Microbiology: Viruses and Kingdom Monera

We are now starting to learn about each of the 5 Kingdoms in detail. We are beginning with kingdom monera. This is a part of biology that we call microbiology. Microbiology is our third section of the course.

Today we learned about viruses, since viruses infect organisms in kingdom monera.

Homework:

• read Secion 17-2 in the text
• do Sec. 17-2 questions # 1-3

Evolution and Genetics Test

Today was the Evolution and Genetics Test. If you need a retest, please let Miss Stevenson know this as soon as possible. There are only three possible times for a re-test in order to have it on your interim report:

1. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7:30 am
2. Thursday, Oct. 30, 8:00 am
3. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2:35 pm

Genetics and Evolution

2 classes ago, we watched a video about DNA and Gene Technology and answered 20 questions in groups. Then students were given a DNA worksheet to complete as a bonus assignment.

Bonus assignments completed are to be handed in completed for extra marks. Answers need to be looked for in the biology textbook, in class notes and on the internet.

Today we did an experiment to isolate DNA from a banana and observe it in a solution in our testtubes and under a disecting microscope.

Homework: Study for the Genetics and Evolution TEST on Tuesday, Oct. 28
The test will include everything we've learned about Genetics and Evolution. We covered:

• Chapters 7 and 14 in the textbook
• additional information in our fill in the blank notes and other class notes
• DNA and RNA structure and function
• how DNA, RNA and proteins are made, including complementary base pairing
• the role of DNA in evolution
• 5 agents of evolution: genetic drift, mutation, gene flow, non-random mating, and natural selection
• knowing the difference between and giving examples of convergent and divergent evolution and speciation
• gradual and punctuated equilibrium models of evolution

Gradual and Rapid Evolutionary Change

Today we reviewed two ways evolution might occur: gradualism and punctuated equilibria. (See your fill in the blank notes on evolution and the textbook, p.312-313.)

Homework: Due Fri., Oct. 17

• make a T-chart comparing and contrasting (that is writing similarities and differences between) gradualism and punctuated equilibira
• draw a diagram (picture) for each, use labels, colours, and/or notes jotted in your T-chart so that the diagram (picture) clearly shows each model

Speciation

We learned about speciation: how new species evolve from old ones.
Click here for a look at the flow chart we made for speciation.

Homework: Write Paragraph A or Paragraph B

• Paragaph A - give examples of each of the three forms of speciation (reproductive isolation, divergent evolution, and convergent evolution) and explain them.
• Paragraph B - chose two of the forms of speciation (reproductive isolation, divergent evolution, and convergent evolution) and compare and contrast them. i.e. How are they similar and how are they different?

Your paragraph is due Wed., Oct. 16

Protein Synthesis Review

After the quiz on agents of evolution, we reviewed how proteins are made using rRNA, tRNA, mRNA, and amino acids (parts of proteins):

1. ribosomes (rRNA) are in charge of making proteins
2. the ribosome begins to "read" the codons on the mRNA
3. the ribosome finds the tRNA with the anticodon that is complimentary to the mRNA codon, and the tRNA brings with it an amino acid that is attached to it
4. the ribosome then "reads" the next mRNA codon, repeating steps 2 & 3 until it reaches the stop codon
5. the proteins on the tRNA bind together, making a protein (polypeptide) chain

Homework: protein synthesis quiz Friday, Oct. 10

Protein Synthesis & Non-random Mating

We went over protein synthesis today. Then we reviewed the 4 agents of evolution.

Homework:

• Quiz Wed, Oct. 8 - 4 agents of evolution definitions and examples
• Quiz Fri. Oct 10 - Protein synthesis - know what it is and how it works

DNA & RNA

Today we learned about the structure and function of RNA and how it is made. Then we compared it to DNA. We also learned what complimentary base pairing is and figured out the complimentary bases for new strands of DNA and RNA.

We finished off the Jellybean Lab Report after learning how to calculate the changes in relative frequency of alleles.

Homework:

• DNA/RNA quiz Monday, Oct. 6
• Read about Protein Synthesis in Section 7-3 in your text ( pp. 148-153)
• Do the 7-3 Section Review # 1-6 (p. 153)