Category Archives: Uncategorized

Moving into the final week of the semester, I feel far more confident in myself that previously throughout the semester. The quizzes have not gotten any easier, however the flow of material seems to come with time spent on reviewing right after class or re-reading. I’m typically a visual learner, and will almost always haveContinue reading “4.24.20 REFLECTION”

This week mentioned different types of cell signaling, however the G-protein cascade is a major concept that has been discussed outside of cellular biology class. In biochemistry we talked about the cascade system in terms of reactions vs. studying the pathway. I now am able to decipher that 7TM domain stand for 7 Trans-Membrane proteinsContinue reading “4.17.20 ENCOUNTERS”

Looking into possibilities for my second disease project, I remember lightly looking into Sturge-Weber syndrome a year or two ago. The syndrome affects the development of blood vessels in a newborn, resulting in abnormalities as they grow up. One key staple in identifying this disorder is red “port-wine” marks on the face or limbs, asContinue reading “4.10 INVESTIGATION: Sturge-Weber Syndrome”

Briefly mentioned in class, the p53 gene is responsible for about 50% of all cancers. It was originally believed to be an oncogene due to its presence in cancer cells inducing transformation in gene assays. They have been correctly identified as a tumor suppressor gene. The provided article is collective source material with information aboutContinue reading “4.3 INVESTIGATION: P53”

I have spent an extended number of time isolated in my room. Missing out on labs before the quarantine started, followed by sickness throughout the first week or so of online classes has provided more than enough stress for a semester. Stress has been commonly associated with breaking out however no mechanism is ever explainedContinue reading “3.27.20 ENCOUNTER”

Genetically-Modified Organisms: An organism that that contains genes that do not originate from the organism itself. GMO’s can be found in all typical foods, since the FDA has no regulation on notifying consumers on the presence of GMOS. pGLO/GFP: pGLO is a plasmid of genetic information that codes for many proteins one being GFP, greenContinue reading “3.20.20 DEFINITIONS”

This week’s highlight was in different cell signaling pathways. Usually a similarity in words would help me to understand the functions of different molecules. For example a hekokinase and pyruvate kinase both have similar functions in phosphorylating a molecule using ATP. Seeing the cell to cell adhesions and junctions has just been a confusing chapter.Continue reading “3.13.20 REFLECTION”

Zonula occuludens: Tight junctions that act as a barrier, preventing water and ions from passing The cytoskeleton protein that makes up the zonula occludens are actin filaments. Zonula Adherens: A intermediate junction that keeps cells from being pulled apart. This can be seen through cardiac muscle, where a tear could be catastrophic. Gap Junctions: RegulatedContinue reading “3.6.20 DEFINITIONS”

Defects in IRE1 Enhance Cell Death and Fail to Degrade MRNAs Encoding Secretory Pathway Proteins in the Arabidopsis Unfolded Protein Response The unfolded protein response is the body’s way to deal with misshaped proteins. Typically they are signaled to be reshaped or edited, in a similar mechanism to DNA when it creates a wrong base-pair.Continue reading “2.28.20 INVESTIGATION: IRE1”

Ran protein: A GTP-binding protein that works in conjunction with importins RAN/GTP complexes bind to importins which causes disruption in the cargo/importin complex. Karyopherin: A family of nuclear transport receptors that include importins and exportins Examples of Karyopherin importins include Snurportin, Transportin, and Importin7. Nuclear Localization Signals: a small stretch of amino acids that allowContinue reading “2.7.20 DEFINITIONS”