Introduction
This chapter of our stem biology course was split up into three separate sections. The cladogram, the timeline, and the per lab.
Cladogram
During the cladogram project, we were assigned to create a cladogram consisting of different pieces of hardware such as nails, screws, bolts, etc. We organized the hardware into an easy to interpret visual representation of how these pieces of hardware are all related. We then wrote a story about the different "species" and how they evolved and are related which can be found below.
Throughout the story and cladogram of this project, we incorporated the concepts of natural selection, speciation, and evolution. By describing different climates, changes of environment, and geographic isolation; we provided a well rounded understanding of the cladogram and how the species were related.
Timeline
During the timeline project, were assigned to look closer at a specific species and see how they have evolved over time. My partner and I created a slideshow presentation on the Asian Elephant which can be viewed below.
Unlike the cladogram project, in this project we looked at a modern species and tracked back through its ancestors focusing on the concept of evolution. This project explained how modern species came to be, how they are related to their ancestors, and how their ancestors adapted and evolved into the modern species.
Terms/Definitions
Natural Selection- The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. The theory of its action was first fully expounded by Charles Darwin and is now believed to be the main process that brings about evolution.
Evolution- The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
Speciation- The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
Adaptation- A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
Evolution- The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
Speciation- The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
Adaptation- A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
PCR Lab
This lab was introduced to us with the purpose of familiarizing ourselves with basic lab procedures and skills. The procedure for this lab went as follows:
1) Collect cheek cells
2)separate the DNA from the cells
3)Perform PCR do duplicate the DNA
4)Then use electrophoresis to sequence the DNA
We needed to understand each step of the lab to correctly get the results we were looking for and that is why we spent a lot of time studying each step closely and understanding them.
Below is the lab write up itself.
1) Collect cheek cells
2)separate the DNA from the cells
3)Perform PCR do duplicate the DNA
4)Then use electrophoresis to sequence the DNA
We needed to understand each step of the lab to correctly get the results we were looking for and that is why we spent a lot of time studying each step closely and understanding them.
Below is the lab write up itself.
Terms/Definitions
DNA- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms.
PCR- Polymerase chain reaction is a technique to amplify a single copy or a few copies of a segment of DNA, creating millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence.
Gel Electrophoresis- A technique used in laboratories in order to separate macromolecules based on size. IT applies a negative charge so proteins move towards a positive charge. For DNA, smaller sequences move faster because they contain less proteins.
DNA Ladder- a set of standards that are used to identify the approximate size of a molecule run on a gel
PCR- Polymerase chain reaction is a technique to amplify a single copy or a few copies of a segment of DNA, creating millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence.
Gel Electrophoresis- A technique used in laboratories in order to separate macromolecules based on size. IT applies a negative charge so proteins move towards a positive charge. For DNA, smaller sequences move faster because they contain less proteins.
DNA Ladder- a set of standards that are used to identify the approximate size of a molecule run on a gel
Reflection
Throughout these projects, there have been good moments and not so good moments. I believed that my group and I worked very well together during the cladogram project. I also believe that my partner and I worked diligently during the timeline project. However on the lab report, I believe I could have done a better job in following the rubric and paying attention to the small details in order to get a good grade on the lab. I have learned to better cooperate and take ideas of my group into consideration so that everyone has a say in what happens during the project. I have also made sure to focus on taking a leading role in organizing a time frame for when the aspects of a project need to be completed. I could have done a better job at staying focused during the work time that was given to us especially the in class time. I also could have done better when finding compromises for my group so that instead of some people getting what they want, everyone gets what they want. For example when examining how we were going to represent the cladogram, I could've sacrificed certain aspects of my ideas to suit the greater desires of the entire group.