Calling all Biologists and such: Help

Rich

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So I need to answer these 5 questions. Any help, sources or answers, is appreciated. I don't even know where to begin. :p


1. In the 1940s, some physicians prescribed low doses of a drug called dinitrophenol (DNP) to help patients lose weight. This unsafe method was abandoned after a few patients died. DNP uncouples the chemiosmotic machinery by making the lipid bilayer of the inner mitochondrial membrane leaky to H+. Explain how this causes weight loss.

2. CO2 in the atmosphere traps heat and warms the air, just as clear glass does in a greenhouse. Most scientists believe that the CO2 added to the air by the burning of wood and fossil fuels by humans is contributing to a dangerous rise in global temperature. Tropical rain forests are estimated to be responsible for more than 20% of global photosynthesis. It seems reasonable to expect that the lush growth of jungle foliage would reduce global warming by consuming large amounts of CO2, but many experts now believe that rain forests make little or no net contribution to reduction of global warming. Why might this be? (Hint: What happens to the food produced by a rain forest tree when it is eaten by animals or the tree dies?)

3. A biologist inserts a gene from a human liver cell into the chromosome of a bacterium. The bacterium then transcribes this gene into mRNA and translates the mRNA into protein. The protein produced is useless and is found to contain many more amino acids than does the protein made by the eukaryotic cell. Explain why.

4. Over the past half century, there has been a trend in the United States and other developed countries for people to marry and start families later in life than did their parents and grandparents. Speculate on the effects this trend may have on the incidence (frequency) of late-acting dominant lethal alleles in the population.

5. Wildflowers may be used to illustrate the Hardy-Weinberg theorem. The frequency of R, the dominant allele for red flowers, is 0.8, and the frequency of r, the recessive allele for white flowers, is 0.2. In one starting population, the frequencies of genotypes do not conform to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: 60% of the plants are RR and 40% of the plants are Rr. (At this point, the population has no plants with white flowers.) Assuming that all conditions for the Hardy-Weinberg theorem are met, prove that genotypes will reach equilibrium in the next generation.
 
[quote name='RichD1']So I need to answer these 5 questions. Any help, sources or answers, is appreciated. I don't even know where to begin. :p


1. In the 1940s, some physicians prescribed low doses of a drug called dinitrophenol (DNP) to help patients lose weight. This unsafe method was abandoned after a few patients died. DNP uncouples the chemiosmotic machinery by making the lipid bilayer of the inner mitochondrial membrane leaky to H+. Explain how this causes weight loss.

2. CO2 in the atmosphere traps heat and warms the air, just as clear glass does in a greenhouse. Most scientists believe that the CO2 added to the air by the burning of wood and fossil fuels by humans is contributing to a dangerous rise in global temperature. Tropical rain forests are estimated to be responsible for more than 20% of global photosynthesis. It seems reasonable to expect that the lush growth of jungle foliage would reduce global warming by consuming large amounts of CO2, but many experts now believe that rain forests make little or no net contribution to reduction of global warming. Why might this be? (Hint: What happens to the food produced by a rain forest tree when it is eaten by animals or the tree dies?)

3. A biologist inserts a gene from a human liver cell into the chromosome of a bacterium. The bacterium then transcribes this gene into mRNA and translates the mRNA into protein. The protein produced is useless and is found to contain many more amino acids than does the protein made by the eukaryotic cell. Explain why.

4. Over the past half century, there has been a trend in the United States and other developed countries for people to marry and start families later in life than did their parents and grandparents. Speculate on the effects this trend may have on the incidence (frequency) of late-acting dominant lethal alleles in the population.

5. Wildflowers may be used to illustrate the Hardy-Weinberg theorem. The frequency of R, the dominant allele for red flowers, is 0.8, and the frequency of r, the recessive allele for white flowers, is 0.2. In one starting population, the frequencies of genotypes do not conform to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: 60% of the plants are RR and 40% of the plants are Rr. (At this point, the population has no plants with white flowers.) Assuming that all conditions for the Hardy-Weinberg theorem are met, prove that genotypes will reach equilibrium in the next generation.[/quote]

1. HINT: ATP synthesis
2. HINT: Digestion, Decomposition, etc.
3. HINT: Stop sequences, introns
4. HINT: Kind of answers itself.
5. HINT: (p² + 2pq + q² = 1) Make a 2x2 table of each allele from each parent.
 
