Biology 3201
Course Description
This course continues the study of introductory biology. Topics include the homeostasis of human body systems, Mendelian and modern genetics, human reproduction and evolutionary processes.
Authorized Learning Resource
Homework Central
Wed June 10: This period was used as a review session in preparation for our upcoming final exam.
Tues June 9: This period was used as a review session in preparation for our upcoming final exam.
Mon June 8: This period was used as a review session in preparation for our upcoming final exam.
Thurs June 4: Please review our introduction to Topic F - Evolutionary Classification. Intersection points are called nodes and represent common ancestors. Be able to define and identify clades (a group which contains one common ancestor and all its descendants).
Wed June 3: Please review our introduction to Topic F - Evolutionary Classification. We discussed how the kingdoms of life evolved on Earth: (1) heterotroph hypothesis (1st cells on Earth where heterotrophic bacteria feeding on nutrients in ancient oceans) and (2) endosymbiosis theory (explaining the evolution of eukaryotic cells). Phylogeny is the evolutionary history on an organism and this can be represented on a phylogenetic tree or cladogram. Note that organisms AFTER a derived characteristic possess this feature and organisms BEFORE lack the feature. Intersection points are called nodes and represent common ancestors...to be continued.
Mon June 1: Please review our notes and discussion exploring Topic E - Technologies for Species Identification. Note the following methods of identification: (1) dichotomous keys -know how to use these to identify an unknown organism, (2) field guides, (3) mobile identification devices and (4) DNA barcoding.
Thurs May 28: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C - Kingdom History. Note how classification schemes can change as we learn more about organisms often as a result of technological advancement: (4) Five Kingdom System Whittaker adding Kingdom Fungi and (5) Six Kingdom System Woese adding Kingdom Archaea. Also review Topic D - Viruses and Challenges to Classification. Be familiar with examples of viruses and why they are NOT included in the 6 kingdoms of life (ex: not made of cells and cannot reproduce or grow without a host).
Tues May 26: Please review our introduction to Topic B - Kingdoms of Life / Survey. Note the following characteristics of each of the following Kingdoms: (1) Kingdom Archaea, (2) Kingdom Bacteria, (3) Kingdom Protista, (4) Kingdom Fungi, (5) Kingdom Plantae and (6) Kingdom Animalia: (f) reproduction and (g) motility. Also review our introduction to Topic C - Kingdom History. Note how classification schemes can change as we learn more about organisms often as a result of technological advancement: (1) Two Kingdom System: Aristotle - Kingdom Plantae & Kingdom Animalia, (2) Three Kingdom System: Haeckel adding Kingdom Protista with invention of light microscope, (3) Four Kingdom System: Copeland adding Kingdom Bacteria with the invention of the electron microscope....to be continued.
Assign 2 - Kingdom Summary Table (Due Thurs)
Mon May 25: Please review our introduction to Topic B - Kingdoms of Life / Survey. Note the following characteristics of each of the following Kingdoms: (1) Kingdom Archaea, (2) Kingdom Bacteria, (3) Kingdom Protista, (4) Kingdom Fungi, (5) Kingdom Plantae and (6) Kingdom Animalia: (a) examples, (b) cell type, (c) cell wall, (d) body form, (e) nutrition...to be continued.
Thurs May 21: Please review our introduction to Unit 3B - Evolutionary Classification. We discussed Topic A - Linnaean Classification. Note that modern classification systems are built on macroevolution and evolutionary relationships (recent common ancestors). Define taxonomy and taxa. Be familiar with the system created by Linnaeus which is used today: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species (moving from general with many organisms to specific with one organism). Also note 3 domains of life that are more general that kingdom and added recently. Finally we discussed binomial naming. Note the correct format for writing genus and species and the advantages of binomial names over common names.
Assign 1 - Classification (Due Mon)
Wed May 20: Students wrote the Unit 3B - Test - Evolutionary Change and Biodiversity.
Tues May 19: This period was used as a review class in preparation for the upcoming test.
Unit 3 - Evolution Test (Wed, May 20th)
Thurs May 14: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Causes of Gene Pool Change. Note if these increase or decrease genetic diversity: (4) genetic drift (a) bottleneck effect and (b) founder effect and (5) natural selection. Note the three types of natural selection and be able to recognize these from a graph: (a) stabilizing selection, (b) directional selection and (c) disruptive selection ...to be continued.
Assign 7 - Causes of Gene Pool Change (Due Tues)
Unit 3 - Evolution Test (Wed, May 20th)
Wed May 13: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Causes of Gene Pool Change. Note if these increase or decrease genetic diversity: (1) mutations, (2) gene flow, (3) non-random / selective mating: (a) inbreeding, (b) outbreeding, (c) sexual selection, (4) genetic drift (a) bottleneck effect...to be continued.
Unit 3 - Evolution Test (Wed, May 20th)
Mon May 11: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (G) - Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. We worked through several sample problems.
