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
Thurs June 11: This period was used as a review session in preparation for our upcoming final exam.
Wed June 10: 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.
Wed June 3: 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). The remainder of the period was used to begin our final exam review.
Tues June 2: 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. Be able to define and identify clades (a group which contains one common ancestor and all its descendants)...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).
Wed May 27: 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) motility and (g) reproduction. 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....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, (f) motility...to be continued.
Fri May 22: 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...to be be continued.
Assign 1 - Classification (Due Mon)
Thurs May 21: 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 (Thurs, May 21st)
Wed May 13: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic H - Causes of Gene Pool Change: (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. The remainder of this class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming test.
Assign 7 - Causes of Gene Pool Change (Due Tues) Unit 3 - Evolution Test (Thurs, May 21st)
Tues May 12: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic H - Causes of Gene Pool Change. Note if these increase or decrease genetic diversity: (3) non-random / selective mating (a) inbreeding, (b) outbreeding, (c) sexual selection, (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.
Unit 3 - Evolution Test (Thurs, May 21st)
Mon May 11: We completed Hardy Weinberg word problems. 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...to be continued.
Assign 6 - HW Equilibrium (Due Tues)
Unit 3 - Evolution Test (Thurs, May 21st)
Thurs May 7: Please review our continued 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): (5) large population size. We worked through several sample problems...to be continued.
Wed May 6: Please review our continued notes and notes and discussion of Topic (F) - Pace of Evolution and Coevolution. Know a definition of coevolution along with some examples. 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): (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...to be continued.
Mon May 4: Students completed Unit 3A - Quiz 1 - Evolutionary Change and Biodiversity. 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...to be continued.
Fri May 1: 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 Mon)
Quiz 1 - Monday, May 4th
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.
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: (3) comparative anatomy (c) analogous structures (convergent 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
Thurs Apr 23: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic D - Evidence for Evolution: (1) Fossil Record: We studies how to age fossils through (b) absolute dating (radioactive isotopes & half life) and (c) index fossils. (2) biogeography (adaptive radiation), (3) comparative anatomy (a) vestigial structures, (b) homologous structures (divergent evolution)...to be continued.
Wed Apr 22: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C - Developing Evolutionary Theory (History): (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. We studies how to age fossils through (a) relative dating (principle of superposition), (b) absolute dating (radioactive isotopes & half life...to be continued.
Assign 3 - History of Ideas About Evolution (Due Thurs)
Tues Apr 21: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C - Developing Evolutionary Theory (History). Note the contributions of the following scientists: (7) Lamarck (inheritance of acquires characteristics, use & disuse), (8) Darwin (natural & artificial selection)...to be continued.
Assign 3 - History of Ideas About Evolution (Due Wed)
Fri Apr 17: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C - Developing Evolutionary Theory (History). Note the contributions of the following scientists: (3) Anning, (4) Cuvier (catastrophism), (5) Lyell (uniformitarianism), (6) Malthus (over-reproduction and competition)...to be...continued.
Thurs Apr 16: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic B - Natural and Artificial Selection. Know what is meant by "survival of the fittest". Define artificial selection (selective breeding) and include examples. Note that artificial selection can sometimes select for negative traits. We also introduced Topic C - Developing Evolutionary Theory (History). Note the contributions of the following scientists: (1) Western Culture - 16th century, (2) Leclerc / Comte de Buffon...to be continued.
Assign 2 - Natural and Artificial Selection (Due Fri)
Tues Apr 14: 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. Be able to explain all examples of evolution in this fashion ex: evolution of resistant populations of bacteria. Note that the smallest group that can evolve is the population. Be able to explain why natural selection is situational...to be continued.
Mon Apr 13: Students completed Lab 1 - "Variations Great and Small".
Lab 1 - Variations Great and Small (Due Tues)
Assign 1 - Variation and Adaptation (Due Tues)
Thurs Apr 2: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic A: Variation and Adaptation. Note the sources of variation as a raw material for evolution: (1) crossing over, (2) independent assortment, (3) spontaneous mutations and (4) induced mutations. Students worked on Assign. 1.
Assign 1 - Variation & Adaptation (Due Tues Apr 14th)
Tues Mar 31st: 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...to be continued.
Mon Mar 30: Students wrote the Unit 2B Test - Molecular Genetics.
Thurs Mar 25: This class was used for review in preparation for the upcoming test.
Unit Test - Monday, March 30th (New Date)
Wed Mar 25: Please review our continued notes and discussion of (4) Reproductive Cloning. Be familiar with the steps in this cloning process and the ethical issues surrounding reproductive cloning. The remainder of the period was used for review.
