December 2016 archive

Technology and Genetics: Grafting

Watch video 1 first and 2 second.

1. What problem is your topic trying to solve?
-Increase crops. To repair broken parts. Heal faster.

2. What assumptions are made by your sources?
-Some say it is unnatural and shouldn’t be allowed but majority say it’s a good idea because it can prevent diseases.

3. What are the writers’ biases?
-One website I looked at was a greenhouse site and they were very positive about the process. Some other sites like the one written by people not so educated were both-sided.

4. What social implications does your topic have?
-If plants can be rehabilitated they keep producing oxygen.

5. What ethical implications does your topic have?
-Some people believe humans should only be able to do so much before they go to far. Cloning and grafting plants is up to nature to help.
-For skin grafting people have similar opinions. It is a good idea but is it to far? Some believe if you get injured your body should be able to repair itself.

6. Evaluate your topic and whether it is a satisfactory solution to the problem, given the weaknesses you have already addressed.
-I think it is a good solution because we can keep species healthier for longer and save them.

7. What is your personal stance on this topic?
-I think it is a good idea because it can help prevent plants from dyeing off. It also helps people with health issues like having troubles breathing. If a veins are clogged they can mend two veins together and then it will clean out.

8.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283371628_Grafting_vegetable-crop_plants_Pros_and_cons
https://www.rimolgreenhouses.com/blog/entry/pros-and-cons-of-grafting-vegetables
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_ocr_gateway/living_growing/cloningrev1.shtml
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02912621%5Bvideo%5Bvideo

Bloom Syndrome Mutation Story

Hi I am a gene but I’m not just any ordinary gene, I am unique. What makes me different is I have a special mutation called Bloom Syndrome. I’ll tell you about how I got to where I am while I take you on a trip down memory lane. It all started when my host’s parents had initial contact. Both of their chromosomes crossed over but a mutation started forming in the BLM gene. This leaded to mutated DNA helicase proteins because the BLM gene’s job is to provide instructions on making protein. When this happened the cells went through genomic instability which means a high frequency of mutation. When my host was born she was under the average weight. As she started mumbling and talking her voice was very high pitched. As she grew up her parent’s noticed she was much shorter compared to the other kids. She also had to wear plenty of clothing to cover her up because when her skin got exposed to sun, rashes would start to form. Her first day of school was great as the kids did not noticed anything different about her but as she moved up grades kids started noticing differences about her. They started making fun of her and wouldn’t let her play.

Writing this story went pretty smooth however I found there wasn’t enough information about my topic to make my story really detailed. I probably could’ve gone to more websites but with the due date close I did not have enough time.