Green Human!!!! AHHHHHH! =P

 Link#1 Link#2

     Most all of us understand that plants make their own food through photosynthesis. Plants contain a green pigment known as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll resides deep in the plant cell connected to a chloroplast membrane. When struck by photons of light they become excited due to a pair of electrons that has attached itself. Chlorophyll is one of many molecules that work together as a team to harvest electrons. Which leads to the creation of ATP. These electrons may also receive another jolt from the chlorophyll. These electrons split hydrogen from water, leaving molecular oxygen and therefore creates (NADPH + H+). Each photosynthetic event yields 2 ATP and 1 (NADPH + H+)

• BUT THE REAL QUESTION IS....                                                                                                        How could scientists create a green human? Is it possible? Can it be done? 

     We all see and hear on the news how our world will someday have nothing left. Not food to eat, or to grow so where does that leave us when this disaster strikes!!! It's obvious we will not be alive then, but the world is running our of resources and there's only one way to be sure that we will live through it all. And that is by becoming GREEN!!! I don't mean by recycling and being conservative although this would help our world a lot. I simply mean becoming nearly plant like!!!
    Becoming advanced in our ways to make our own food from energy particularly from the sun is the goal that is trying to be reached, we eat to consume the necessary nutrients for our body to create energy. And that is exactly what scientists are experimenting with. A photosynthetic human is what it is being called. Biochemical processes and their cellular components are being engineered into experimental green organisms. In plants Cellular Respiration is the process of breaking down sugars for energy and although as humans we already go through this process if a green human was to be created this aspect would increase as there would be no intake from food, but energy would contribute to this process. Cellular Respiration occurs in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. There are three main stages, which include glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and electron transport. These all contribute to cellular respiration and would be a major part to the creation of a green human.
     So although only time will tell if this drastic change will occur the aspects behind this process our very in depth and vast and all things have to be taken into consideration.

So who's to say... Will you be the next "Green Human?"

Phenylketonuria!!!! Umm... What a WORD!!!

-Link #1 -Link #2 -Link #3
     Phenylketonuria, now that is a mouth full and frankly phenylketonuria is a word I have never heard of. (until today!!!)  I'm not exactly sure how to say this disease either, but I know one thing for sure it is abbreviated with the letters PKU!!! So you know what they say when you don't know something look it up and that's what I have just done. RESEARCH TIME!!!

Phenylketonuria Defined:
     Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that is the body's inability to utilize the essential amino acids the body requires. The body is unable to process the amino acids which are basic building block for all body proteins. The essential amino acids our bodies require can only be obtained from the food we consume. In classic PKU the enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine hydroxylase, is completely or nearly completely deficient. This enzyme normally converts phenylalanine to another amino acid, known as tyrosine. Without this enzyme, phenylalanine and the chemicals it uses to break food down accumulates in the other enzyme routes in blood and body tissues. Hyperphenylalaninemia means elevated blood phenylalanine, although it us usually used to describe many other disorders rather then just PKU. Partial deficiency of the phenylalanine breakdown enzyme or the lack of another enzyme causes these other disorders as this is important to the processing of the amino acids. Blood phenylalanine levels that are normal within the human body is 1mg/dl, however in PKU, levels may range from 6 to 80mg/dl, but are usually greater than 30. High levels of pheylalanine and its breakdown products can cause significant brain problems.
Causes:
     PKU is inherited in a recessive way. This means an affected person inherited two traits for the disorder, one from both the mother and father. A person with one trait for the disorder, is called a possible carrier for PKU. Carriers do not have symptoms of PKU, but they can pass it to their children.

Symptoms:
     Children that are born with PKU appear normal at birth and have no noticeable symptoms to begin with. Many have blue eyes and lighter hair and paler skin than other family members. Most symptoms of untreated PKU are avoided by newborn screening, early identification, and management. However untreated PKU symptoms in infants consist of vomiting, irritability, an eczema-like rash, and a mousy odor to the urine. About 50% of untreated infants have early symptoms, some also have signs of nervous system function problems, such as increased muscle tone, and more active muscle tendon reflexes. Later, severe brain problems occur, such as mental retardation and seizures.

