, it must be replicated into two strands so that the strand is only a single helix and is able to leave the nucleus. TRNA is then transcribed into mRNA which instructs the ribosomes of which proteins to activate. If a protein is misplaced, left out or put in, it leads to a mutation.
3.2 Understand how the environment, and/or the interaction of alleles, influences the expression of genetic traits.
Krysti Maines
The environment can influence the traits in many different ways. This brings upon the Nature-vs-Nurture debate. I feel that nurture influences behavior stronger than nature because even if you are born with certain traits, you are can be taught differently throughout your life. While your genes do influence some of what you are able to do, such as, if you are of shorter stature, basketball might not be the easiest option for you, but if you practice basketball your whole life, then you will get much better at it.
3.3 Understanding The Application of DNA Technology. - Victoria Gibson
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3.3.1 Interpret how DNA is used for comparison and identification of organisms.
Let's say that there has been a crime and there seems to be nothing left behind, visible to the naked eye or at first glance that is. The investigators will take a closer look at things until they find something that can be useful, say, a hair for example. They will examine the strand to see if there is a root attached to the end of the strand. If there is, they will send it in for a report on the DNA to find out who it is. If there isn't, they will look closer for something else. If a scientist find a new species of plants or animals and tries to interpret what they are most closely related to, then they'll extract what DNA they can from each and test to see the differences and similarities. 3.3.2 Summarize how transgenic organisms are engineered to benefit society. Organisms are engineered to become immune to certain things. Some are engineered to be immune to the stuff people spray christmas trees with. A way that some organisms are engineered to help benefit society is by getting rid of the unwanted things in an environment even though it can't get rid of them all. 3.3.3 Evaluate some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of DNA technology (including cloning, genetically modified organisms, stem cell research, and Human Genome Project). A lot of people think it is fine for the continuation of the Human Genome Project. Others, not so much even though there's really not much wrong with it. People are against clinging because they think it is playing God. When talking about science, God should never be brought up as a defense argument in my opinion. Yes, people's beliefs will make them say that but this honestly doesn't have anything to do with religion. There are many ethical questions on how can someone say they can do that or how can someone say they can do it and not feel any remorse about it. People have different outlooks on things. People just need to realize that. 3.4 Explain the theory of evolution by natural selection as a mechanism for how species change over time. 3.4.1 Explain how fossil, biochemical, and anatomical evidence support the theory of evolution. Fossils support the theory of evolution because when tested they they have human DNA instead of any kind of animal. The closest animal humans are related to are the monkeys. Anatomical evidence shows what adaptations humans and animals have went through. For example, people used to have tails. We no longer have them because they were useless. 3.4.2 Explain how natural selection influences the changes in species over time. Natural selection will take it's toll on a species that is unable to adapt or can adapt faster than another. If one animal is slower than another, it will die quicker than the other just because it won't be able to escape from its predator. The stronger ones will be able to survive longer due to having better adaptations. 3.4.3 Explain how various disease agents (bacteria, viruses, chemicals) can influence natural selection. |