Kelley Denham's Honors Bio Blog

Unborn Genetic Disorders

2010-03-19T07:54:00.002-04:00

If I found out my child would have a genetic disorder I would do one of two things. If it was a manageable disorder like Down Syndrome I would most likely keep the child. If it was a extremely debilitating or harmful disease i would seriously consider abortion.

My Phenotype

2010-03-19T07:52:00.001-04:00

If I could change something about my phenotype it would probably height. I'm currently 5'10" but I myself would want to be more around 6'1".

Designer Babies and Reprogenetics

2010-03-17T07:59:00.002-04:00

I think reprogenetics or "designer babies" is a very misunderstood subject. Personally I support the research because it could lead to the eradication of genetic diseases. Like Lee M. Silver, who wrote the first book on the subject, I think that if this type of technology is only allowed to be used by people who can afford it and not used universally, It could cause a rift between Genetic "haves" and "Have-nots". It could be extremely effective if universally provided, causing the human race to flourish because of the lack of genetic disorders.

What I Knew About Genetics Before This Unit

2010-02-26T08:02:00.002-05:00

I knew some basic stuff about genetics before the unit. I know about dominance and recessive genes and punnett squares. I also know some more advanced stuff like Mendel and gene mapping.

Opinion on Stem Cell Research

2010-02-22T08:01:00.003-05:00

I fully support stem cell research. Stem Cell research could advance medicine beyond belief. You can get stem cells from many places (specifically from pigs), not only human fetuses. Some people have a problem with stem cell research because it " harms the sanctity of life", but these people just want to put us back into the dark ages. If people are going to have abortions you might as well get something from it! We already know stem cells can repair the heart and grow back the tips of fingers and other body parts, so why waste such a precious commodity. Scientists think with further research they may even be able to grow back complete organs and body parts. We need this research to further the strenghts of humanity as a whole and to put these anti-science people to rest.

Why is Mitosis so important to learn biology?

2010-02-22T07:56:00.002-05:00

Mitosis is important because it is the gateway into genetics which is the basis of modern biology. It is also important understand mitosis because it is the reason for reproduction which is the key to a species survival.

Why is interphase not part of Mitosis

2010-01-28T08:42:00.002-05:00

While Interphase is an extremely important prerequisite for Mitosis it is not actually a part of it. Most of the cells life is spent in Interphase which consists of making protein, doubling organelles, and copying DNA. The reason Interphase is not part of Mitosis is because there is actually no splitting or massive change in the cell.

Monday 1/11/10

2010-01-11T07:30:00.003-05:00

We were supposed to have our final for biology today but because of school closures last week finals begin Friday. I know almost all the material for the class so I will probably at least get a B on the final.

Tuesday

2009-12-22T07:29:00.001-05:00

This is the last day of school before Holiday Break. I can't wait to get some cool stuff.

Friday

2009-12-18T07:26:00.001-05:00

Today we are working on our project again. After today we only have 2 days next week before Holiday Break so I'm exited.

A globaloria survey

2009-12-17T08:12:00.002-05:00

Today we took a simple survey for Globaloria. We took a similar survey at the beginning of the year so they are probably tracking our progress throughout the year.

Tuesday

2009-12-15T07:27:00.001-05:00

Today we are going to be starting on a new chapter. I'm not sure what it is yet but I'm looking forward to it.

Monday

2009-12-14T07:27:00.001-05:00

I got an "A" on the first chance test so I do not have to take the second chance test today which gives me time to work on my project and finish my biology homework packet.

Cell Test

2009-12-07T07:48:00.003-05:00

Today we are having a test on cells and cell theory. I really don't want to do the second chance test.

Project Planning

2009-12-03T08:33:00.001-05:00

We had the first couple slides finished on the drag and drop project but they were accidently deleted. We have to redo them but it shouldn't be that much trouble.

More Review On Cells

2009-12-03T08:28:00.003-05:00

Today we are reviewing the history of the cell and cell theory. If we have time at the end my partner and I will get a chance to redo the first couple of slides in our project.

The cell

2009-12-02T07:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we did a review worksheet on the parts of the cell. Today we are also taking notes on the cell for the test on Friday...Which I'll probably get an "A" on.

Project and Lab

2009-11-30T07:30:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday we finished our lab and now all I have to finish is the questions. If I can finish them this period I can work on the first slides of my project.

Osmosis lab

2009-11-24T07:27:00.001-05:00

Today we are finishing the osmosis lab. Its also the last day until thanksgiving break.

Dialysis Lab

2009-11-23T07:27:00.002-05:00

Today we are doing the Dialysis lab. This lab involves dialysis tubing (a semi-permeable membrane) and multiple solutions. It demonstrates the cell membrane and what it lets in and out. This is an advanced lab so it should be fun.

Osmosis Lab

2009-11-20T07:34:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we did a osmosis lab on potatoes and put them in various NaCl solutions. Today we will be experimenting with dialysis tubes. We are using the tubes to demonstrate diffusion through a semi permeable membrane.

Notes and Summaries

2009-11-18T07:35:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we took notes on the cell membrane and today we are doing lab summaries for the osmosis/diffusion.

More notes and project stuff

2009-11-17T07:29:00.001-05:00

Today we are taking notes on the membranes of the cell. Oh and yesterday I finished the Intro slide to my flash project.

More Projects

2009-11-16T07:27:00.002-05:00

Today we will be working on our Cell properties project. I need to learn some coding for the drag and drop but it will be easy.

Finally Done

2009-11-12T07:44:00.002-05:00

I just finished our flash project for water and we are ready to start the drag and drop flash game on the organelles of a cell. This project is going to contain various codes so I look forward to learning all of it.