Assign 6 - HW Equilibrium (Due Wed)
Unit 3 - Evolution Test (Wed, May 20th)
Fri May 8: Please review our continued notes and notes and discussion of Topic (G) - Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. Note that Hardy and Weinberg proposed a set of conditions under which no evolution would occurs to compare to populations in nature that are evolving (a baseline): (a) HW Equilibrium - no change in allele frequencies, population is not evolving and (b) microevolution - change in allele frequencies, population is evolving. Be familiar with the HW conditions: (1) random mating, (2) no mutations, (3) no gene flow, (4) no natural selection and (5) large population size. We worked through several sample problems...to be continued.
Thurs May 7: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic (F) - Pace of Evolution and Coevolution. Be familiar with two theories regarding the speed of evolution: (1) gradualism - slow and linear (supported by Darwin) and (2) punctuated equilibrium - slow then fast in a branching pattern (supported by Gould). Be able to recognize diagrams of both. Also review our introduction to Topic (G) - Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. Note the definition of population genetics, gene pool, genotype frequencies, phenotype frequencies and alleles frequencies. Note that Hardy and Weinberg proposed a set of conditions under which no evolution would occurs to compare to populations in nature that are evolving (a baseline)...to be continued.
Tues May 5: Please review our introduction to Topic (E) - Speciation. Be familiar with examples of reproductive isolation with examples: (1) Geographic Barriers. (2) Biological Barriers - Pre-Zygotic: (a) behavioral isolation, (b) habitat isolation, (c) temporal isolation, (d) mechanical isolation and (e) gametic isolation and (3) Biological Barriers - Post-Zygotic: (a) hybrid inviability, (b) hybrid sterility and (c) hybrid breakdown.
Assign 5 - Speciation (Due Thurs)
Mon May 4: Students completed Unit 3A - Quiz 1 - Evolutionary Change and Biodiversity. Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (E) - Speciation. Be familiar with examples of reproductive isolation with examples: (1) Geographic Barriers. (2) Biological Barriers - Pre-Zygotic: (a) behavioral isolation...to be continued.
Thurs Apr 30: Please review our introduction to Topic (E) - Speciation. Speciation refers to the formation of a new species. Be familiar with the definition of a species as outlined by the biological species concept. Note the criteria for speciation: (1) reproductive isolation and (2) natural selection in different environments...to be continued.
Wed Apr 29: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Evidence for Evolution: (4) comparative embryology and (5) evidence from molecules (a) nitrogen base sequence in DNA and (b) amino acid sequence in proteins.
Assign 4 - Evidence for Evolution (Due Thurs) Quiz 1 - Monday, May 4th
Tues Apr 28: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Evidence for Evolution: (2) biogeography (adaptive radiation), (3) comparative anatomy (a) vestigial structures, (b) homologous structures (divergent evolution) and (c) analogous structures (convergent evolution), (4) comparative embryology...to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Monday, May 4th
Fri Apr 24: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Evidence for Evolution: (1) fossil record including a fossil definition, geological time scale of eras and periods and transitional fossils. We studied how to age fossils through (a) relative dating (principle of superposition), (b) absolute dating (radioactive isotopes & half life) and (c) index fossils. (2) biogeography (adaptive radiation)...to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Monday, May 4th
Thurs Apr 23: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic C - Developing Evolutionary Theory (History). Note the contributions of the following scientists: (8) Darwin (natural selection) and (9) Wallace (natural selection). Also review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Evidence for Evolution: (1) fossil record including a fossil definition, geological time scale of eras and periods and transitional fossils...to be continued.
Assign 3 - History of Ideas About Evolution (Due Fri)
Tues Apr 21: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic C - Developing Evolutionary Theory (History). Note the contributions of the following scientists: (1) Western Culture - 16th century, (2) Leclerc / Comte de Buffon, (3) Anning, (4) Cuvier (catastrophism), (5) Lyell (uniformitarianism), (6) Malthus (over-reproduction and competition), (7) Lamarck (inheritance of acquired characteristics, use and disuse)...to be continued.
Mon Apr 20: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Natural and Artificial Selection. Note that the smallest group that can evolve is the population. Be able to explain why natural selection is situational. Know what is meant by "survival of the fittest". Be able to explain all examples of evolution in this fashion ex: evolution of resistant populations of bacteria. Define artificial selection (selective breeding) and include examples. Note that artificial selection can sometimes select for negative traits.
Assign 2 - Natural and Artificial Selection (Due Tues)
Fri Apr 17: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic B - Natural and Artificial Selection. Note the definition of natural selection and how it occurs through favorable variations being "selected for". We used the example of the British peppered moth and its evolution: Situation A before the Industrial Revolution: tree bark light in color and Situation B after the Industrial Revolution: tree bark dark in color....to be continued.
Wed Apr 15: Students completed Lab 1 - "Variations Great and Small".
