For this unit we did two mini projects. One was on Central Dogma and the other was on Homeostasis. For the Central Dogma 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 hemoglobin, 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.
Here is our power point presentation for our Central Dogma Project on Hemoglobin:
Here is our Homeostatis project Info:
Concepts for Central Dogma Project:
Central Dogma- 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.
Concepts for Homeostasis Project:
Homeostasis- A set of processes that help the body maintain a stable environment
Heartbeat-the contraction of the heart
Cardiovascular system- the system that circulates blood and lymph through the body Reflection:
The Central Dogma Project was not the best. I did not enjoy doing all the research. My group got all the information neede but it took a long time and it wasn't fun. My work enthic was good but I probably could have contributed more. My group did a good job staying off our phones but did oftten get distracted and get up. I learned that I do not like projects that are not hands on with building and designing. This was mostly done at our computers doing research. I think next time we should do brief research on lots of different proteins so we can then pick the one that sounds the most interesting. I think I could have stayed on task better and done better research for the group. Overall our product was good and I hope we dont have many more projects like this one.
I really enjoyed the Homestasis porject because we had a lot of independence. We were given very few quidelines and worked from there to create an experiment. I also really liked our experiment and how successful our evidence was. I think I contributed a lot to the group and I am proud of my work ethic. My group did a really good job at staying off our phones while working. For many other groups this was a big problem that effected their work ethic. I learned that i really enjoy planning out an experimen, then running the experiment, then analyzing our data that we collected. I learned a lot more about the scientific method and how it is very useful. One thing I loved was our expirement and the great, clear data we got from it. I could have stayed in my seat a little bit more and not get distractedby other groups. Other then that this was a very successful project.