This is the final post of the semester and I can say that I am very pleased with my work throughout the semester. I feel that I've become more comfortable with the topic of cell and molecular biology but also know that there is a world of information that continues to grow. Overall, the topic was quite difficult due to the millions of functions and parts to a cell.
With that being said, the class allowed me to appreciate the human body so much more. We wake up in the morning and prepare for our days and try to endure whatever it throws at us. We go to sleep at night feeling exhausted and often times glad the day is over. We stay up for roughly 16 hours in a day and feel like life can be too much sometimes. What we don't realize is that while we are factories filled with infinite workers who do not rest. They work and work and do their jobs wonderfully in order for us to wake up and do what the day needs of us. Its incredible that while we are a single being, we are made up and filled with cells that have purpose and function of their own. As I type this, new cells are regenerating and signals are being sent all throughout my body. Careful cells from my brain send signals through pathways that make it my fingers, which made it possible to type this very sentence.
Taking this class has allowed me to appreciate the hard work our Creator has done. He was so precise and meticulous in his work and it is mirrored in the very cells inside of us. I have become so much more appreciative of what I am and what I am made of--literally.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Dictionary: Journal Post 12
Cyclin D
Its synthesis is stimulated through growth factors through the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, which continues to do so as long as growth factors are present.
If cyclin D is continuously expressed, an important regulator of the cell cycle is lost. This mutation can lead to conditions such as breast cancers and lymphomas.
Cyclin D is an oncogene that drives cell proliferation as well as targets Rb, a cancer supressor gene.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints
Spindle assembly checkpoints stops mitosis at metaphase if chromosomes are not properly aligned.
DNA damage checkpoints ensure that damaged DNA is not replicated and passed off to daughter cells.
Its synthesis is stimulated through growth factors through the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, which continues to do so as long as growth factors are present.
If cyclin D is continuously expressed, an important regulator of the cell cycle is lost. This mutation can lead to conditions such as breast cancers and lymphomas.
Cyclin D is an oncogene that drives cell proliferation as well as targets Rb, a cancer supressor gene.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints
Spindle assembly checkpoints stops mitosis at metaphase if chromosomes are not properly aligned.
DNA damage checkpoints ensure that damaged DNA is not replicated and passed off to daughter cells.
Encounter: Journal Post 11
It has come to my attention that I spend WAY too much time online. I scroll through so many pages and find myself looking at topics that are so farfetched and unrelated to the work I was doing. Occasionally, I'll find myself doing something related school--miraculously--and find topics related to cell bio that interest me.
Recently, I came across a short article that spoke about functional differences in cells that have similar genotypes. I already knew that cells have multiple functions and perform in the roles they need to when the environment is correct. It is possible for cells with similar genotypes to behave in different ways. Because this is something that can occur with cells, it makes research on cells more difficult when it comes to studying them. This is especially true for cancer research when studying tumors and the way they behave within the body.
I feel that in knowing this information, I have an idea of how prepared I need to be for my career. I plan to become a surgeon so dealing with tumors and cancerous cells may be something that will happen frequently. One must always understand what their dealing with and be prepared for whatever situation comes up. It is important to know how the "enemy" behaves because it allows me to be ready for whatever approach I need to take.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Investigations: Journal Post 13
In the past few weeks, I have been preparing for my project which will be presented on Monday during the convention. The subject I chose was depression, a topic that is very close to me. I have suffered from depression for a long time so it only seemed natural to talk about something that I could speak about from experience.
In my studies, I focused on the monoamine hypothesis of depression. This theory states that one cause for depression may be an issue with neurotransmitters and their receptors in nerve cells. The idea is that there are perhaps too few neurotransmitters causing a lack of stimulus with receptors.
This research got me thinking about how the correlation of maltreatment and abuse at a young age could heighten low neurotransmitter levels to something more negative. In my research, I found that while it is not a certainty, there may very well be a link to monoamine deficiency and childhood trauma which heightens the symptoms of depression.
One interesting point I found combined genetics and cellular pathways into one possible cause for depression. The monoamine oxidase A gene of MAO-A gene is an enzyme that degrades the level of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. When functioning normally, levels of neurotransmitters are stable and a healthy reaction with receptors in nerve cells occurs. When there is a mutation in the gene, it does not function correctly and exaggerates symptoms of depression, which is similar to the monoamine hypothesis. A study conducted showed that individuals with the MAO-A gene mutation and were exposed to childhood trauma grew up to be hostile, problematic adults. When not treated with care, symptoms can become heightened, making it very difficult for someone to cope and function normally.
