Warm Up 3 is due Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at 9:30 am.

QUESTION 1: DNA is a double-stranded molecule, meaning that each molecule contains two strands of DNA running in opposite, ("anti-parallel") directions. Can you think of an advantage for the cell to maintain DNA as a double stranded molecule rather than a single-stranded molecule like RNA (a molecule similar to DNA, but with just one strand?)

From NOLA: Q1 = well i guess it is better to have two strands because if one is damaged you still have the other to work with.

From Hot Mama -- Ha ha: Q1 = I have no idea and i was searching to find and appropiate answer so i will have to guess even though i know it will be wrong. The advantage is the double stranded is a stronger molecule rather than the single stranded molecule. I will have to submit the other ones later because my kids are with me and they are wanting a double cheese burger and large fries from burger king........i don't think sooo...too much fat.

From Megs: Q1 = My guess is that an advantage of a double stranded molecule over a single stranded would be a back up plan. That way, if a section of DNA becomes damaged or lost, repair proteins can help it locate the identical segment of DNA in the second copy of the genome that each cell contains. A single stranded molecule would be missing the plan b.

From Spanky: Q1 = A double- standard molecule would make the molecule be more secure. Instead of having just one strand you have two, which means that the molcule will be stronger. If you were to damage a strand in a single-standard molecule like RNA then it is gone. If you damage a strand in DNA there is still another strand.

From HeyMom: Q1 = You know what they say- two heads are better than one! An advantage to having two instead one of is one of them is damaged, the other one can fill in for it. Another reason is because it can replicate.

From spike: Q1 = In general if one is faulty maybe its correspondent can help with its "good" code. Plus it looks cool.

From Dr. Marrs: Bottom line -Two common themes: DNA, as a double stranded molecule, is more stable than a single stranded molecule would be, and one strand can serve as a 'backup' or template to copy the other strand during DNA replication or damage:

QUESTION 2: In your own words, what is a gene? Do you think there is a gene for everything about 'you' - not only your hair color and eye color, but also for aspects of your personality or behavior? What is a genome? (No, it is not a small ceramic statue in your garden, that would be a gnome!!! ; )

From Erica: Q2 = A gene is something that can code for a specific protein or physical trait. A gene is found on a chromosome. Genes code for physical traits, not such things as behavior. A genome is the complete catalogue of genes that an organism has. genome=every gene in an organism.

From AsleepInTheBackRow: Q2 = a gene is a part of the DNA with a specific job, like determining eye color, height, and just about everything about an individual. I don't think there are genes that determine behavior. A genome is one full set of genes, contained in every cell in the body.

From J (in Las Vegas): I HAVE ABSOLUTLY NO IDEA WHAT A GENOME IS.

From CurlySue: Q4 = I am having trouble differentiating between the following: chromosome, DNA, gene, and genome. Could you possibly draw a diagram to point out exactly what these are? I know their definitions, but I just can't picture how a gene is a "piece" of DNA, for example! Click here for a nice picture representing a gene and a chromosome! !

From Missy: Q2 = TEE HEE! I apprieciate your sence of humor. I'll try an analogy for genes and genomes. A Genome would be the entire blueprint for a 10,000 sq. ft. home whereas a gene would be the blueprint for the kitchen pantry.

From 418mstng: Q2 = Gene= A portion of DNA that gives a cell instructions to produce a protein(enzyme). It may be possible that there are genes for every aspect of my personality and behavior but I believe that it is not so. I believe we as people develop our personality and behavior by what we see others do and also by the world around us(our environment). I do not believe that our personality and behavior is incripted in us before we have had the chance to meet the world. Genome= All of the DNA in a cell's nucleus.

From shoefly: Q2 = a gene is something we inherit from our parents whether we want to or not.

QUESTION 3: Rosalind Franklin collected X-ray data crucial to the discovery of DNA's structure. However, she is hardly mentioned in some accounts of the discovery of DNA. Your textbook presents a short essay about the discovery of the structure of DNA (p. 196); read it and speculate why she might be less well known than Watson and Crick. Why was she not awarded a Nobel Prize in 1962 with Watson and Crick?

From LS: Q3 = Franklin was a woman scientist, which was not very common in those days. Watson was given some of Franklin's data by Wilkins and this enabled Watson and Crick to put the final puzzle pieces together. Franklin was not awarded the Nobel Prize because she died in 1958 and they do not give the Nobel Prize after death. Also, her contributions were not made public until after her death.

From Jo: Q3 = I think she is less well-known because the article makes her sound like she pretty much set every part of the DNA discovery up for Watson & Crick. Then they put the "final touches" on the discovery, perfected it, and presented it, and received pretty much all the credit for it. I think that Franklin did most of the more difficult work in the experiment. She was not credited for these discoveries until after her death. This is really unfortunate for her!

From Em: Q3 = Even though Franklin didn't mind that Watson and Crick (the competitors) were using her discoveries. She died an early age because of cancer and could not claim the Nobel Prize so since Crick and Watson produced the detailed description of DNA based off of Rosalind's discoveries and she died before she could do the same, of course they would be given all the credit. She did all the work and actually made the discovery, but those two men just went a step further to make a detailed description for presentation and they got all the credit. She was not awarded the Nobel Prize because she died of cancer in 1958.

