Bio 103, Week 9

Claire, Jen, Michelle, Dchin, Laura

1. the subject of macromolecules should be integrated into previous captivating subjects.

2. the concept of macro molecules doesn't need to be covered in this class due to its objective.

 We think that, because these subjects are largely covered in the traditional high school curriculum, it would suffice to provide a one-class crash course and reorientation, rather than an in-depth look. We appreciate the idea of looking at the nuts and bolts through the lens of skeptical scientists who view science as a process. We think that the goal of the section should be to learn about atoms, molecules, and macromolecules through discussion and connection, rather than solely through lecture. 

achiles, jmstuart, mfmiranda, mcasias

I find mutation facinating. When I passively think of the word "mutation," my mind somehow always wanders to bacteria that split into two as a form of reproduction, or more usually, X-men. Even though somewhere in the back of my mind I know that humans themselves mutate, I always considered the word an unnatural, "this-doesn't-happen-to-humans" kind of term, but the last class where we talked about "kinks" in DNA and RNA replication made me realize that humans are constantly mutating--evolving--even as I type this. It's kind of weird. 

So, Professor Grobstein asked us if we thought that macromolecules were important to study and whether or not we thought this whole unit has been a waste of time. I'm just going to be honest, I know everyone is saying how important it really is to learn about them is, and I generally agree with that. However, I'm just gonna say it, they're boring. I'm bored. But I do think it is very important to learn about them. It's all the little parts that make up the whole.

Plus, as Prof Grob was pointing out, that's what makes the real difference between us and rocks. An important difference, I think.

In class on friday I was particualrly interested in our brief discussion of cholesterol. I think that the way cholesterol is viewed in our society sort of highlights a) the way that science can be severely twisted, and why we should question the use of "truths" and b) how science is a highly effective form of hegemony. Cholesterol is a necessary part of our existence that must be monitored, yet because it has been identified by science as a leading cause of heart attacks we view it as an enemy, something that invades and attacks us. Maybe its important for us to study these smaller scales, so we can understand our own inner workings better, and not merely depend on the messages that have been sent to us via cheerio commercials.

Continuing with the lessons on atoms, molecules, and macromolecules;  the main concept that must be understood is that when one puts simple "things" together (atoms, molecules...) then one will get something completely new with a different structure, function, and role. To be able to get a more elaborate perspective of these new "things" it is important to be organized with our experiments/analysis because it will help us see patterns and thus comprehend these new "things". Structure is another very important rule taught in class; this is so because of the specific function brought about due to the structure of the atoms, molecules and/or macromolecules. I like to think of these las couple of lessons as a big puzzle piece. The more we connect and construct each piece together (atoms, molecules, macromolecules, proteins, carbohydrates, cellulose, etc...) the closer we get to see, analyze, and understand the bigger/final masterpiece!

 I think it is important that we take a look at atoms and macromolecules because it does help understand why organism are the way they are.  Enzymes play a huge part in life. We cannot drink or eat some sources of energy because we don't have the appropriate enzyme. Enzymes restrict living organisms' intake and creation. 

However, it is not easy to understand how the bonds and associations between them happen. For me it is difficult to study atoms and molecules without fully knowing all there is to know.