If a child is effected by this mutation, they are unable to be emotionally stable and experience confusing changes in mood. They feel lethargic and anxious. When also exposed to harsh childhood experiences, these emotions and symptoms are taken to unbelievable levels.
Another study showed that some serial killers had this mutation of the gene alongside experiences of childhood trauma.
Again, the reasons behind depression are not a certainty and there is not one reason as to why depression occurs. Everyone is unique and reacts differently do it.At a young, tender age, abuse is more influential than ever and can lead to adulthood depression that can be worse than that of someone who had not been abused.
It is interesting knowing how much everything in the body is directly affected by the things around it. Childhood abuse is no light matter and it is obvious it will lead to trauma later on in life. Unfortunately, some do not understand the dynamic of the situation and don't understand just how impactful it is.
For more information, click links above.
In my studies, I focused on the monoamine hypothesis of depression. This theory states that one cause for depression may be an issue with neurotransmitters and their receptors in nerve cells. The idea is that there are perhaps too few neurotransmitters causing a lack of stimulus with receptors.
This research got me thinking about how the correlation of maltreatment and abuse at a young age could heighten low neurotransmitter levels to something more negative. In my research, I found that while it is not a certainty, there may very well be a link to monoamine deficiency and childhood trauma which heightens the symptoms of depression.
One interesting point I found combined genetics and cellular pathways into one possible cause for depression. The monoamine oxidase A gene of MAO-A gene is an enzyme that degrades the level of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. When functioning normally, levels of neurotransmitters are stable and a healthy reaction with receptors in nerve cells occurs. When there is a mutation in the gene, it does not function correctly and exaggerates symptoms of depression, which is similar to the monoamine hypothesis. A study conducted showed that individuals with the MAO-A gene mutation and were exposed to childhood trauma grew up to be hostile, problematic adults. When not treated with care, symptoms can become heightened, making it very difficult for someone to cope and function normally.
If a child is effected by this mutation, they are unable to be emotionally stable and experience confusing changes in mood. They feel lethargic and anxious. When also exposed to harsh childhood experiences, these emotions and symptoms are taken to unbelievable levels.
Another study showed that some serial killers had this mutation of the gene alongside experiences of childhood trauma.
Again, the reasons behind depression are not a certainty and there is not one reason as to why depression occurs. Everyone is unique and reacts differently do it.At a young, tender age, abuse is more influential than ever and can lead to adulthood depression that can be worse than that of someone who had not been abused.
It is interesting knowing how much everything in the body is directly affected by the things around it. Childhood abuse is no light matter and it is obvious it will lead to trauma later on in life. Unfortunately, some do not understand the dynamic of the situation and don't understand just how impactful it is.
For more information, click links above.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Reflection: Journal Post 10
The semester is winding down! These points in the semester usually feel like a weight is slowly but surely being lifted off my shoulders. This year, however, feels different. I can feel the world pushing down on me as a reminder that my college years are coming to a close.
Taking Cell and Molecular Biology has opened my eyes to a completely different side of biology. A cell has so many functions and contains small individual pieces within it that also have many functions. I seek a profession in medicine as a surgeon and want to be the best surgeon I can be. I want to make the most of my education and while I may slack off sometimes, my intentions are good and my mind is in the right place. When I first started the class, the concept was so specific and felt that I wouldn't like the class because of this. It wasn't until recently--unfortunately--that I became more focused and determined in this class.
My biggest realization these past couple weeks has been that the path I've chosen is no cake walk. Of course, I already knew that but I realized the depth of the entire image. There are so many little pieces that could affect the way I treat a patient as a medical professional. The same dedication and focus I put into my work now has to remain constant for the rest of my studies and career as a medical professional.
I don't know how this class will end for me (even though I'm hoping for a decent grade.) I do know that this is the time for my determination and hard work to kick it up a few notches. I'm ready to love what I do and give it my all.
Taking Cell and Molecular Biology has opened my eyes to a completely different side of biology. A cell has so many functions and contains small individual pieces within it that also have many functions. I seek a profession in medicine as a surgeon and want to be the best surgeon I can be. I want to make the most of my education and while I may slack off sometimes, my intentions are good and my mind is in the right place. When I first started the class, the concept was so specific and felt that I wouldn't like the class because of this. It wasn't until recently--unfortunately--that I became more focused and determined in this class.
