Gifty george

This week was going very well until I received my #bs1005 and #bs1008 essay, so I rate this week 6/10. Can't believe the speed at which this semester has gone; hoping that the holidays does not fly by as well. This semester my grades for the continuous assessment has been both uphill and downhill. The marks I received today gave me the kick that I needed to step up my revision. Plan for today is to create a revision plan now that the exams timetable has been posted and to get organized as we have write our #bs1008 essay and complete our #bs1006 prac on top of the revision. Met with my tutor today to go over my module choices, I am mostly taking biochemistry modules with Physiology and Pharmacology 1&2. I am in Leicester till next Thursday, as I had arranged some work experience in Glendfield hospital; will give me time to make notes from some of the textbooks so that I don't have to take them home, mu luggage would be lighter.Overall this semester has been very good, as I enjoyed the modules more and the weather has also been sunny. Have a wonderful holiday everyone! - Gifty george

The article reminded me of the lecturer making the comparison between George Bush and the primate in our #bs1008 lecture. When 100 metabolites in the prefrontal and cerebellar cortex was compared humans, chimpanzees and rhesus macaques of different ages using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, they found that 24 of the metabolites in the human prefrontal cortex were very different to the corresponding brain regions of the other primates. But in the cerebellum, there were fewer differences between humans and the other animals, with just six chemicals showing different concentrations. This suggest that our divergence from other primates, the evolution of metabolism in some parts of our brains has gone much further than in our "primitive" cerebellum. The article also shows that show that human, chimpanzee, and macaque metabolite concentration change substantially with age. - Gifty george

This video is a good review of lectures on muscles we recently had for #bs1006. Muscle contraction depends on actin and myosin which are composed of repeating protein units to form long filaments are linked by cross bridges. The swinging cross bridges first binds to the actin filament and then binds to ATP. The rate at which myosin consumes ATP is related to which the speed at which the muscle contracts; but muscle contraction does not end if all the ATP is consumed. Muscle fatigue prevents rigour from settling in. Myosin is known as a processive motor as it is able to move down an actin filament without losing its grip. - Gifty george

OMG, only one week left until we break up for Easter. Can't believe time has passed so quickly. Even though it just feels like I have just recovered from the Jan exams, have to start a revision for the next lot of exams. I would give this week 9/10 because I got my #bs1013 essay and #bs1009 practical back; really pleased with my marks. Also because the weather has been lovely, hope it stays like this throughout our holidays. Have e-mailed my tutor regarding module choices but haven't got a reply. I am pretty sure that I have made the right choices. The use of free time this week was better than last week, but still finding that I waste a lot of time. Note making for the lectures are going well; but the problem with me is that I spend too much time on a particular lecture or module so don't have the time to finish all the notes that I had planned for the day. Am looking forward toward the weekend and hope everyone else has a good weekend as well :) - Gifty george

I have the same problem.. i plan to cover a certain number of lectures in a day but then just get a fraction of them done because of how long i spend on some lectures - Maryam

For our #bs1009 essay, one of the points discussed was plant-microbe interactions. For example, sulforaphane, a natural product derived from aliphatic glucosinolates, inhibits growth in Arabidopsis of non-host Pseudomonas bacteria in plants. However, sax genes identified in Pseudomonas species virulent on Arabidopsis overwhelm isothiocyanate-based defences, which is released when the plant is eaten or challenged, resulting in plant disease, especially in the young leaves critical for plant survival. The article discusses the Pseudomonas pathogens sax gene–dependent mechanisms of detoxifying and removing isothiocyanates to overcome the host's resistance.The importance of understanding plant-microbe interactions and plants resistance to micro-organisms is to improve crop plants and increased benefits to economy. - Gifty george

This week would be a 6/10. Although the week has not been hectic, was somewhat lacking in motivation to do work. Had my first practical for #bs1008, it was different compared to the other practicals as it was mostly observation. Had no practical write-up last week, but this weekend have to complete #bs1008 and #bs1006 write-up, as I want to spend Easter holidays revising rather than completing the write-up. Last #bs1011 assessment went better than the previous one, but this week's assessment looks like I would require. In my opinion, this term we had to assimilate lots more new information compared to last term where some of the aspects have been covered in A-levels, therefore the modules for this term for lots more interesting. Have not received any of the essays back, don't even know if I want them back. Collected the module choice booklet for next year, have been thinking over the different choices; not e-mailed my tutor yet but have to soon once i have made my decision. Have to... more... - Gifty george