Enzyme Lab!!!! YAY!!! =P

Enzyme Lab

In this particular lab we were testing the reactions of enzymes. Filling a beaker tube with water and H2O2 is how we began this experiment. We then added drops of yeast to the experiment depending on the solution the yeast was to be added to. The reactions of the yeast result in pressure within the beaker. Then after we set up our lab stations, we connected a pressure sensor onto the beaker, kind of like a cork. We recorded the data using Logger Pro on our mac books to see and record the change and results of the pressure. We then measured the pressure within the beaker tube over a 3 minute time spanned and graphed the change in the rate.

In this first testing session my group and I tested the solution with different amounts of yeast added to the mixture. We soon realized that the most reaction occurred from the solution with 45 drops of yeast. The more yeast the greater the increase in pressure.

 

In this next experiment we tested how the same amount of drops of yeast would react with the different temperatures of the original solution. It reacted most at a warm 38 Degrees.

 

In this final experiment we tested the pressure within the solution with different amounts of pH. We observed that there was less reactions occurring when the pH level was at 7, but more at the pH level of 4.

Photosynthesis "Dry Lab"

Materials

-Water

-5 Beakers

-Bromothymol Blue

-3 Elodea (Aquarium Plants)

-Aquarium

-Straws

-3 Snails

-Light Area

-Dark Area

Procedure

These tests are to be done at room temperature, using 50 pipette drops of Bromothymol Blue in 100 ml of water preferably done in a secure lab area.

Step 1: Fill a beaker with both water and Bromothymol Blue in the same beaker so that they may be combined. Observe the color and record your noticings.

Step 2: Get a different beaker and fill it with both water and Bromothymol Blue once again. However after add an aquarium snail to the mixture and observe the color after 3 hours of resting. (Record Observations)

Step 3: Fill another beaker once again with the same mixture of water and add Bromothymol Blue, then add Elodea. Once the Elodea has been added place this in a proper science testing area under light and observe the color after 3 hours of resting.

 Step 4: Fill the last 2 of the 5 beakers with water and Bromothymol Blue to each of them. Place an aquarium snail and an Elodea in both of the beakers. After adding the necessary aspects place one beaker in a lit area and the other in a dark area. Let them rest for 3 hours then observe the colors.

  

Results

Step 1 Results: Water combined with Bromothymol Blue results in a blue-green mixture of color due to the fact that the oxygen in the water that is being released turns the Bromothymol Blue a blue-green color. 

 
Step 2 Results: Water combined with Bromothymol Blue plus the addition of an aquarium snail turns the solution yellow. This is due to the fact that animals respire in the form of carbon dioxide, which in water becomes carbonic acid. Therefor this turns the solution yellow.

  

Step 3 Results. Water combined with bromothymol blue plus an elodea (aquarium plant) results in a blue-green solution in light because green plants photosynthesize in the light and respire constantly.

Step 4 Results:
In light: Water combined with Bromothymol Blue with the addition of a snail and elodea results in a blue-green color in light because the plant photosynthesizes.

In dark: Water combined with Bromothymol Blue plus a snail and elodea results in a yellow solution in the dark because there is no light therefor the plant has no light for photosynthesis.

Diffusion & Osmosis Lab!!! YAY!!!

Whoo! So exciting!!!

 So...... The day we started our diffusion and osmosis lab i was so excited, until the next day i was to sick to even get out of bed!!! That resulted in me not seeing the results of our experiment. So sadly I did absolutely terrible on our 3 question quiz!!! So in this post I'm going to make up for it by showing you what I really do know and understand about this topic!!! =)

My group and I started out by filling a cup full of distilled water, then added about 4mL of IKI (iodine) and tested the brownish solution with an indicator strip. Our strip came up with a green turquoise result meaning there was no glucose present. We then took a dialysis tube, tied one end of it, and filled it with about 15mL of 15% glucose/1% starch solution. The glucose, starch solution was clear in color but apparently tested positive for glucose. We took the tube and tied the other end of it and placed it in the IKI solution.

POISONS!!!!!! Arsenic!!! HaHaHa

http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/33.html
http://www.essortment.com/all/arsenicpoisonin_rljn.htm

ARSENIC
     Arsenic is a very toxic substance that can be found in a variety of substances such as foods, water, and household products. Laundry detergent, sea food, and beer are a few items that arsenic can be consumed from. Arsenic is very common in rat and other pet poisonings, and can kill nearly all living things that consume it if medical attention is not seeked out immediately.

