Discussion 1: "The Cell, Lokiarcharum, and the Chemicals of Life"
This part is all about the some of the smallest parts of life: atoms, molecules, and cells. For your primary post, please respond to one of the following two topics and address all questions. Also, reply to at least one fellow student on any topic.
Topic 1 [video]: Introduction to the Cell. Watch the Khan Academy video "Introduction to the cell" (1)* and then address the following issues.
(a) In the video, the narrator says that we might think that since cells are so small, that they must be simple, but "nothing could be further from the truth." What did he mean by that?
(b) Describe features that are only found in eukaryotic (but not prokaryotic) cells.
(c) Did anything in this video surprise you, or was it mainly a recap of material you already knew?
Topic 2 [article]: Lokiarchaeum. Read about Lokiarcheum in the article by Yong (2)* and/or the article by Zimmer (3)*. Both articles describe recently discovered evidence about a previously unknown organism. Then, address the following questions:
(a) Lokiarchaeum may be a "transitional form" between archaea and eukarya. What evidence suggests this?
(b) Describe one way that this relates to this part's lesson.
Topic 3 [video]: Chemicals of Life Video. (added on 1/8/2018) Watch Dr. Cox's video on the "Chemicals of Life" (4)* in the "Instructor Insights" area of part 2. Then, describe three things you learned from this video.
Discussion 2: "Apoptosis, Crossover, and Tumor-suppressor genes"
This part's discussion is focused mechanisms that cells use to keep cell division under control, to prevent cancer, and to function well. For your primary post, respond to one of the following three topics. Also, please reply to at least one fellow student on any topic.
Topic 1 [video]: Apoptosis. Watch the Khan Academy video about apoptosis (1)*, then answer the following questions in your own words:
(a) What is the difference between apoptosis and necrosis?
(b) What is the role of apoptosis in the normal, healthy development of animals?
Topic 2 [article]: Crossover. Read the article from the University of Rochester on a gene that influences crossover rates in fruit flies. Then address the following:
(a) Explain the relationship between crossover, genetic diversity, and natural selection.
(b) Summarize the findings regarding a gene that influences crossover.
Topic 3 [research]: Tumor-suppressor genes versus Proto-oncogenes. This is a library-research topic in which you are required to provide your sources. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can contribute to or cause cancer, just as mutations in proto-oncogenes can also contribute to or cause cancer. However, tumor suppressor genes are very different from proto-oncogenes.
(a) Explain why a gain-of-function mutation to a proto-oncogene (or its promoter) may be associated with increased risk of cancer.
(b) Explain why a loss-of-function mutation to a tumor suppressor gene may be associated with increased risk of cancer.
Discussion 3: "Hawaiian Bobtail Squid, Virus Reassortment, and Endophytes"
Many bacteria are helpful, rather than harmful, and some even form partnerships with other organisms. This part you will explore the power of bacteria and viruses. For your primary post, respond to one of the following three topics. Also, please reply to at least one fellow student on any topic.
Topic 1 [video]: The Hawaiian Bobtail Squid and its bacterial endosymbiont. In a 4-minute video clip (1), Bonnie Bassler explains the relationship between the Hawaiian Bobtail squid and it's endosymbiont, the bacterium Vibrio fisheri. Answer the following two questions about this arrangement:
(a) What are the main characteristics of the partnership between these two species?
(b) How does each species benefit?
Topic 2 [article]. Virus Reassortment and the Alaska Connection Read the article from MIT News (2) about tracking the spread of bird flu. Address the following:
(a) The article (2) describes genetic reassortment of influenza viruses. Explain how genetic reassortment works and what the significance of it is for humans and for domestic fowl.
(b) The article (2) explains that one way that influenza strains enters North America is through Alaska. Explain how that works and what the significance of it is for humans and for domestic fowl.
Topic 3 [article]: Endophytes that benefit plants. Read reference (3) or reference (4) or another article of your choosing about the relationship between plants and their endophytes. .
(a) Describe what an endophyte is and give a specific example.
(b) Provide an example of at least one beneficial effect of certain endophytes on their plant hosts.
Discussion 4: "Tarnita's Termites, Pacific Lampreys, and Large Brains"
This part our discussion is focused on animal evolution. For your primary post, respond to one of the following three topics. Also, please reply to at least one fellow student on any topic.
Topic 1 [video]: Population Distribution of Termites in a Savanna. Watch the video (1) describing Corina Tarnita's research on the spacing of termite mounds in savanna ecosystems, and then address the following:
(a) What were Tarnita's findings about the spacing of termite mounds?
(b) What does Tarnita think is the main factor that governs the spatial distribution of the termite mounds?
(c) How do the termite mounds benefit other organisms on the savanna?
Topic 2 [video]: Pacific Lampreys. Watch the video about Pacific Lampreys (2)*, then address the following:
(a) Where do Pacific lampreys fall in the taxonomy of vertebrates?
(b) What challenges do Pacific lamprey populations face?
(c) Why are Native American tribes of the Northwest concerned about them? (Please note: take care not to confuse the Pacific lamprey (described in the video) with the Sea Lamprey, which is a completely different species that is considered an invasive species in the Great Lakes).
Topic 3 [article]: Supporting the Energy Needs of a Large Brain. As discussed in the article by Zimmer (3)*, brain tissue is energetically expensive. For a species to evolve a large brain, it may need to make certain adjustments to ensure that enough energy is available to support brain function. Zimmer discusses various hypotheses about such adjustments in the human line of descent. Explain one of these adjustments.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Attachment:- References.rar