AP Biology Period 2 #WongNation

Devansh Taori (Period Two) Biology Advanced Placement pGLO Laboratory Report Introduction The ultimate objective of this lab was to perform a genetic transformation. It is well established that gene expression is controlled by DNA. Genes are usually expressed through protein synthesis, a process where mRNA reads a sequence of DNA (transcription), processes it (usually only in eukaryotic cells), and proceeds to be transformed into a polypeptide when tRNA matches its anticodon with the codons on the mRNA (translation). Thus, if DNA can be altered in some way, then the gene expression can be altered as well. In this particular lab, we wanted to see if we could inject a sequence of DNA that codes for Green Fluorescent Protein into E. Coli bacteria. Since the specific pGLO plasmid codes for resistance to ampicillin, while the green fluorescent protein is only expressed in the presence of the sugar arabinose (a molecule which prompts transcription of the gene), the presence of the plas...

Devansh Taori (per. 2) Biology AP Introduction Evolution occurs in populations of organisms and involves variation in the population, heredity, and differential survival. One way to study evolution is to study how the frequency of alleles in a population changes from generation to generation. Important questions surrounding the topic of evolution involve what the inheritance patterns of alleles, not just from two parental organisms, but also in a population are. Exploration of how allele frequencies change in populations can help us with predicting what will happen to a population in the future.   Mathematical models and computer simulations are tools used to explore the complexity of biological systems that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to study. Several models can be applied to questions about evolution. In this experiment, we built a spreadsheet that models a hypothetical gene pool changes from one generation to the next. The model ...

Devansh Taori Biology AP Period 2 Mr. Wong Conclusion In this experiment, we analyzed two types of crosses within corn plants – monohybrid and dihybrid crosses. In monohybrid crosses, the parent plants differ with respect to only one trait. However, for dihybrid crosses, the parent plants differ with respect to two traits. In the monohybrid cross, the probable parent genotypes for color were Pp and for texture were Ss. According to probability theory, the expected % of dominant to recessive traits was 75% to 25%. We indeed did find this when looking at our results – 173 were purple (dominant), and the other 64 were yellow (recessive) – that's 73% to 27%. 184 were smooth (dominant), and the other 53 were shrunken (recessive) – that's 78% to 22%. Thus, looking at results, it's clear to see that in the monohybrid cross, the offspring displayed their traits in accordance with standard Punnett Square probability theory. In the dihybrid cross, however, the optima...

Devansh Taori Biology AP, Per. 2 Mr. Rodney Wong Introduction One of the major keys to life is replicating and passing on genetic material to the next generation. In eukaryotes, the process is extremely complex and involves three phases: interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Interphase has the first growth stage (G1), synthesis (S, where the chromosomes are replicated), followed by the second growth stage (G2). In mitosis, the duplicated chromosomes separate into two nuclei. Finally, in cytokinesis, the cytoplasm divides and two daughter cells are formed. Cell division involves many different proteins – in particular, CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases). These CDKs turn off and on various processes in cell division, thus facilitating the overall cycle. The way CDKs do this is by partnering with proteins called cyclins (how aptly named!). One such complex is mitosis-promoting factor, and it contains cyclin A or B and cyclin-dependent kinase. CDK is activated w...

Devansh Taori AP Biology (per. 2) #Mr #Wong Introduction Have you ever felt like you wanted to take a photo, but just didn't know what to synthesize? Well, don't worry. There's something that can help you out: photosynthesis! It's the one process in plants that sustains ecosystems and replenishes the Earth's atmosphere with oxygen. It's arguably essential to life on Earth. While photosynthesis appears extremely complex, we can do experiments to figure more about it. This is one such experiment. Like most enzyme-driven reactions, the rate of photosynthesis can be measured by either the disappearance of a substrate or the accumulation of a product. The accumulation of product in this case is the production of O2. The molecular formula for photosynthesis is: Because the spongy mesophyll layer in leaves is filled with O2 and CO2, leaves normally float in water. As photosynthesis proceeds, oxygen accumulates in the air spaces of the spongy mesophyll a...

Devansh Taori Biology AP, Period 2 Introduction In all living things, cells are of paramount importance to ensure the effective functioning of micro-tasks. Transport is a major issue for cells because maintaining homeostasis is necessary, or else the cell will lose its effectiveness. Often, movement is regulated by cellular membranes (phospholipid bilayers with embedded proteins) or by simple diffusion. Osmosis refers to the diffusion process for water – this is common in cells. However, cells can also use aquaporins (specialized protein channels) for the transport of water. Generally, in diffusion, solutes move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, seeking equilibrium. Diffusion doesn't require energy. On the other hand, the opposite process (moving a solute from a lower concentration to a higher concentration) does require energy (in the form of ATP) and is usually mediated with pumps. There are three main terms that describe solutions se...