SYMPTOMS
     Symptoms of arsenic poisoning begin with headaches, confusion and drowsiness. As the poisoning develops, convulsions and changes in fingernail pigmentation may occur. When the poisoning becomes acute, symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, blood in the urine, cramping muscles, hair loss, stomach pain, and more convulsions. The organs of the body that are usually affected by arsenic poisoning are the lungs, skin, kidneys, and liver. The final outcome of arsenic posioning can be a coma or death.

CANCER
     The causes of cancer vary in opinion, but it has been researched that arsenic may be suspected as the cause of some types of cancer. Skin cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the lymphatic system, and scrotal cancer in men are some cancers that may occur do to exposure of arsenic


PROPERTIES      In its purest form arsenic is a steel gray, very brittle, crystalline, semimetallic solid, and it tarnishes in air. When arsenic is heated it rapidly oxidizes to arsenous oxide, which smells to most like garlic.
Arsenic is often used in bronzing, pyrotechny, and for hardening and improving the sphericity of shot.

Atomic Number:	33		Atomic Radius:	125 pm
Atomic Symbol:	As		Melting Point:	817 �C
Atomic Weight:	74.9216		Boiling Point:	603 �C

Membrane Structure- WOW! =)

This is my groups poster of a fluid mosaic membrane!!
  This is a picture my group drew of a fluid mosaic membrane. It consists of phospholipids connecting together due to the fact that they are hydrophobic. They happen to form a well structured wall or barrier to coincide with the cell's protection. Many different proteins also make up the wall, these proteins vary in functions from helping the membrane move to storing nutrients it needs. Inparticularly the transport protein allows molecules through the wall that are needed to be retrieved by the cell. Receptor proteins also play a major roll inside the cell, such as the fact that they connect and communicate with other cells. The recognition proteins lets the other cells know what type of cell it is and what organism it may be from.

More About Membranes

     Biological membranes tend to form as a type of collage of proteins that come together to coincide in the fluid matrix in the lipid bilayer. The lipid bilayer is the main fabric of almost any membrane, and within its structure a semi-permeable membrane is constructed. Proteins determine most of the membrane's specific functions. The plasma membrane and the membranes of the various organelles each have unique collections of proteins. For example, more than 50 kinds of proteins have been found in the plasma membrane of just one single red blood cell. In one tiny cell thats INCREDIBLE!!!

Extra Information!!!

Functions within the Cell

Cholesterol: Manages the fluidity of the membrane especially as the weather begins to change.

Transmembrane Protein: Transports items within the molecule

Channel Proteins: These are tubular, and allow passage of molecules through the membrane

Carrier Proteins: Combines with substances to be transported, and assists in the passage of molecules through the membrane

Cell recognition proteins: Provide unique chemical ID for cells, and helps the body recognize foreign substances

Receptor Proteins: They bind with messenger molecules, and cause the cell to respond to the message

Enzymatic Proteins: Carry out metabolic reactions directly

Plasma Membrane: is differentially (selectively) permeable, allows some material to pass, and inhibits passage of other materials

Passive transport: no ATP requirement-energy, molecules follow concentration gradient

Active transport: requires carrier protein, requires energy in form of ATP

-The red circles of this image are known as the "heads" or phosphates of a membrane structure. These "heads" are polar and hydrophilic.

-The blue squiggles are known as "tails" or fatty acids of a membrane structure. These "tails" are non-polar and are hydrophobic.

 

This poster was designed by Brainna, Ashley, Desiree, Vannessa and David. However it had a couple more parts to the fluid mosaic membrane structure that I thought would be important to add to my own poster and post. Such as the integral protein which

http://telstar.ote.cmu.edu/biology/downloads/membranes/index.html

-This website was particularly helpful to my understanding of the mosaic membrane structure and some of the other corresponding components that it consists of, so I decided to share it with the rest of you bloggers!!!

Cell Structures!!! =)

 Link

My Concept Map!!! Macromolecules and MORE!!! =)

FRUIT-LOOPS!!!!

 

Fruit-Loops!!! Who would have ever thought to make a protein molecule out of fruit-loops... I know I never would have, but Mr. Ludwig sure did! There are 20 different amino acids in a protein molecule, and although we didn't have 20 different colors to use the 6 or so we did have made due just fine. I really liked this activity especially being able to eat the extra cereal that was left over in my cup. =) After I was done stringing my cereal I combined mine with Logan and Lauren's to create a globular protein. I learned how these molecules are formed and how some are strands while others are in a big GLOB!!! This hands on activity made learning about the structure of protein molecules much more fun and allowed me to retain the information more easily. In a sense molecules are like snowflakes no two are ever the same... They all differ in some way whether it be in their forms, colors, or structures. It's interesting to think that no protein is the same... Its kind of like no person is exactly the same. But I guess that's what makes us and proteins unique. After all who would ever want to be exactly like someone else!!! =)

CARBOHYDRATES!!! =)

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/carbohydrate.asp?

