Jasper Estranero

Technically, second year is over because the exams are over. But the fun does not stop there! While finishing my last task as a second year, which is to write a critical appraisal for a paper relevant to the third year project, I can’t help but have these little flashbacks that take me to as early as the first ever lecture that I had as a university student. Thinking to myself, where did all the time go? I guess I would have to attribute this to hardwork and basically enjoying as I went through it. This time last year, I was living the life of a ‘free’ person. Free from exams, free from revision, free to breathe easily. I have, pretty much, freedom written all over my face! Prior to this, I wrote this little reflection on what was it like to be a first year. A year later, here I am again being sentimental and looking back at what has been. They say that being a second year is the toughest among the three years of the course, but I find that hard to believe considering that the next... more... - Jasper Estranero

@Jasper - Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution by Nick Lane - http://scireadr.com/life-as... Great book. - Dr Alan Cann

Your explanation there is not very clear. Both strands of the DNA form covalent links to the A-type subunits of gyrase via a phosphotyrosine link. The energy to fuel this is provided by ATP BINDING to the gyrase, hydrolysis resets the system to allow another round. - Dr Chris Willmott

@Dr Willmott: That made sense, thank you. - Jasper Estranero

I just had a revelation that I may have messed up my #BS2058 timed essay yesterday which was worth 8% of the final module marks. The question was something like compare two ways of regulating proteins which I did (i.e. compared covalent modification and partial proteolysis). Then the second part was something like describe a biological process where two or more regulations are occuring at the same time. The ideal example was PKA but for some reason I did oxygen binding to haemoglobin. Worrying stuff! :-s - Jasper Estranero

Could also do pepsin as an example as partial proteolysis and environmental effect. Don't worry Jasper, there were many examples to give and I'm sure you will be okay :) - Lyndsey Wright

I must say that Biochemistry is not my strongest area of study and that is why sometimes I ask myself, "why did I pick a biochemistry module (i.e. #BS2058) knowing that I am quite slow at it?" Today was the first of the 3 series of lectures delivered by Dr. Chris Willmott on DNA and its regulation. It was nice that it was like taking a trip down memory lane when I first came into the university last year and my very first lecture ever was #BS1005 Introduction to Biochemistry. I don't particularly enjoy this part of biochemistry (again, I attribute it to being slow) but I have to say today's lecture wasn't that bad actually. It may take some time to get my head around it but hey, who said life is going to be easy? To top it all, Dr. Willmott made a hard concept quite easy to grasp with his funny side comments, metaphors and comparisons. Even with the regular Friday noon fire alarm tests at the Adrian which would go off randomly in the middle of our lecture and startle everyone right to... more... - Jasper Estranero

You're not slow at all. It's not an easy module and there's a lot to take in. Things will probably get clearer when you come to revise because you'll have more of an idea of how it all fits together. Also there will be more time to work on any tricky bits. - Roisin Thomas

Could you spell out a little more what you mean by bad choices? - Dr Alan Cann

#BSproject - Dr Alan Cann

Oops, wrong module code...I meant #BS2060 - Jasper Estranero

Amazing, well done Jaspeerrrr :D. x - Jaspreet Seehra

For returning students, it is 30th June 2011. That's what I found on the website anyway :/. - Jaspreet Seehra

It's a shame so few people were there. Still, more than the previous week (n = 0). - Dr Alan Cann

Well done Japser :) Proud of you! - Lyndsey Wright

Deadline is today! - Dr Alan Cann

Oh okay.. At least, I'm nearly finished. Just trying to cut down the words as some of the contents I have put may be irrelevant. - Jasper Estranero

No he didn't put them on blackboard. I've put that stuff on dropbox for you by the way. I've included a file which has the page numbers that correspond to the titles of the clips. - Roisin Thomas

Oh awesome..thanks so much..just in time actually because I'm already making my own notes on that lecture..hope you had an awesome christmas... :) - Jasper Estranero from fftogo

Merry christmas to you too! :) - Roisin Thomas

Half way through our time at University... how scary is that? - Joshua Bower

Josh don't! *runs and hides* - Laura

The way Josh has put it, it sends shivers down my spine and at the same time it is quite depressing. I will miss all of this when I graduate.. =( - Jasper Estranero

Not really sure, but I think maybe its because they are invlved with so many nuclear processes that a mutation in the gene is more likely to cause a phenotypic effect? - Laura

Wow, I just realised that the first sentence was one terrible grammar..Apologies.. =)) - Jasper Estranero

Thanks Jasper, I couldn't agree more with you on the working with a "Fresh and well-rested mind" part as over time I've realized myself how much of a difference it makes in learning and absorbing work that way, as opposed to working when extremely flat out. - Ahmed Syed

Rest is definitely important. Otherwise, what would be the point of working long hours when the quality of your piece would not be as great. Sleep is definitely a must for us! :) - Jasper Estranero

It is very interesting to learn that there is something new that I could potentially work on in the future as a scientist. Then again with the excitement is the inevitable fact that the public would worry about a new epidemic that could happen. Following the outbreak of SARS, bird flu and AH1N1 virus, this superbug is another challenge especially in the field of science. At the same time, it gives people the opportunity to reassess their lifestyle and improve on things that could help reduce risks that pose as a global threat. - Jasper Estranero

Sometimes, I need to hear it from someone so that a concept is reinforced in me but yes, a varied approach is the best indeed... :) - Jasper Estranero