This article relates to #bs1009, particularly Carl Woese's tree of life, split into three domains based on ribosomal DNA. Before Woese's tree of life, archaea was considered to be a small part of bacteria, but after they were thought to be a separate domain, even though they look like bacteria. Woese's tree of life suggests that archaea and eukaryotes are closely related; share a common ancestor and both of them are only distantly related to bacteria. This is supported by various evidence, such as the similarity in the core processes of both archaea and eukaryote, e.g. both their DNA is wrapped in protein. Even though archaea are similar to bacteria in appearance, they share the same traits in they protein mechanisms and DNA replication with eukaryotes. - Gifty george

I would rate this week 9/10, The new timetable gave me an opportunity to catch up with the notes on my last three modules, just have to make sure that by playing catch-up I don't fall behind on note-making for the nre modules. Not having long hours in uni means that I am not so tired now and also give me chance to do some volunteering.The new modules are interesting, especially #bs1006 practicals - different to our usual practicals. Haven't had a #bs1008 yet, but from reading the protocol they sound interesting. The content of the lectures are also interesting, particularly #bs1006 as it deals with human physiology. This weekend would be first time where I won't have lots of deadline looming over me, only have #bs1011 task but have started it. Just hope that the remaining weeks remain like this one! - Gifty george

This animation relates to #bs1013. As I was reviewing through my notes for this module, the animation helped me understand the function of OEC a bit better. The oxygen evolving complex is a component of photosystem II, and consists of four manganese atoms and a single calcium atom held together by oxygen atoms. OEC is said to be originated due to an accident and he structure of OEC was revealed by Vittal Yachandra - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed... . Function of OEC is to split water, the four manganese accept electrons from water and release oxygen as a waste. Flash-induced oxygen evolution in higher exhibits stifled period-four oscillations. To explain this Kok suggested a S-state model, as shown in animation, which provides additional insight into the effect of dark relaxation between flashes and inactivation. - Gifty george

This week has been 6/10 because I had deadlines for 2 essays and 3 practical report this week, and the week has gone too quickly without any time to take-in any of the new lectures, but there was also some good moments, such as our #bs1009 and #bs1005 practicals. Is looking forward to the new timetable next week, need the extra time to catch up with my lectures and revision notes. Out the 3 modules we had so far my favourite one is #bs1005; the other modules were interesting as well, but not going to miss the late finish on Thursday . I am finding that i have falling into my old habits this week, but hoping that I can organize my time and reach my goals: finish #bs1009 by Saturday, attempt #bs1011 assessment and #bs1005 report and if needed get help on Monday, also to give in #bs1013 report on Monday. - Gifty george

I found this article interesting as during our #bs1009 lectures, we have been looking at HIV virus. An ineffective AIDS vaccine tested in people was found to influence the genetic make-up of the virus, which could lead to new HIV vaccines to be developed. This was discovered when vaccine-induced cellular immune responses against HIV-1 infection exerted selective pressure on the virus. Even though the original trail failed, the research team started testing for a "sieve effect," which occurs when a vaccine successfully blocks some strains of virus and not others;leading them to determine that the virus genetic site distinguishing vaccine from placebo recipients was in the region known as Gag-84, which was encompassed by several of the viral segments targeted by the vaccine. This goes to show that "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again". - Gifty george

One week until hopefully our workload lightens! Also hope that the new modules are interesting as the first three. Next week is going to be crazy with deadlines for two essays and three practicals coming up.This week has been a whirlwind been again, would rate this week 8/10. Can't say I am up-to date with everything, but have started on all my 3 essays, finished #bs1011 quiz and caught up with my #bs1009 prac book. Attempted #bs1005 prac report but definitely needs to attend the help session on Monday. Was not looking forward to today's #ba1013 practical but once when we got started and got used to the smell it wasn't that bad. Met with my tutor this week and got my results, did well but thought i could have done better, something to aim for this semester. My aim for the weekend is to complete my #bs1013 report and essay, continue with my lecture notes and to finish my #bs1005 essay. - Gifty george