     This article titled "Carbohydrates" discussed the effects and results that occur with the carbohydrates we as humans consume. It covered multiple aspects of carbohydrates including; how they effect our bodies, the recommend amount to consume, and how they react within ones body. Carbohydrates are known to many as simply carbs, but how many of us actually understand what the purpose of a carb is? I know before the lab we worked on I didn't actually know much about carbohydrates. However after working on the many different parts in this lab about carbohydrates, I have learned quite alot. Such as the fact that the main purpose of carbs are to give the body specific amounts of energy to break down when necessary. Personally I believe that both this article and our lab we have recently worked on have really improved my understanding of carbohydrates.

     There are two main types of carbohydrates; Sugars and Starches. Everyday we all consume sugars and starches that are necessary for our bodies to store so the energy they contain can later be realeased when needed. In most cases sugars are more easily broken down by the body becasue they are said to be simple, whereas starches are more complex and take a longer amount of time before they can be broken down and used for energy.
     Nearly everything one eats is rich in carbohydrates, nutrients, and various vitamins such as vitamin A and C. Which are most commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Although carbohydrates seem to have a positive effect in ones health there are carbs that aren't as rich in nutrients. These can actually harm the body. Carbohydrates such as mollasses and honey, may taste sweet, but if one does not excersise when these types of carbs are consumed, the body will retain the excess fat that they are giving off. Which can result in health problems.
     Although for the average person I wouldn't recommend eating excesive ammounts of carbs, for most athletes this is a must. For many triathlons and decatholons the athletes paricipating in them prepare for the race by "carb loading," meaning they take in extra amounts of carbs with a higher carb count in order for more of their food intake to be transferred to energy. This prcoess will allow these athletes to hopefully make it through the race with a better outcome. Plus in many cases the extra carbs isn't a worry to athletes because they quickly use these carbs as they are broken down to form energy rather then stored where they will settle and be turned into fat.
     Statistics show that 60% of our daily intake of calories should be from carbohydrates. A good way to achieve this is that one should try to eat foods that provide the body with less fat and sugar and more with vitamins and nutrients. So I leave you with a challenge, try to become a healthier person and watch your intake of carbs, and see how much better you may feel about yourself knowing that your benefiting both your body and your health by doing something as simple as this. =)

Self Analysis

BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY, BIOLOGY!!!!!
     The quarter ends this Friday and it has gone by so quickly. I have learned so much from water properties to the difference between acids and bases. Although it's very difficult at times I realize that I have to continue trying and working hard to achieve anything in this class. I remember last year being in intro to biology and I never understood a thing. But since being in this Biology class I have really gained a lot of knowledge especially pertaining to the water properties and how they coincided and work with one another. I have come to realize that although I normally am on the sites or posts were supposed to be working on, I seem to get distracted by the chaos of being in such a large class. I may only be a quarter into this class, but I have easily found out that in order to get things done I have to mentally block out all the other distractions around me, because if not I will never get anything done!!! Focusing is truly the most important thing I need to continually do in this Biology Class. However I do like the pace we are learning at, because it adds some excitement, in a sense because in some standards it's almost as if were having to teach ourselves the little things in order to get a good grade on a blog post, and personally I like that aspect, although I did struggle on the carbohydrates and sugars elements we were working on. I'm not exactly sure why, but it has taken me some time to catch on to how they react and respond to one another. While there are some aspects that I really enjoy about this Biology class, there are points that I struggle in and all I can do is keep trying my hardest and work towards that A that I so desperately want to earn!!! =)

What a TERRIBLE TEST SCORE!!!

     Our most recent Biology quiz only consisted of 10 questions and I just happened to do a terrible job on it. By all means I don't think a 60 some percent is very good. So I have decided to write this blog in order to try and help my quiz grade by informing you all about what I've retained and learned throughout Biology involving, saccharides, glycogen, carbohydrates, and so much more.

     A monosaccharide means single or one in other words. It includes glucose, galactose, and fructose. Most foods we eat may fall into this category due to the fact that monosaccharides include honey, fruit, and high-fructose corn syrup (THIS IS IN KOOL-AID) which we get from fructose.