My biggest realization these past couple weeks has been that the path I've chosen is no cake walk. Of course, I already knew that but I realized the depth of the entire image. There are so many little pieces that could affect the way I treat a patient as a medical professional. The same dedication and focus I put into my work now has to remain constant for the rest of my studies and career as a medical professional.
I don't know how this class will end for me (even though I'm hoping for a decent grade.) I do know that this is the time for my determination and hard work to kick it up a few notches. I'm ready to love what I do and give it my all.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Dictionary: Journal Post 9
The following terms are from Chapter 12 which deals with the cytoskeleton and cellular movement. I chose these terms because I wanted to have a better understanding of their structure and roles in the cell.
Actin is a protein that forms microfilaments. It is also a main component in the structure of the cytoskeleton. One particular function it has in cellular movement is in muscular contraction where it interacts with filaments of myosin, another protein used in muscle contraction. Actin filaments are typically small, thin filaments and contain polarity. The monomers in actin are added at a rate that is proportional to concentration. This is characterized by the term critical concentration where the rate of polymerization equals the rate of dissociation. Actin can be organized in multiple ways, which include bundled or network organization.
Intermediate Filaments are the second of the three cytoskeletal filaments. They help provide mechanical support for the plasma membrane as well as function with other filaments in the cytoskeleton. They provide tension and resist stretching which keeps the shape of the cytoskeleton. These filaments do not contain polarity. Vimetin and Desmin are some intermediate filaments which help to form the cytoskeleton.
Microtubules are a filamentous structure which are important for their role in cellular movement. They also play a role in cellular division, the cytoskeleton, and intracellular transport. Microtubules are formed by tubulin. Tubulin heterdimers assemble into protofilaments and then to microtubules. Microtubules also place organelles in the cytoplasm.
For more information, the following websites can be visited.
Microtubules
Actin
Intermediate Filaments
Intermediate Filaments are the second of the three cytoskeletal filaments. They help provide mechanical support for the plasma membrane as well as function with other filaments in the cytoskeleton. They provide tension and resist stretching which keeps the shape of the cytoskeleton. These filaments do not contain polarity. Vimetin and Desmin are some intermediate filaments which help to form the cytoskeleton.
Microtubules are a filamentous structure which are important for their role in cellular movement. They also play a role in cellular division, the cytoskeleton, and intracellular transport. Microtubules are formed by tubulin. Tubulin heterdimers assemble into protofilaments and then to microtubules. Microtubules also place organelles in the cytoplasm.
For more information, the following websites can be visited.
Microtubules
Actin
Intermediate Filaments
Friday, March 6, 2015
Encounter: Journal Post 8
While finding a topic for my paper this week, I found myself searching through many different news articles in search of something interesting enough to write about. As I sit by myself in my room with my computer, I came across an article entitled "Northeastern Researchers Connect Diseases on Their Molecular Similarities." The article spoke of a team of scientists working for Northeastern University who made a mathematical tool that is designed to analyze in the molecular interactions between cells. With this research they found some unusual connections and relationships to between certain diseases.
The team studied almost 300 diseases that have 20 genetic similarities and found that nearly 75 percent of these diseases were related and were located in a specific location of an interactome--a map of molecular interactions between cells. This information and research provides more information on how certain diseases and cells work together. They are able to understand that the interactions and relationships are dependent on their location in the interactome and overall how to approach certain diseases.
As I do more research and as I progress in this class, I am beginning to realize how great the scientific community is and how much it is advancing while many people have no realization of its advancement. Of course we as a society know that we are much smarter and more prepared scientifically and medically to handle certain scenarios than we were a hundred years ago, but I'm not sure everyone understands the magnitude. I learned that I definitely didn't. It is important that I come across articles and knowledge such as this because it will help me be more prepared for my future as a professional.
The team studied almost 300 diseases that have 20 genetic similarities and found that nearly 75 percent of these diseases were related and were located in a specific location of an interactome--a map of molecular interactions between cells. This information and research provides more information on how certain diseases and cells work together. They are able to understand that the interactions and relationships are dependent on their location in the interactome and overall how to approach certain diseases.
As I do more research and as I progress in this class, I am beginning to realize how great the scientific community is and how much it is advancing while many people have no realization of its advancement. Of course we as a society know that we are much smarter and more prepared scientifically and medically to handle certain scenarios than we were a hundred years ago, but I'm not sure everyone understands the magnitude. I learned that I definitely didn't. It is important that I come across articles and knowledge such as this because it will help me be more prepared for my future as a professional.
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