Lab 1 - Variations Great and Small (Due Fri)
Tues Apr 14: Please review our introduction to Unit 3A - Evolutionary Change and Biodiversity. We started with Topic A: Variation and Adaptation. Be familiar with a definition of evolution and its key ideas. Note 2 types of evolution: (1) microevolution - small changes in allele frequencies within a species, requires less time, directly observable through experiment, ex: evolution of bacterial populations resistant to antibiotics and (2) macroevolution - evolution on a large scale, above the species level, requiring more time and indirectly observable through the fossil record ex: evolution of fish into amphibians. Note that variation is necessary for evolution noting the difference between (1) a variation and (2) an adaptation. Note 3 types of adaptations: (a) structural adaptations, (b) behavioral adaptations and (c) physiological adaptations. Note the sources of variations in organisms (mutations).
Assign 1 - Variation and Adaptation (Due Wed)
Thurs Apr 2: Students wrote the Unit 2B Test - Molecular Genetics.
Tues Mar 31: This class was used for review in preparation for the upcoming test.
Unit Test - Wednesday, April 1st (New Date)
Fri Mar 27: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Biotechnology Products: Be familiar with concerns / risks surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified foods (GMFs): (2) environmental risks, (3) social / ethical issues. Also review our discussion of (4) Reproductive Cloning. Note that the first mammal cloned was Dolly the sheep. Be familiar with the steps in this cloning process and the ethical concerns / debate.
Unit Test - Wednesday, April 1st (New Date)
Thurs Mar 26: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Biotechnology Products: (1) Transgenic Plants - (a) golden rice, (b) herbicide resistant corn, (2) Transgenic Animals - (a) transgenic goats, (b) transgenic pigs / xenotransplantation, (3) Transgenic Bacteria (a) to produce human insulin. Be familiar with concerns / risks surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified foods (GMFs): (1) health risks...to be continued.
Unit Test - Wednesday, April 1st (New Date)
Mon Mar 23: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Genetic Engineering: 4) DNA Microarray and (5) CRISPR / Cas9.
Unit 2B - Molecular Genetics Test - Friday, March 27th
Fri Mar 20: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Genetic Engineering: Note the following genetic engineering techniques and their purpose: (3) Gel Electrophoresis. Be familiar with how a DNA fingerprint is created. We worked through several examples....to be continued.
Assign 5 - Gel Electrophoresis (Due Mon)
Unit 2B - Molecular Genetics Test - Friday, March 27th
Wed Mar 18: Please review our introduction to Topic E - Genetic Engineering. Be familiar with a definition of genetic engineering (recombinant DNA and transgenic organisms). Note the following genetic engineering techniques and their purpose: (1) restriction enzymes (cut and recombine DNA; restriction sites & sticky ends), (2) DNA amplification. This involves increasing the amount of DNA for analysis (ex: at crime scenes or for COVID testing) through (a) bacterial / viral vectors or (b) polymerase chain reaction...to be continued.
Unit 2B - Molecular Genetics Test - Friday, March 27th
Tues Mar 17: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic F - The Human Genome Project. Be familiar with the definition of a genome, the purpose of the project, how it was conducted using volunteers and its 3 major findings. Review the benefits vs the concerns / ethical issues surrounding the project.
Wed Mar 11: Please review our continued discussion of Topic E - Mutations. Be familiar with the various types of mutations: (2) Chromosomal Mutations: (d) translocations and (e) nondisjunction. Be able to recognize examples of nondisjunction including Trisomy (Jacobs, Triple X) and Monosomy (Turners). Be familiar with the steps required to form a karyotype.
Assign 4 - Chromosomal Mutations (Due: Tues)
Tues Mar 10: Please review our continued discussion of Topic E - Mutations. Be familiar with the various types of mutations. (b) insertions / deletions which are considered frameshift mutations. Be able to recognize each type from an example. (2) Chromosomal Mutations including (a) deletions, (b) inversions, (c) duplications...to be continued.
Assign 3 - Point Mutations (Due Wed)
Fri Mar 6: Please review our introduction to Topic E - Mutations. Note the definition of a mutation and which mutations can be inherited: (a) germ cell mutations (inheritable during meiosis and (b) somatic cell mutations (non-inheritable during mitosis). Also note the causes of mutations (mutagens): (1) spontaneous mutation (DNA polymerase error) and (2) induced mutation (agent outside the cell) including (a) physical mutagens (UV radiation) and (b) chemical mutagens (carcinogens). Be familiar with the various types of mutations (1) Point (Gene) Mutations: (a) substitutions (silent, missense and nonsense). Be able to recognize each type from an example...to be continued.
Thurs Mar 5: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (D) - Protein Synthesis. We worked through several examples from different start points. Note 3 characteristics of the genetic code: (1) redundant, (2) continuous and (3) universal. Be familiar with the central dogma.