Unit Test - Monday, March 30th (New Date)
Fri Mar 20: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic H - Biotechnology Products: (3) Transgenic Bacteria (b) to produce oil eating bacteria. Be familiar with concerns / risks surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified foods (GMFs): (1) health risks, (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....to be continued.
Unit Test - Thursday, March 26th
Thurs Mar 19: 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...to be continued.
Unit Test - Thursday, March 26th
Tues Mar 17: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Genetic Engineering. Note the following genetic engineering techniques and their purpose: (4) DNA Microarray and (5) CRISPR / Cas9.
Unit Test - Thursday, March 26th
Tues Mar 10: 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 Tues)
Mon Mar 9: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic E - Genetic Engineering. Note the following genetic engineering techniques and their purpose: (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. (3) Gel Electrophoresis for sorting and comparing DNA fragments to identify criminals or potential parents of a child...to be continued.
Thurs Mar 5: Please review our continued discussion of Topic F - The Human Genome Project. Review the benefits vs the concerns / ethical issues surrounding the project. 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)....to be continued.
Wed Mar 4: Please review our continued discussion of Topic E - Mutations. Be familiar with the various types of mutations: (2) Chromosomal Mutations: (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. Also review our introduction to 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. Also review the benefits vs the concerns / ethical issues surrounding the project...to be continued.
Assign 4 - Chromosomal Mutations (Due: Thurs)
Tues Mar 3: Please review our continued discussion of Topic E - Mutations. Be familiar with the various types of mutations: (2) Chromosomal Mutations including (c) duplications, (d) translocations and (e) nondisjunction. Be able to recognize examples of nondisjunction including Trisomy (Downs, Patau, Edwards, Kleinfelters...to be continued.
Fri Feb 27: 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...to be continued.
Assign 3 - Point Mutations (Due Tues)
Thurs Feb 26: 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 Feb 19: Students wrote Unit 2B - Molecular Genetics Quiz. Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (D) - Protein Synthesis. Note 3 characteristics of the genetic code: (1) redundant, (2) continuous and (3) universal. Be familiar with the central dogma.
Tues Feb 17: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic (D) - Protein Synthesis: (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.
Assign 2 - Protein Synthesis (Due Thurs)
Quiz - Thurs Feb 19th
Mon Feb 16: 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 and (3) tRNA. Note the 2 main stages of the process (1) transcription - copying the DNA code (occurs in the nucleus, involves mRNA codons)...to be continued.
Quiz - Thurs Feb 19th
Wed Feb 11: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic C - DNA Replication: (4) proof reading and correction. 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 Mon)
Quiz - Thurs Feb 19th
Tues Feb 10: 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 (including events on the leading and lagging strand), (3) termination...to be continued.
Assign 1 - DNA Replication (Due Wed) Quiz - Thurs Feb 19th
Fri Feb 6: Students completed the Unit 2B - DNA Extraction Lab.
DNA Extraction Lab - Due Tues
Thurs Feb 5: Midterm Exams were returned for review. We completed a pre-lab for Unit 2B - Lab 1 - DNA Extraction. 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...to be continued.
Fri Jan 23: This class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 124
Thurs Jan 22: This class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 124
Wed Jan 21: This class was used as a review period in preparation for the upcoming Midterm Exam.
Midterm Exam - Mon Jan 26th (12:40 - 1:55) Room: 124
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: 124
Fri Jan 16: 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 and (7) Franklin & Wilkins.
Wed Jan 14: 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.
Tues Jan 13: 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. ...to be continued.
Unit 2 Test - Tues Jan 13th
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 - Tues Jan 13th
Wed Jan 7: This class was used as a review class in preparation for our upcoming U2A - Genetics (Mendelian) Test. We worked through solutions to problems on the review sheet.
Unit 2 Test - Tues Jan 13th
Thurs Dec 18: Please review our continued discussion of Topic O - Pedigrees and Patterns of Inheritance. Note why pedigrees are necessary. Be able to recognize the following inheritance patterns on a pedigree: (1) autosomal recessive, (2) autosomal dominant and ....to be continued.
Unit 2 Test - Tues Jan 13th
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 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. Also review our introduction to Topic O - Pedigrees and Patterns of Inheritance. Note the definition and purpose of a pedigree, symbols, generations and why pedigrees are necessary...to be continued.
Unit 2 Test - Tues Jan 13th
Mon Dec 15: Please 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 (note examples of genetically identical plants in nutrient rich and nutrient poor soil, identical twins, snowshoe hare coat color)....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 Mon)
Wed Dec 10: 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.