Over the course of #BS1009 lectures, we have come across retrovirus many time. This article suggests that the life cycle of retroviruses such as HIV resembles those of mineral cells found in the hydrothermal vents. Retroviruses's genome is encoded in the RNA so when they invade a cell, their RNA is copied into DNA using reverse transcriptase, which is then incorporated into the host's genome. Martin and Koonin are the scientist who came up with this hypothesis that cooperative RNA's emerged from mineral cells, with each of them encoding a handful of genes.First groups of genetic elements had RNA replication and retrovirus-like cycle, also virus-like genetic coding not only for replication but also including translation, precursor synthesis etc. No cell division but effective selection for compartment via horizontal transfer of neighbouring compartments. There were only two successful escape attempts which were bacteria and archaea. - Gifty george

Monday: The CONTACT exec will be in the Queens Hall Foyer from 11-1 making FREE PANCAKES!!! and generally promoting the society. Tuesday & Wednesday: The exec will be in the square 11-1 promoting the society and giving people the chance to ask anything they want to know about volunteering. THURSDAY: They've booked Queens Hall and have hired INFLATABLE GLADIATOR PODIUMS, and you're all more than welcome to come and have a go! Also there's a volunteering clinic where people can come in, find them a project that suits them then and there, as well as having a laptop to sign up any new members immediately. Friday: Volunteers can sign up online to take part in ivy clearing in Welford Road Cemetery (details on the website), and then we're having a social starting at 8 in the scholar. - Gifty george

The Contact Exec will be in the Square, Students Union on Tuesday 22nd and Thursday 24th February so please do stop by and say hello! You can get involved in a ‘Survival of the Fittest Activity’ in the Queens Hall on Thursday 24th February from 11am-3pm. - Gifty george

To rate this week, I would give it a 7/10. This week has again gone too quickly for me. Whenever I finish one piece of work, another one get's added to the pile. But on the positive side, glad that I passed my first semester, but still haven't got my individual module marks yet, so have still got that hanging over my head. Compared to last semester, I am on top of any assessed assignments we have got, but still playing catch-up with my lecture notes. Goals for this weekend would be to finish my practical write-up, #BS1011 assessment and continue working on my #BS1013 and #BS1005 essays. Really enjoyed #BS1013 and the #BS1009 practical this week. This week I have got a presentation for #BS1013 and I'm hoping that the preparation that I have done is enough. Got my first practical report for #BS1013 back, though the marks was lower than I usually get, the feedback from that report will help me with my future reports. Overall, the week has been O.K. and the modules are interesting especially the #BS1005 , but I am looking forward to the last 4 weeks of the semester. - Gifty george

The article discusses the degeneracy of the final letter in the universal code with 8 amino acids having a fourfold degeneracy. This means that any nucleotide change at 3rd position specifies the same amino acid, e.g. GGA, GGG, GGC, GGU all code for glycine. Degeneracy results because there are more codons than amino acids. These properties of the genetic code make it more resistant for point mutations, as discussed in #bs1005 lectures, by keeping the same amino acid or by substituting a similar amino acid, thus causing a silent mutation. However, single point mutations can still cause changes in proteins, that's visible. Substitution of glutamate to valine in haemoglobin gene causes sickle cell disease. - Gifty george

It has been hectic throughout the week,but some parts of the week has been enjoyable as well. In the beginning of the week we had to give in our practical report for the #BS1013. Today, we had another practical for this module, so another report is due next week. It would been nice if we had our first report back, as some feedback would have been useful. The practical was longer this week, but experiments itself were easy to understand as they were covered in the lectures. Found it hard this week to keep up with note making after each lectures, but has started the first draft of #BS1009 essay. I attended one of the workshops for the Stand out Week, which helped me realised how competitive the job market is. Had a go at this week's #BS1011 assignment, but I think I might have to attended the help session on Monday. Also, this week I got my first presentation for this semester. I am hoping that incorporating the feedback, that i got last semester into this one will improve my presentation skills. - Gifty george