Assign 2 - Protein Synthesis (Due Fri)
Tues Mar 3: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (D) - Protein Synthesis. Be familiar with the molecules involved including their role in the process, number of strands and their shape: (3) tRNA. Note the 2 main stages of the process (1) transcription - copying the DNA code (occurs in the nucleus, involves mRNA codons) and (2) translation - building the protein by assembling amino acids (occurs in the cytoplasm / ribosome using tRNA). Know how to use the mRNA table to determine which amino acid is coded. We worked through several examples...to be continued.
Fri Feb 27: Students wrote Unit 2B - Molecular Genetics Quiz. Please review our introduction to Topic (D) - Protein Synthesis. Note why making proteins is important in the body, the structure of a protein and how DNA contains instructions to build proteins. Be familiar with the molecules involved including their role in the process, number of strands and their shape: (1) DNA, (2) mRNA...to be continued.
Tues Feb 17: We watched a video to prep for the DNA Replication Modelling Lab. Students completed Lab 2 - DNA Structure and Replication Modeling Lab.
Lab 2 - DNA Structure & Modeling Lab (Due Wed)
Quiz - Wed Feb 18th
Fri Feb 13: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C - DNA Replication. Be familiar with the events within the 4 stages of DNA Replication: (2) elongation (including events on the leading and lagging strand), (3) termination, (4) proofreading and correction. We also viewed a video to prepare for Lab 2 - DNA Modeling.
Assign 1 - DNA Replication (Due Tues) Quiz - Wed Feb 18th
Thurs Feb 12: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C - DNA Replication. Be familiar with the events within the 4 stages of DNA Replication: (1) initiation, (2) elongation...to be continued.
Quiz - Wed Feb 18th
Tues Feb 10: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (B) DNA History: (7) Franklin & Wilkins. Please review our notes and discussion of Topic C - DNA Replication. Be familiar with the meaning of replication, its importance, the concept of semi-conservative replication and the functions of the 4 enzymes involved in the process: (1) helicase, (2) primase, (3) DNA polymerase and (4) ligase. We discussed the 4 stages of DNA Replication: (1) iniation..to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Wed Feb 18th
Mon Feb 9: Students completed the Unit 2B - DNA Extraction Lab.
DNA Extraction Lab - Due Tues
Fri Feb 6: Midterm Exams were returned for review. Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (B) DNA History. Note the contributions of the following scientists in determining the correct molecule of inheritance: (4) Avery, MacLeod & McCarty, (5) Hershey & Chase, (6) Chargaff and calculations related to Chargaff's Rule...to be continued.
Fri Jan 23: This class was used as review period 2 in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 126
Wed Jan 21: This class was used as review period 2 in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 126
Tues Jan 20: This class was used as review period 2 in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam. We focused on a review of Unit 1 - Reproduction.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 126
Mon Jan 19: This class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam. We focused on a review of Unit 1 - Reproduction.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 126
Thurs Jan 15: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - DNA Structure. Note how DNA strands are (b) anti-parallel. Also review our introduction to Topic (B) DNA History. Note the contributions of the following scientists in determining the correct molecule of inheritance: (1) Miescher, (2) Levene, (3) Griffith...to be continued.
Wed Jan 14: Students wrote the Unit 2 Test (Mendelian / Classical Genetics).
Mon Jan 12: We introduced Unit 2 (B) - Molecular Genetics. Please review our notes and discussion of Topic A - DNA Structure. Be familiar with the function of DNA (storage of the genetic code), discovers of DNA (Watson and Crick) and the full name of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Also note what is meant by the double helix description (contains 2 coiled strands). Be familiar with the building blocks of DNA - a nucleotide and their composition (sugar, phosphate and 1 of 4 nitrogen bases). DNA resembles a ladder if uncoiled with sugars and phosphates as the handles and nitrogen bases as steps. Note how DNA strands are (a) complimentary and (b) anti-parallel. Note the definitions of genome and gene...to be continued.
Unit 2 Test - Wed Jan 14th
Fri Jan 9: This period was used to continue review for the upcoming test. We worked through sample problems from the review sheet.
Unit 2 Test - Wed Jan 14th
Thurs Jan 8: This period was used to continue review for the upcoming test. We worked through sample problems from the review sheet.
Unit 2 Test - Wed Jan 14th
Tues Jan 6: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic O - Pedigrees and Patterns of Inheritance. Be able to recognize the following inheritance patterns on a pedigree: (3) sex linked recessive. We worked through several sample problems. This was used as a review class in preparation for our upcoming U2A - Genetics (Mendelian) Test. We started to work through solutions to problems on the review sheet.
Unit 2 Test - Wed Jan 14th
Wed Dec 17: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic O - Pedigrees and Patterns of Inheritance. Note the definition and purpose of a pedigree, symbols, generations and why pedigrees are necessary. Be able to recognize the following inheritance patterns on a pedigree: (1) autosomal recessive, (2) autosomal dominant..to be continued.
