Thursday, December 18, 2008

Dying Before Their Time

Summary-
This observation has made many species has prompted some researchers to conjecture that the increasing burden of mutations in mitochondrial DNA is a cause of aging. The majority of researchers have thought otherwise. They argue that the mutations are molecular consequences of aging, akin to wrinkles and graying hair. At some early point in the history of life, two microscopic cells—most likely different kinds of bacteria—apparently struck a complex bargain. One provided a safe, comfortable home inside its own cellular membrane. Mitochondria are the power plants of an animal cell. Some energy-hungry cells, such as those in muscles, contain up to a thousand of these remarkable organelles. Instead of making electricity, as conventional power plants do, mitochondria use oxygen and complex sugars in a process known as respiration. The product is an energy-rich molecule, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which cells use to drive myriad chemical reactions. Without ATP, cells would be powerless and die. Highlighting the potential importance of mtDNA mutations, Samuels reports in the May Trends in Genetics that the vulnerability of mtDNA to deletions may constrain the maximum life span of most mammals to 80 to 100 years. Analyzing previously reported mtDNA sequences of 61 mammalian species, he considered the number of DNA repeats, which are nucleotide sequences that occur twice in close proximity along a DNA molecules. Such repeats mark areas of mtDNA that tend to get deleted with age.

Thought-
I think this study is a very good one because it will make you not die before your time to go. We have been learning about adenosine triphosphate and with this story it got me thinking more about it. I learned a lot more about adenosine triphosphate with this story. It has got me to were I will answer more questions in class about adenosine triphosphate than I was before now. It teaches you more about the mitochondria.

Vocabulary-
1. Conjecture- An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
2.Myriad- A countless or extremely great number.
3. Vulnerability- Susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.
4. Surmises- Suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it.
5. Circumstantial- Pointing indirectly toward someone's guilt but not conclusively proving it.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Dead Waters

Dead Waters mean that it triggers the hypoxic zone, as the oxygen starved region. Into the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River deposits water with plant nutrients and principally nitrate. It fertilizes the growth of floating algae. When the algae blooms it goes into natural life cycles and dies, and falls to the bottom of the water so the bacteria can feast. People tour Louisiana and Texas to look at amazing vistas. They usually go at the beginning of February. There is about 22,000 square kilometers of water they look at for about 3 weeks. Their goal is to discover new fish. On March 29, the Global Environmental Year Book made a discovery and sold 150 copies. They what in September got so low that the oxygen fell about 5 ppm,. It keep dying to about 1.5 ppm. In 1990's they found 68 dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Real Bionic Woman

This woman was on a motorcycle, the motorcycle spun out of control and the highway divider sliced of her arm. The doctors tried to attach her arm but failed so she was fitted for a prosthetic arm. She thought her life we never be normal again but the doctor tried this new surgery called targeted reinnervation, which is put her nerves back together to where she would have movement in her arm and now she is feeling movement and senses in her arm.

This article is amazing. It is so cool how someone has a fake arm but has complete feeling and senses in her arm. It is very good that they are using new technology to help people with their difficulties. I am thinkful that this doesn't happen to my arm. Its very good that they saved this womans life by giving her this arm.