Introduction
For this unit we did two mini projects. One was on the protein cycle and the other was on Homeostasis. For the protein cycle project our task was to research a protein and describe the steps it took to go from a DNA sequence to protein. We needed a step by step process of what happens, where in the cell it happens, and all necessary cell organelles and other components. It needed to end with a 3D computer generated model of your protein and description of protein function. Our protein was collagen, which is a protein molecule in red blood cells. For the Homeostasis project we had to create and execute an experiment to test how your body maintains Homeostasis. Homeostasis is your bodies ability to keep everything stable. We decided to see how our heart rate during physical activity maintains Homeostasis. I volunteered for my group to go mountain biking with a heart rate monitor. I did 30 miles on Mount Tam with my heart rate monitor. I uploaded my ride to an App called Strava and we analyzed our findings. We found that the steeper the grade of the hill, the higher my heart rate is, and the longer it takes to return to resting. We also found that my heart rate was lower when the grade was very gradual or flat.
Protiens
Homeostasis
Concepts
Protein Cycle - It describes the flow of genetic info of the cells from DNA, to mRNA, to a protein.
DNA - Contains genetic information. It is also a self-replicating and shows up in almost all living organisms as the main component of chromosomes.
RNA - Its present in all living cells. It acts as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling protein synthesis.
Protein - organic compounds that are an essential part of all living organisms. They are composed of one or more long chains of amino acids.
Transcription - DNA unzips and RNA polymerase adds an mrna strand from base pairing.
Translation - RNA codes for a codon to match with the anticodon of the trna.
Protein synthesis - The process in which a fully functional protein is made.
Homeostasis - A set of processes that help the body maintain a stable environment
Heartbeat - the contraction of the heart
Cardiovascular system - circulates bloo through the body
Reflection
I found the callogen project very difficult because the process is quite complex but i was able to figure it out in the end. I had a good group and we made a pretty good presentation in the end. The hardest part of this project was putting the process of protein sythesis into our own words, but we made a great slideshow. I liked the homeostasis project better because it was more open ended and allowed us to do more. We got to go to other groups and see what they did as well. Our group made a poster to show our findings. I like how this project allowed us to do an expirement. Overall I liked the homeostasis project better.