Unit 2 Test - Wed Jan 14th
Tues Dec 16: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic N - Gene Expression. Note that there are many factors that determine phenotype and how genes are expressed. These include (1) the role of the environment (note examples of genetically identical plants in nutrient rich and nutrient poor soil, identical twins, snowshoe hare coat color) and (2) epigenetics. Note that epigenetics explores how our behavior and the environment do not change genes themselves but instead the tightness of their protein coat wrapping which can change the activation of a gene (on or off). Epigenetic changes are reversible and can be inherited. Events in the environment such as aging, stress and diet can cause these epigenetic tags.
Fri Dec 12: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic L - Sex Linkage. We completed one additional cross. Also review our discussion of Topic M - Polygenic Inheritance (multiple gene inheritance). We do not complete Punnett Squares for this inheritance pattern. Note that polygenic traits can be identified by a continuous variation of phenotypes in a bell curve distribution. Also review our introduction to Topic N - Gene Expression. Compare the traditional belief that the phenotype is only determined by genes (genotype) to the modern belief that there are many factors that determine phenotype and how genes are expressed. These include (1) the role of the environment...to be continued.
Thurs Dec 11: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic L - Sex Linkage. Note that the symbols for sex linkage must show the XX (female) and XY (male) sex chromosomes. We worked through several examples and noted the discovery of sex linkage by Morgan in fruit flies. Note why sex linked conditions are more common in males and note the inheritance from a father to all daughters but no sons.
Assign 6 - Sex Linkage (Due Fri)
Tues Dec 9: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic K - Gene Linkage and the discovery by Morgan while working with fruit flies (Drosophila). Note the 3 situations: (a) Situation 1: genes on separate chromosomes - independent assortment is true, (b) Situation 2: genes on same chromosome close together - genes are linked and independent assortment does not apply and (c) Situation 3: genes on same chromosome far apart - independent assortment applies as these genes are unlinked by crossing over. This resulted in a restatement of the Sutton and Boveri Chromosome Theory of Inheritance to the Gene Chromosome Theory. Be familiar with how this helps in the construction of genetic maps of genes on chromosomes. Also review our introduction to Topic (L) - Sex Linkage...to be continued. Note that for this course we will assume that the Y chromosome does not carry genetic information. Note the symbols for this cross...to be continued.
Mon Dec 8: Please review our introduction to Topic J - The Chromosome Theory of Inheritance. Note that this theory was developed by Sutton and Boveri who were studying meiosis in grasshoppers and sea urchins and rediscovered Mendel's work. Note the 3 similarities between Mendel's "factors" and chromosomes. Be familiar with the 2 statements within the chromosome theory. Also review our introduction to Topic K - Gene Linkage and this discovery by Morgan while working with fruit flies (Drosophila).
Fri Dec 5: Please review our continued discussion of Topic I - Multiple Alleles. Be familiar with the meaning of ABO types and Rh+ or Rh-. We worked through several Punnett Square problems with some requiring working backwards a generation.
Assign 5 - Multiple Alleles (Due Mon)
Tues Dec 2: Please review our introduction to Topic H - Codominance. Note the expression of both phenotypes in the heterozygote, the appropriate symbols and the examples of barred plumage in chickens (CBCB - black feathers, CWCW - white feathers and CBCW - barred feathers / black and white and roan hair in horses (HRHR - red hair, HWHW - white hair, HRHW - red and white hair / roan). We worked through several example problems. We also introduced Topic I - Multiple Alleles. Note that a single trait is now controlled by 3 or more alleles and this results in a greater variety of phenotypes. Be familiar with the example of ABO human blood type.
Assign 4 - Codominance (Due Wed)
Fri Nov 28: Please review our introduction to Topic G - Incomplete Dominance. Note the blending of phenotypes in the heterozygote, the appropriate symbols and the example in four o'clock plants and snapdragons (R1R1 - red flower, R2R2 - white flower and R1R2 - pink flower. We worked through several example problems.
Assign 3 - Incomplete Dominance (Due Tues)
Thurs Nov 27: We worked through 2 further examples of dihybrid crosses.
Assign 2 - Dihybrid Cross (Due Fri)
Wed Nov 26: Students completed Unit 2 Quiz 1. Please review our introduction to Topic F - Dihybrid Cross. Be familiar with how Mendel's phenotypic ratio in a dihybrid cross can be explained using the Law of Independent Assortment. Note why this law is true: the random arrangement of homologous chromosomes on the metaphase plate during metaphase I of meiosis I...to be continued.
Mon Nov 24: Please review our continued discussion of Topic E - Testcross. We worked through a sample problem. Please review our introduction to Topic F - Dihybrid Cross. Note that it is also called a two factor or two trait cross as we track two traits at the same time. We worked through Mendel's dihybrid cross leading to the 9:3:3:1 ratio in the F2 generation...to be continued.
