UV-B Light Sensing Mechanism Discovered In Plant Roots
December 17, 2008
Scientists have discovered that plant roots can sense UV-B light and have identified a specific gene that is a vital player in UV-B signaling, the communication between cells.
A study published Dec. 8 in the Early Edition of PNAS reveals that the gene RUS1 measures UV-B light levels and passes this information on to other parts of the plant responsible for growth and development. A low dosage of UV-B light, for example the levels found in shady conditions or under fluorescent lighting, can provide important signals to the rest of the plant and is therefore beneficial to normal plant growth. It helps young plants stay on the right track of development and aids seedling morphogenesis, but too much UV-B light can be toxic.
Cells and the Body Systems
December 17, 2008
You have learned about various body systems. Explain how cells aid in the development of the organism. Name three body systems and illustrate how they work together for a developed function in the human body. What would occur if the protein channels in the cell membranes became blocked and diffusion of particles that are intended to passively transport through the cell membrance didn’t transport? How would this problem eventually affect the organism?
Compare and Contrast the Cell
December 17, 2008
What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. What did the yogurt look like when observed under the microscope. How do you think the size will compare to animal cells? What are the major differnces between the plant and animal cells? Are your cells in your body working? How do you know?
Cell Discovery
December 17, 2008
In 1492 Columbus sails to America. In 1879 Edison invented the electric lightbulb. Research and list information for five major cell discoveries beteen 1492 an d1879. How did these discoveries benefit some of the technologies that we use today. Explain your response. Since you are young scientists in the making, what are you interested in discovering based on the needs of society today.
Nanotubes Sniff Out Cancer Agents In Living Cells
December 16, 2008
MIT engineers have developed carbon nanotubes into sensors for cancer drugs and other DNA-damaging agents inside living cells.
The sensors, made of carbon nanotubes wrapped in DNA, can detect chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin as well as environmental toxins and free radicals that damage DNA.
“We’ve made a sensor that can be placed in living cells, healthy or malignant, and actually detect several different classes of molecules that damage DNA,” said Michael Strano, associate professor of chemical engineering and senior author of a paper on the work appearing in the Dec. 14 online edition of Nature Nanotechnology.
Metabolic Reactions: Less Is More In Single-celled Organisms
December 16, 2008
All single-celled organisms are not alike. Or are they?
A Northwestern University study has found a surprising similarity among four quite different organisms. The simplest organism, a bacterium called H. pylori, uses the same number of biochemical reactions (around 300) as yeast, the largest, most complex organism of the group, when optimizing growth.
Read more
Friday December 19 Blog
December 15, 2008
How can I assist you on the science fair project. I will checking my website throughout the break so that I may answer any questions you may have. I adore you all and hope that each of you have a very merry and wonderful holiday.
Mrs. D.
Thursday Dec. 18
December 15, 2008
A certain virus attackes the mitochondria in cells. What would happen to a cell if all the mitochondria were destroyed?
Wednesday Dec. 17th
December 15, 2008
Explain the ways plant and animal cells differ. The golgi complex packages and distributes proteins throughout the cells. The membrane pinches off vesicles and sends proteins around the cell and out of the cell. How does the Glogi and ER differ in appearance.
Tuesday Dec. 16th
December 15, 2008
You created cell models in 3-D. Are cells flat of round? How is the cell membrane similar to a screen window? How did the cytoplasm in the cell compare to us observing Jello-o in class with the lights off?