From KidJock: Q3 = It looks like there was a lot of competition involved in the research of DNA structure, and some bad feelings may have resulted in that. I think that because she was a women, she didn't recieve as much regognition as the men.

From squishie: Q3 = Franklin was not awarded any award because she did not solve the structure of DNA but was close. When her partner Wilkins befriended her and showed the crystallographic photo to Watson, he figured out the rest on his own. Watson and Crick were partners so when they figured the rest out they did not share where they got the idea from. Franklin's work was cited in support of the evidence but she was not awarded.

QUESTION 4: Worried about the test next Monday February 10? Please list a question that you have and we will try to get to it in class! Remember that your CD and text have lots of practice multiple choice questions you can use to test your knowledge before the REAL test!

Basics:
Q4 = When will you provide a practice test for us? NO LATER THAN FRIDAY..Thursday if I can!
Q4 = What is the format of the test? 50 questions, multiple choice, some matching, no TF, no essay, Scan Tron, don't forget that no.2 pencil.
Q4 = Should we focus more on the lecture notes than the book? Lecture notes mainly! Use the book as a great source of FIGURES and practice problems, and the CD as a great source of animations, definition of terms, etc
Q4 = I'm not worried about the test because worrying isn't going to help any. But a question anyway, will we have to know any dates of discoveries or for any other reason? No dates
Q4 = Is there any vocabulary on the test? You will need to know the vocabulary to answer the questions!
Q4 = If we know all of the objectives do you think that we have a good chance of getting an A on the test? Oh, mais oui!
Q4 = TEST FROM CHAPTERS 1 TO 12 IS THAT CORRECT? I AM NOT SURE BUT I JUST WONDERING. NO - test covers Ch 1, 3, 4, part of 12, and part of 18. See readings fpr specific pages!
Q4 = What's up with the homework assignments? The syllabus states that you would give us specific problems from the text. Had a list been given earlier (and completed by today), students might have more constructive questions. You are encouraged to look through the problems and come up with those questions even if there aren't assigned problems!

Content:
Q4 = What is a "monomer"?
Q4 = I am still a little unclear on the definition of theory according to scientific terms. Is it a conclusion that some scientist drew up based on facts or the results of different expiriments?? Or something like that??
Q4 = I had a question about the fats and nutrition chart in section IV of January 29th notes. The hydrogenerated oils sections says, "Are thought to raise BOTH LDH (bad) cholesterol and LOWER HDL (good) cholesterol levels." I see that as contradicting because it first says RAISE BOTH then it says LOWER HDL. Which is it?
Q4 = What contains a-glucose and what contains b-glucose?
Q4 = I don't know what rRNA is?? Thanks a lot.
Q4 = How many genes are located in a chromosome? Is guanine a nucleotide base in DNA? Why?
Q4 = do we have have to know how many carbons make up whatever? all of those octagonal shapes? totally confused. HELP!!!
Q4 = Do we need to know what has double bonds and what does not when it comes to Fats and Nutrition.
Q4 = Are we going to need to know the structure of links in specific cells based on the four main chemical elements?
Q4 = How can the be sure that A=T and C=G always?.
Q4 = Is there some type of system involved in remembering how all this stuff works together? I am overwhelmed with all the vocab. to memorize and then I have trouble visualizing how it comes together.Trying to remember all the different A,G,C,T - CHON - H2o how many goes with what is mind boggling. OK, I've had my pity party. Will except help in any form. Thanks!
Q4 = How much of the test is going to be on cell structure, and how much will focus on the functions of the cell (such as cholesterol, lipids, proteins, etc.)? Think of how much time we spent on each topic - the test is generally proportional. For instance,we spent 3 days out of 7 on macromolecules - so probably 40% or more of the questions will be on marcomolesules of 1 sort or another!
Q4 = Why are plant cells so different, but yet so alike to our cells? We are all eukaryotes - so plants, animals, fungi, etc share similarities of cell structure: nucleus, endomembranes, mitochondria, but EACH KINGDOM has a few specializations due to the way they obtain energy, etc - the biggest differences being the plant's chloroplast and its large central vacuole.
Q4 = Are the polymers of proteins just “proteins” ??? An AMINO ACID is the monomer - put together is zillions of diffferent ways to male polymers - PROTEINS!
Q4 = Which of the following is a monomer of carbohydrates? Main monomer: glucose!

Misc:
Q4 = Not worried at all, ready to ace it!!!!
Q4 = Good luck to everyone:)
Q4 = I am a little worried about it, but I don't have any specific questions for you. I think I just have that anxiety since you are a new teacher and have never had a test given by you. It is always easier after the first test!
Q4 = At this moment right now....i can't think of any questions that i need to ask. But, as soon as i think of something....you'll be the first to know.
Q4 = Am I going to pass???? haha
Q4 = I don't have any questions. I've read all the pages and studied your full notes and the objectives. I think I will be well prepared for the test.

The text of this "What is Biology Good For" exercise is copyrighted under the name of Dr. Kathleen A. Marrs, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003. There are no restrictions on its use by educators or by non-profit institutions as long as its content not modified, proper copyright acknowledgement is retained, and this statement is not removed.

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