Tues Dec 9: 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 Tues)
Thurs Dec 4: 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 Fri)
Tues Dec 2: 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. We also introduced Topic H - Codominance...to be continued.
Assign 3 - Incomplete Dominance (Due Thurs)
Mon Dec 1: We worked through 2 further examples of dihybrid crosses.
Assign 2 - Dihybrid Cross (Due Tues)
Fri Nov 28: 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. Be familiar with how Mendel's phenotypic ratio 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.
Wed Nov 26: Students completed Unit 2 Quiz 1. We completed discussion of the testcross by completing a challenge problem. Please review our introduction to Topic F - Dihybrid Cross. Also review....to be continued.
Tues Nov 25: Please review our 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.
Unit 2 Quiz 1 (Wed)
Fri Nov 21: 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.
Assign 1 Monohybrid Cross (Due Tues) Unit 2 Quiz 1 (Wed)
Wed Nov 19: 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 1 sample problems together...to be continued.
Unit 2 Quiz 1 (Wed)
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 monohybrid (single factor) cross....to be continued.
Fri Nov 14: 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 - Fri, Nov 14
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). We then started review for the unit test....to be continued.
Unit 1 Test - Fri, Nov 14
Tues Nov 4: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic R - Stem Cells. 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 - Fri, Nov 14
Mon Nov 3: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic Q - Birth Control. Be familiar with the following methods and how they work: (2) Hormonal Methods - (f) emergency contraception. (3) Barrier Methods (a) condom, (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 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: (1) cells early in development which are pluripotent (embryo, inner cell mass of blastocyst)...to be continued.
Unit 1 Test - Fri, Nov 14
Thurs Oct 30: Please review our continued discussion of Topic P: Solutions To Infertility: (7) cryopreservation. Be familiar with some ethical issues that surround these procedures. Please 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, (e) vaginal ring and (f) emergency birth control...to be continued.
Assign 10 - Causes & Solutions To Infertility (Due Mon) Unit 1 Test - Fri, Nov 14
Wed Oct 29: 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.
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.
Fri Oct 24: Please review our continued notes and discussion of Topic N - Monitoring Fetal Health. Be familiar with the following technologies and how they function: (2) maternal blood screening, (3) cell free DNA prenatal screening, (4) amniocentesis, (5) chorionic villi sampling and (6) fetoscopy.
Assign 9 - Childbirth and Monitoring Fetal Health (Due Tues)
Thurs Oct 23: 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....to be continued.
Tues Oct 21: 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.
Mon Oct 20: 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.
Assign 8 - Extra-Embryonic Membranes + Teratogens (Due Tues)
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).
Wed Oct 15: 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)
Tues Oct 14: 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), (5) implantation (blastocyst)...to be continued.
Assign 6 - Reproductive Pathway & Menstruation (Due Wed)
Wed Oct 8: 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...to be continued.
Assign 5 - STI Research (Due Wed)
Fri Oct 3: 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 Wed)
Thurs Oct 2: 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.
Mon Sept 29: Students completed Lab 2 - Flowering Plant / Angiosperm Dissection.
Lab 2 - Flower Dissection (Due Thurs)
Wed Sept 24: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic E - 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. 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)...to be continued.
Assign 4 - Modes of Reproduction (Due Mon)
Tues Sept 23: Please review our notes and discussion of Topic E - 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 E - 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 and (f) spores. (2) Sexual Reproduction. Note the advantages of sexual reproduction...to be continued.
Thurs Sept 18: Please review our 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. Also review our introduction to Topic E - Reproductive Strategies: (1) asexual reproduction - note its advantages...to be continued.
Assign 3 - Sperm vs Egg (Due Fri)
Wed Sept 17: Students completed Unit 1 Quiz 1 - The Cell Cycle. Please review our continued discussion of Topic C - Meiosis. Note the differences between (1) spermatogenesis - meiosis in males and (2) oogenesis - meiosis in females.
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.
Quiz 1 - Wed
Assign 2 - Meiosis (Due Wed)
Fri Sept 12: Please 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. Also review our introduction to Topic C - Meiosis. Be familiar with the purpose of meiosis (production of gametes: sperm or egg), the cells involved (gonads) and the cells produced (gametes). 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). Students completed the Cell Cycle Lab.
Lab 1 - Cell Cycle (Due Thurs)
Assign 1 - Cell Cycle (Due Fri)
Quiz 1 - Wed
Tues Sept 9: 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 and (3) cytokinesis.
Assign 1 - Cell Cycle (Due Fri)
Mon Sept 8: 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. We examined a pie graph of the Cell Cycle....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