Unit 2 Quiz 1 (Wed)
Fri Nov 21: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Law of Segregation. Note that segregation relates to the separation of alleles. Be familiar with the 4 points of this law and why it is true (homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I). Also review our introduction to Topic E - Testcross. Note that a testcross or backcross is a way to determine an unknown dominant genotype (TT or Tt) in plant or animal breeding. The unknown dominant genotype is mated with a pure recessive.
Assign 1 Monohybrid Cross (Due Mon) Unit 2 Quiz 1 (Wed)
Wed Nov 19: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Monohybrid (Single Factor) Cross. We completed the second sample problem. Also review our discussion of Topic C - Probability. Note the definition and how to apply probability to a monohybrid cross problem. Also review our introduction to Topic D - Law of Segregation...to be continued.
Unit 2 Quiz 1 (Wed)
Tues Nov 18: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Monohybrid (Single Factor) Cross. Be familiar with Mendel's single factor cross and the modern interpretation using Punnett Squares. Note the terms parent generation, first filial generation and Punnett Square. The Punnett Square shows expected results and these will only match actual results when the sample size is large. We worked through 2 sample problems together...to be continued.
Mon Nov 17: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - History of Genetics Ideas and Genetics Terms. Be familiar with the following definitions: (1) trait, (2) genetics, (3) gene, (4) allele, (5) dominant allele, (6) recessive allele (Law of Dominance) and (7) allele pairings (homozygous and heterozygous). Also review our introduction to Topic B - Monohybrid (Single Factor) Cross. Note the definition of a single factor cross....to be continued.
Thurs Nov 13: Students wrote the Unit 1 Test - Reproduction and the Continuity of Life.
Wed Nov 12: This period was used to review material for the upcoming unit test.
Unit 1 Test - Thurs, Nov 13
Thurs Nov 6: Please review our introduction to Unit 2 (Part 1) Mendelian Genetics. We introduced Topic A - History of Genetics Ideas and Genetic Terms. Note the following early inheritance ideas: (1) Aristotle (pangenes), (2) Leeuwenhoek (homunculus), (3) early plant breeders (blending inheritance) and (4) Mendel (unit inheritance / particle theory of inheritance). The remainder of th eperiod was used to begin review for the unit test....to be continued.
Unit 1 Test - Thurs, Nov 13
Wed Nov 5: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic R - Stem Cells. Note the definition of a stem cell and their use in medicine to (1) replace damaged cells and cure disease and (2) for safety testing of drugs. Be familiar with sources of stem cells for use and research: (2) adult stem cells which are multipotent with reduces flexibility (umbilical cord blood, adult cells from brain, fat and bone marrow). Be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the use of (1) embryonic stem cells and (2) adult stem cells. We also discussed ethics of procedures we have discussed in this unit.
Unit 1 Test - Thurs, Nov 13
Tues Nov 3: Please review our continued discussion of Topic Q - Birth Control. (2) Hormonal Methods (e) vaginal ring, (e) emergency birth control. (3) Barrier Methods (a) condom and (b) diaphragm. (4) Surgical Methods (a) vasectomy and (b) tubal ligation. Also review our introduction to Topic R - Stem Cells. Note the definition of a stem cell and their use in the human body...to be continued.
Unit 1 Test - Thurs Nov 13
Fri Oct 31: Please review our continued discussion of Topic P: Solutions To Infertility. Note how the following technologies offer a solution and who would use these solutions: (7) cryopreservation. Be familiar with the ethical issues that surround these technologies. Also review our notes and discussion exploring Topic Q - Birth Control. Be familiar with the following methods and how they work: (1) Natural Methods (a) abstinence, (b) withdrawal, (c) fertility awareness. (2) Hormonal Methods (a) birth control pill - the pill , (b) Depo Provera - the needle, (c) intrauterine device - IUD, (d) patch...to be continued.
Unit 1 Test - Thurs Nov 13
Thurs Oct 30: Please review our introduction to Topic P: Solutions To Infertility. Note how the following technologies offer a solution and who would use these solutions: (1) artificial insemination, (2) Gametic Intrafallopian Transfer, (3) In Vitro Fertilization, (4) in Vitro Maturation, (5) superovulation and (6) surrogate motherhood...to be continued.
Unit 1 Test - Thurs, Nov 13
Tues Oct 28: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic O - Causes of Infertility: (1) Female - (a) blocked oviduct, (b) failure to ovulate, (c) endometriosis, (d) damaged eggs. (2) Male (a) blocked vas deferens or epididymis, (b) low sperm count, (c) high numbers of abnormal sperm and (d) erectile dysfunction / impotence.
Mon Oct 27: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic N - Monitoring Fetal Health. Be familiar with the following technologies and how they function: (3) cell free DNA prenatal screening, (4) amniocentesis, (5) chorionic villi sampling and (6) fetoscopy. Upcoming! Please review our notes and discussion of Topic O - Causes of Infertility: (1) Female - (a) blocked oviduct, ...to be continued.
