BIOL398-01/S10:Class Journal Week 2

Kristoffer Chin

Week 2 journal Entry

Salomon Garcia

• Week 2 Entry

Alex George

Assignment Questions

1. The purpose of this assignment was to use and understand the Molecular Genetics Explorer by tackling a problem (finding a true-breeding purple flower) using principles from Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and evolution.
2. This assignment gave me a basic knowledge of the "Biochemistry" aspect of Molecular Genetics Explorer. Also, I learned to appreciate the interconnectedness of the sciences. All of the branches encompassed in the assignment were tools in finding the ultimate solution. Finally, I learned the aromaticity of protein side chains can affect phenotypic color.
3. I didn't (and kind of still don't) understand how the addition and subtraction of amino acids in the protein chain can produce the same color. For example, we found many amino acid sequences that produced a purple color. How can all of these mutations result in the same phenotypic result?

Alex J. George 20:25, 27 January 2010 (EST)

J'aime Moehlman

1.What was the purpose of this assignment? 2.What did I learn from this assignment (head, hands, heart)? 3.What did I not understand (yet) about this assignment?

KP Ramirez

1. What was the purpose of this assignment?
2. What did I learn from this assignment (head, hands, heart)?
3. What did I not understand (yet) about this assignment?

Janelle N. Ruiz

1. What was the purpose of this assignment?

The purpose of this assignment was to learn how to work with the computer and a new software system, including learning to deal with a software program which experiences frequent crashes and possesses imperfect design components.

1. What did I learn from this assignment (head, hands, heart)?

I learned tips and tricks of working with the wiki site. I learned the importance of saving "early and often". I gained review some of the basics of biochemistry as well as genetics. I learned that I am going to need to adjust my note-taking habits and my work habits to fit with this course. For example, I prefer doing most of my work outside of class and on an individual level, but it is becoming apparent that with the unfamiliar and complex software/assignments we will be doing in this class, I will need to not only take advantage of class time to complete the assignment, but I will also need to utilize both the professor and my peers for assistance.

1. What did I not understand (yet) about this assignment?

I do not understand some of the patterns and anomalies I am observing with regards to amino acid sequence and allele color.

Links

BIOL398-01/S10:Week 2