Here is a diagram of the basic Monosaccharide molecule

     A disaccharide means two or double. When a disaccharide is created, one monosaccharide loses its Hydrogen (H) and another monosaccharide loses a Hydroxyl group which is OH. It includes sucrose, lactose, and maltose. Sucrose, also known as regular sugar is made up of glucose and fructose. Lactose, which is referring to milk is made up of glucose and galactose. While maltose which is found in many grains is made up of two parts glucose.

FUN FACT: some people are lactose intolerant, which means they are allergic to milk, these people are genetically unable to ingest milk properly.

This is a diagram of a Disaccharide

A polysaccharide means many, three or more. This includes starches or glucose polymers. A polymer is multiple monomers.

This is an example of a polysaccharide


Carbohydrates consist of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.

Starch and cellulose are macromolecules, carbohydrates, polymers, and monomers. Polymers and monomers are two completely different things but without one another they would not be able to form properly. A polymer is built from repeating units while monomers are built from links, like a chain that is continuously growing or building.

-In most plant structural material cellulose is often found. Cellulose is also very common in wood, cotton, and paper. Hydrogen bonds are common in cellulose because there are many -OH groups in the oxygen atoms.

-Many animals store excess glucose by polymerizing it forming glycogen. The glycogen that is stored withing their bodies gradually breaks down when the excess energy is needed.



EXPERIMENTATION
Iodine: In the lab we experimented with we combined various contents with iodine in a test tube. We observed that if the contents in the tube changed colors noticeably, like a blue color then the result were that the contents were starches. However if there was no visible change then it was obvious that they were not a starch.


Benedict's: We also combined different contents with Benedict's solution to determine whether or not it was a monosaccharide or a disaccharide. After mixing the contents with the solution, and placing it in a hot water bath for about three to five minutes, our results became very apparent. We observed that if the contents of the test tube turned a bright orange or yellow, then the solution was a monosaccharide. However if it turned a brown-ish color then the solution was a disaccharide. On the other hand if the solution had no visible change whatsoever, then it was a polysaccharide.

-Hope this helps my grade!!! =)

Water Properties

Link

Acids, Bases, & pH Levels

Questions & Answers

What makes an acid an acid?
     An acid when regarding foods usually taste sour, are corrosive to metals, change litmus, and becomes less acidic when they're mixed with bases. Most of the food we consume are acidic. When an acid is present the concentration of hydrogen ions is higher which then strengthens the acid.
What makes a base a base?
     In a base hydroxide is the dominant element which causes it to dissolve in water, which therefore makes it a base rather than an acid. Also a base is transformed when mixed with an acid which causes it to become less basic. 
Why is water neutral?
     Water is neutral because despite the production of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions it is still not considered a base or an acid. However, in some circumstances acid rain is formed which does result in water becoming an acid with other elements.  
How do antacids work?
      The opposite of an acid is a base and that is exactly what an antacid is. When adding a base to an acid it decreases the amount of acid because the base in counteracting with the acid to sustain the pain and balance the acid levels within ones stomach. This results is the antacid working causing the pain to decrease.

pH Levels of Antacids

"Dead Simple" A Review By Kandace Cook

The article "Dead Simple" Way to See Atomic Structure, is an article regarding a new study that has proven to show that there are new techniques that allow researchers to observe structures of molecules. In order to obtain this information researchers are taking and obtaining the first direct images of how water coats surfaces. These images potentially allow thousands of molecules, to be viewed and researched. This articles states from the words of James Heath, a professor at the California Institute of Technology, that almost all surfaces have a coating of water on them, and that water dominates interfacial properties. The idea behind this conclusion is that although water molecules may cover many surfaces they are nearly impossible to measure because of their flexibility and inability to stay still.
Throughout this article the pragmatic situation occurring was having the ability to capture and observe molecules on a molecular level. Well by total accident Heath, and other colleagues discovered that graphene sheets were "atomically conformal." With this single accomplishment professors and scientists, for the first time ever were able to view the detailed atomic structure of water molecules. And with that a new discovery was made and has caused many supporting details to be the base of new innovations that are to come in our ever changing world. With these ever changing discoveries it is hard to tell where scientific changes may occur, but one thing is for sure, only time can tell on where these discoveries will take us.

Double-Blind, Placebo