More Cell notes

2009-11-10T07:33:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we finished up notes on the organelles. Today I'll have difficulty paying attention in class because all I want to do is go home and play MW2.

Properties of the Cell

2009-11-09T07:45:00.002-05:00

On friday (and probably today) we took notes on the properties of the cell. Today we will learn more about the structure of the animal and plant cells.

New Unit

2009-11-06T07:31:00.003-05:00

We are going to be starting the new unit tomorrow. We are going to be learning about the cell and cell function so this is gonna be pretty cool. The digital project that will go along with the unit is going to be a drag and drop game about the cell, so I look forward toward learning new action script.

Water and Macromolecules

2009-11-04T07:59:00.003-05:00

I got the only A in the class on our last test! I don't have to take the VERY difficult 2nd chance test and I now have more time to finish my groups flash projects.

Flash Project Tweens

2009-11-02T07:31:00.001-05:00

I almost have the rest of the button code inserted into my flash project. Now I just have to finish the tween motion.

Test on Water Properties and Macromolecules

2009-10-30T07:31:00.003-04:00

Today we are having a test on water and macromolecules. The last test was really easy so I expect to pass this test with an A easily. That also gives me time to finish our flash project and my chemistry homework. We just started enzymes a couple days ago but I got the hand of it easily.

Enzyme Lab

2009-10-28T07:36:00.001-04:00

Today we are finishing the enzyme lab by creating a class average and a class data table. I also need to come in during lunch to finish out flash project.

Lab

2009-10-27T07:35:00.000-04:00

Today we are doing a lab were we are using pennies to represent Macromolecules. It should be fun since I already know stuff about them.

Almost finished

2009-10-26T07:36:00.003-04:00

We are almost done with the flash project. We used all of our own art and now all we have to do is finish the buttons and tweens.

Flash stuff

2009-10-23T07:32:00.002-04:00

We are almost done with the flash project (except for some animations I have to finish) and all our art so far has been hand drawn in flash. Some of the tween stuff might be difficult, but I'll get it done

Some More Flash

2009-10-21T07:41:00.002-04:00

We are almost half way done with our flash project on the second day. Once we finish up the slides I'll add buttons and do a simple tween motions. When I did the originally did the flash tutorial I had a few issues with the tweens but since I've done some basic flash coding I think I will be able to handle it.

New Flash Stuff

2009-10-20T07:26:00.002-04:00

I have not blogged in the last couple of days but I'm starting again. We are about to start our new flash project today or tomorrow and I can't wait. I'll have Anthony (My Partner) do the flash art while I will probably do most of the code. I LOVE DEBUGGING!

New Project

2009-10-16T07:46:00.002-04:00

We are starting a new flash project on the properties of water. I already know how to do buttons but it will be cool to learn how to do motion tweens.

Daily Journal And a Discussion of Organs

2009-10-07T07:51:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we went over water properties (pretty basic stuff). Though last night I watched a great episode of National Geographic's Explorer about organs and the organ trade (Legal and Illegal). It's surprising how little people willingly donate organs at death. If you want to discuss it with me we can do it through the comments.

Tuesday 10/6/09

2009-10-06T07:52:00.002-04:00

Yesterday in science we reviewed molecules, atoms, and the basic molecular forces (covalent, polar covalent, Hydrogen Bond). I knew about most of the forces except for the Van Der Waal's force (causing molecules to create a bond between different charged zones). This is the force that allows Geckos to stick to walls and glass.

Monday

2009-10-05T07:50:00.001-04:00

This is homecoming week at school so most of the classes are going to be disturbed by dumb antics.

BestOfScience

2009-10-02T08:19:00.003-04:00

Best 0f science is a YouTube channel that posts great scientific videos almost every day. These videos cover subjects from Astronomy to Physics to Biology. The channel is run by an organization supporting science education in a no nonsense manner. One of my favorite vids is the two Faster Than The Speed Of Light videos, which explains the origin and the causes for the expanding universe. They also have great videos on Hot button issues like Evolution and Science in the public.

Biology Journal 9/30/09

2009-09-30T07:28:00.001-04:00

I got an A on the test and was able to finidh most of the homework. I won't have to take the 2nd chance test and will just chill today. SCIENCE!

Flash Slide Show

2009-09-23T08:09:00.002-04:00

My group has to do a slide show in flash about the basis and characteristics of life. I'm in charge of drawing and coding the buttons while my partners Meagan and Anthony are doing the drawing and slide development. We're almost done with the slide show so all we will have to do is incorporate the button coding to bring everything together.

Evolutionary Biology and Hermaphrodidic Species

2009-09-16T07:45:00.005-04:00

This isn't necessarily class related but I watched this awesome show on National Geographic about Intersex humans. About half of the known living things (Plants, Bacteria, Fish, Birds Etc.) are hermaphroditic. Pine trees are hermaphroditic and have upper female sex cones and lower male sex cones, while some fish are female and turn male or vice versa. For the first few weeks in the womb humans are neither Female nor Male but later develop genitals according to what signals they receive from chromosomes and Hormones. Yet many babies in the womb can get mixed signals from different amounts of hormones. I hypothesize that maybe people who are transgendered (people who are male or female and their brain perceives them as the opposite sex) may have in the womb through either a chemical imbalance in the brain or a misfiring of genetic information have gotten the wrong signals from the chromosomes causing the brain to assume the opposite or neutral sex.

Flash project

2009-09-15T08:08:00.001-04:00

I have to do a simple flash slide show for honors bio. It's about the basic characteristics of life and interaction. It is pretty simple so I'll get an A.

First Bio Blog

2009-09-08T08:08:00.000-04:00

I've Blogged before about politics, but have never done blogging for class. I'm looking forward towards this years honors biology class.