Assign 9 (Due Tues)
Fri Oct 24: Please review our notes and discussion exploring Topic M - Stages of Childbirth. Be familiar with the positive feedback loops regulated by oxytocin for (a) childbirth and (b) milk release. Note hormones involved in milk production (prolactin) and milk release oxytocin. Also review our introduction to Topic N - Monitoring Fetal Health. Be familiar with the following technologies and how they function: (1) ultrasound, (2) maternal blood screening, (3) Cell Free DNA Prenatal Screening....to be continued.
Wed Oct 22: Please review our notes and discussion exploring Topic L - Trimesters and Key Events. Be familiar with key fetal development events during each trimester: (1) First Trimester - external reproductive organs, (2) Second Trimester - heartbeat detection, skeleton formation, lanugo and (3) Third Trimester - fetal brain, testes descend, digestive and respiratory systems mature. Also review Topic M - Stages of Childbirth. Note the terms parturition and labor. Be familiar with the key events during each stage of childbirth: (1) dilation stage, (2) expulsion stage and (3) placental stage...to be continued....to be continued.
Tues Oct 21: Please review our notes and discussion exploring Topic K - Teratogens. Be familiar with the definition of teratogen, the concept of a critical period and how teratogens enter the baby during development. Be familiar with examples and their impact on fetal development: (1) cigarette smoke, (2) alcohol, (3) thalidomide and other prescription medication, (4) infectious diseases, (5) environmental pollutants and (6) radiation / chemotherapy...to be continued.
Assign 8 - Extra-Embryonic Membranes + Teratogens (Due Wed)
Fri Oct 17: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic J - Extra-Embryonic Membranes. These membranes surround and protect the fetus and are expelled as the afterbirth. Note their functions and be able to label them on a diagram (1) amnion, (2) chorion and chorionic villi, (3) allantois and (4) yolk sac. Also review the formation of Twins: (1) fraternal twins (dizygotic) and (2) identical twins (monozygotic).
Thurs Oct 16: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic I - Human Development: (5) implantation (blastocyst), (6) gastrulation and differentiation (gastrula) and (7) neurulation (neurula).
Assign 7 - Human Development (Fri)
Wed Oct 15: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic H - Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Control. Female. Note significant dates in the cycle (menstruation, ovulation, most fertile) and the process of menopause. Also review our introduction to Topic I - Human Development. For each process in human development note the name of the name of the structure, a structure description, the day , the location of the structure along with a simple diagram: (1) ovulation (immature egg), (2) fertilization (zygote), (3) cleavage (embryo), (4) cleavage (morula)...to be continued.
Assign 6 - Reproductive Pathway & Menstruation (Due Thurs)
Fri Oct 10: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic H - Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Control. Female: Be familiar with the functions of the following hormones: (1) pituitary hormones (a) FSH - follicle stimulating hormone, (b) LH - luteinizing hormone and (2) ovarian hormones (a) estrogen and progesterone. Note the following menstrual cycle stages and be able to follow these hormone levels on a graph: Ovarian Cycle (1) follicular stage, (2) luteal stage and Uterine Cycle (3) menstruation stage. Note options when fertilization occurs or if there is no fertilization....to be continued.
Tues Oct 7: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic G - Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Note the treatment for STIs and complications / damage if left untreated. Also review our introduction to Topic H - Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Control. Note the negative feedback loop for regulation of testosterone and sperm production in males. Also review our discussion of the Female Menstrual Cycle. Be familiar with the following terms: follicle, corpus luteum and endometrium.
Assign 5 - STI Research (Due Thurs)
Mon Oct 6: Please review our continued discussion of Topic F - Human Reproductive Pathway / Anatomy. (2) Female - (a) ovaries (follicles), (b) fimbriae, (c) oviduct, (d) uterus, (e) cervix and (f) vagina. Also review our introduction to Topic G - Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Note which STIs have (1) viral causes - (a) AIDS, (b) hepatitis, (c) genital herpes and (d) HPV and which have (2) bacterial causes - (a) chlamydia, (b) syphilis and (c) gonorrhea. Note the treatment and complications / damage if left untreated...to be continued.
Assign 5 - STI Research (Due Thurs)
Fri Oct 3: Please review our introduction to Topic F - Human Reproductive Pathway / Anatomy. Be able to label a diagram identifying this anatomy. (1) Male Anatomy - (a) testes, (b) seminiferous tubules, (c) epididymis, (d) vas deferens, (e) urethra, (f) seminal vesicle, (g) prostate gland and (h) Cowper's gland. Note the function of the male reproductive hormones testosterone and inhibin. (2) Female - (a) ovaries (follicles)...to be continued.
Wed Oct 1: Students completed Lab 2 - Flowering Plant / Angiosperm Dissection.