The article discusses about the discovery and significance of horizontal gene transfer of 23 genes from one strain of mold found on potatoes to another strain of mold found on herbivore dung. The gene encodes the information for the production of toxic sterigmatocystin, which is used as protection mechanism. During #bs1013 tutorials we have been discussing endosymbiosis, and horizontal gene transfer was mentioned. Also during the #bs1005 lectures, we have been taught about transposable elements which are sequences of DNA that can move themselves to new positions within the genome. - Gifty george

In this article, hypothesis of abiotic synthesis is discussed, which was tested in an experiment conducted by Stanley Miller. He recreated Earth's "reducing atmosphere" consisting of ammonia, methane and hydrogen gas in a vessel and energy was passed through in the form of electrical sparks. This led to the formation of amino acids and other organic molecules. Hydrothermal vents, in deep oceans biochemical reactions occur as hot water and minerals, such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, are released into the ocean providing the materials for the synthesis of biological molecules. As mentioned in #BS1009 lecture, thermophiles are able to thrive in the hot vents, as they extract hydrogen from this mix which reacts with carbon dioxide to form organic matter for the bacteria. - Gifty george

First week of the second semester, has been busy but interesting as well. Have long days in uni, pretty much throughout the week, but have been using the time in between lectures, to start planning and writing my #BS1009 essay. Usually for a practical, we are given question on a worksheet to answer, but for the #BS1013 practical, we have to write a report ourselves. Never done that before, so that's going to be challenging. Might look up Dr Scott's slides on writing a practical report from #BS1020. Trying to make sure that I learn from my mistakes last semester, and don't repeat them this time, such as, not making notes after each lecture and completing work last minute. Had a look at the #BS1011 assignment for the week, I'll try doing them on my own over weekend or go to help session on monday. Last semester, I only managed to read one book from the reading list, so I am hoping to do better this semester. Have already started reading Life Ascending by Nick Lane. - Gifty george

Life Ascending is brilliant. I'm going to campaign for it to be the next book club book after Bill Bryson - http://scireadr.com/life-as... - Dr Alan Cann

This relates to tomorrow's #BS1005 practical, which is about A. nidulan. This diagram summarize's the experiment which helped me understand the practical, a little bit better. Aspergillus nidulans undergoes mitotic reproduction and Conidiospores are produced. Eight ascospores, are formed in the closed fruiting body, called cleistothecia. The ascospores are passively discharged through the breakdown of the cleistothecia. - Gifty george from Bookmarklet

still off at the moment http://twitter.com/uolits I have managed to access my e-mail via an ipod, but can't get it on a PC - Dr Chris Willmott

@Dr Chris, you can use this link :) https://securewebmail.le.ac.uk/ - Rachel Bell

i was thinking this because we have no time between the exam and the practical - Yewande O

well ive handed mine already. Thanks anyway =) - Sabri Ali

have you got the dilution factors right? The original methb assay should have been diluted 100 fold and the others 10 fold? - Jonathan Rhodes

according to bb slides shouldn't the dilution factor for the others be 30 - Gifty george

yeah Gifty.. you're right.. its 30 fold! and about your question.. im guessing it might be due to human error like you might have noted down absorption incorrect or there might be some normal mistakes in calculations.. give it another try :) till then ill try and think of other reasons or things that could go wrong! - Jalpan Patel

In our #bs1012 lecture, we covered the bee waggle dance and it's purpose. This article relates to that topic, and the experiment carried out showed that sleep deprived bees don't carry out the waggle dance as precisely. - Gifty george

I saw this and was about to post it when i saw you had! Very interesting, mostly because I've been fascinated with the idea of the waggle dance ever since we were taught about it! :) - Susan Petherbridge

The one thing, I have learnt the most is how to manage my time. It's easy if you identify your goals and prioritize them. Using a diary to allocate time every day for various activities helped me to organise my time and to make sure, I am not spending too much time on just one topic, but sometimes it was very hard to stick to it. - Gifty george

I really hope so as well..... - Asmita Thapa