Lab 2 - Flower Dissection (Due Fri)
Thurs Sept 25: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic D - Reproductive Strategies: lifecycle of flowering plants (angiosperms). We discussed the reproductive parts of a perfect flower such as a lily: (1) Male - Stamen: (a) anther, (b) filament, (c) pollen grains. (2) - Pistil: (a) stigma, (b) style, (c) ovum becoming egg, (d) ovule becoming seed and ovary becoming fruit. Be able to label a diagram. Be familiar with the parts of a pollen grain: (a) tube cell becoming the pollen tube and (b) the generative cell becoming 2 polar nuclei. Note the double ferritization: (a) sperm 1 fertilizing egg to form zygote / young plant and (b) sperm 2 fertilizing 2 polar nuclei to form endosperm (food for developing plant).
Please Bring Your Charged Chromebook To Our Next Class
Wed Sept 24: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic D - Reproductive Strategies: life cycle of moss...to be continued. Also review our discussion of the lifecycle of flowering plants (angiosperms). We discussed the reproductive parts of a perfect flower such as a lily: (1) Male - Stamen: (a) anther, (b) filament, (c) pollen grains. (2) - Pistil: (a) stigma, (b) style, (c) ovum becoming egg, (d) ovule becoming seed and ovary becoming fruit. Be able to label a diagram...to be continued.
Assign 4 - Modes of Reproduction (Due Thurs)
Mon Sept 22: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic D - Reproductive Strategies: (1) Asexual Reproduction (f) spores. (2) Sexual Reproduction. Note the advantages of sexual reproduction and the following sexual life cycles: (a) jellyfish, (b) plant alternation of generations - life cycle of moss...to be continued.
Fri Sept 19: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic D - Reproductive Strategies: (1) Asexual Reproduction. Note the advantages of asexual reproduction and the following methods: (a) binary fission, (b) budding, (c) vegetative propagation, (d) fragmentation, (e) parthenogenesis...to be continued.
Assign 3 - Sperm vs Egg - Due Mon
Wed Sept 17 Please review our continued discussion of Topic D - Sperm vs Egg. Note the physical differences between these two structures in terms of (a) relative size, (b) energy sources, (c) number of mitochondria, (d) number of gametes produced, (e) motility and (f) outer structures....to be continued.
Assign 2 - Meiosis (Due Fri)
Tues Sept 16: Please review our continued discussion of Topic C - Meiosis. Note the differences between (1) spermatogenesis - meiosis in males and (2) oogenesis - meiosis in females. Also review our introduction to Topic D - Sperm vs Egg. Note the physical differences between these two structures in terms of (a) relative size....to be continued.
Assign 2 - Meiosis (Due Fri)
Quiz 1 - Wed
Mon Sept 15: Please review our continued discussion of Topic C - Meiosis. Note the overall stages of the processes. Be familiar with the 2 sources of variation in this process of sexual reproduction: (1) crossing over in prophase I and (2) independent assortment in metaphase I...to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Wed
Thurs Sept 11: Students completed Lab 1 - The Cell Cycle. Please review our introduction to Topic C - Meiosis. Be familiar with the purpose of meiosis (sexual reproduction, production of gametes: sperm or egg), the cells involved and the cells produced. Note that meiosis is called "reduction division" because the chromosome number is reduced by half in the gametes - diploid (2n) to haploid (n). Note the overall stages of the processes...to be continued.
Quiz 1 - Wed
Wed Sept 10: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - The Cell Cycle. Note important events that occur in each stage and recognize a diagram: (3) - cytokinesis. Note the difference in cytokinesis between animal cells (cleavage furrow) and plant cells (cell plate). Also review our discussion of Topic B - Cancer: An Application of the Cell Cycle. Note that cancer results from a mutation (change) to a cell that controls cell division. Cells divide in a out of control fashion. Note 2 types of tumors (a) benign and (b) malignant - metastatic cells.
Assign 1 - Cell Cycle (Due Thurs)
Lab 1 - The Cell Cycle (Due Thurs)
Mon Sept 8: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - The Cell Cycle. Note important events that occur in each stage and recognize a diagram: (2) mitosis - prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase...to be continued.
Assign 1 - Cell Cycle (Due Thurs)
Fri Sept 5: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A - The Cell Cycle. Be familiar with the cells involved and cell produced through this process - diploid somatic cells (body cells). Note the overall steps of the process (1) interphase - getting ready to divide, (2) mitosis - genetic material diving and (3) cytokinesis - cytoplasm dividing. Note important events that occur in each stage and recognize a diagram: (1) interphase, (2) mitosis - prophase..to be continued.
Thurs Sept 4: Welcome to Biology 3201! Let's look forward to a great year of learning together. Today you received your course descriptor and evaluation scheme, had the opportunity to join our Google Classroom and were introduced to my website. The remainder of the period was used to distribute textbooks. We introduced Unit 1 - Reproduction and the Continuity of Life. Topic A is the Cell Cycle exploring reproduction in body cells (ex: skin cells). Note the purpose of the Cell Cycle in (a) multicellular organisms and (b) unicellular organisms...to be continued.
Contact:
steventrimm@nlschools.ca