[quote name='tickdude'][quote name='RichD1']So I need to answer these 5 questions. Any help, sources or answers, is appreciated. I don't even know where to begin. :p


1. In the 1940s, some physicians prescribed low doses of a drug called dinitrophenol (DNP) to help patients lose weight. This unsafe method was abandoned after a few patients died. DNP uncouples the chemiosmotic machinery by making the lipid bilayer of the inner mitochondrial membrane leaky to H+. Explain how this causes weight loss.

2. CO2 in the atmosphere traps heat and warms the air, just as clear glass does in a greenhouse. Most scientists believe that the CO2 added to the air by the burning of wood and fossil fuels by humans is contributing to a dangerous rise in global temperature. Tropical rain forests are estimated to be responsible for more than 20% of global photosynthesis. It seems reasonable to expect that the lush growth of jungle foliage would reduce global warming by consuming large amounts of CO2, but many experts now believe that rain forests make little or no net contribution to reduction of global warming. Why might this be? (Hint: What happens to the food produced by a rain forest tree when it is eaten by animals or the tree dies?)

3. A biologist inserts a gene from a human liver cell into the chromosome of a bacterium. The bacterium then transcribes this gene into mRNA and translates the mRNA into protein. The protein produced is useless and is found to contain many more amino acids than does the protein made by the eukaryotic cell. Explain why.

4. Over the past half century, there has been a trend in the United States and other developed countries for people to marry and start families later in life than did their parents and grandparents. Speculate on the effects this trend may have on the incidence (frequency) of late-acting dominant lethal alleles in the population.

5. Wildflowers may be used to illustrate the Hardy-Weinberg theorem. The frequency of R, the dominant allele for red flowers, is 0.8, and the frequency of r, the recessive allele for white flowers, is 0.2. In one starting population, the frequencies of genotypes do not conform to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: 60% of the plants are RR and 40% of the plants are Rr. (At this point, the population has no plants with white flowers.) Assuming that all conditions for the Hardy-Weinberg theorem are met, prove that genotypes will reach equilibrium in the next generation.[/quote]

1. HINT: ATP synthesis
2. HINT: Digestion, Decomposition, etc.
3. HINT: Stop sequences, introns
4. HINT: Kind of answers itself.
5. HINT: (p² + 2pq + q² = 1) Make a 2x2 table of each allele from each parent.[/quote]

That helps a bit. You knocked this assignment down to about 90 minutes. :)
Thanks.
 
1.Body cannot use the proton gradient effectively and so ATP cannot be produced which is required to make fatty acids and in the breakdown of sugars such as glucose.

2.The rainforest contains animals which produce CO2 in a level that is similar to the consumption of CO2 by plants.

3. Eukaryotic RNA has introns and exons, the introns are removed in different combinations to produce RNA strands which are capped and a specific tail is added. Since a bacteria is prokaryotic it cannot do any of these things.

4. I hope you can awnser this one

5. I haven't those tables in a long time.

edit: I see tickdude beat me to it, very nice work!
 
Sumbitch. I still can't answer #1. I just don't know why it would cause one to lose weight.

in text:

"The ion gradient that drives oxidative phosphorylation is a proton (h+ ion) gradient; that is the power source for the ATP synthase is a difference in the concentration of H+ on opposite sides of the inner mitochondrial membrane. We can also think of this gradident as a difference in pH, since pH is a measure of H+ concentration."

"The (electron transport) chain is an energy converter that uses the exergonic flow of electrons to pump H+ across the membrane, from the matrix into the intermembrane space. The H+ leaks back across the membrane, diffusing down its gradient. but the ATP synthases are the onlyl ........


PS--these questions detrmine whether or not I pass. I suck at Bio.
 
Well if the H+ gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane can't be used in ATP synthesis then the energy stored in that ATP can't be used or converted into a form for storage. That would make it so the energy for the person's metabolism would need to come from stored fat or protein, causing them to lose weight.
 
nerd alert! I'm amazed sometimes with the intelligence level of some of the people on this board - I consider myself pretty educated (who doesn't, I guess?) but these questions are like they are written in a different language or something...
 
1) It's called STARVATION. It doesn't matter how much stuff goes down your gullet if it isn't processed into what is needed at the cellular level. Little surprise it killed people. This is like a medically induced version of the gypsy curse in Richard Bachman's 'Thinner.'
 
[quote name='SatchmoKhan']Well if the H+ gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane can't be used in ATP synthesis then the energy stored in that ATP can't be used or converted into a form for storage. That would make it so the energy for the person's metabolism would need to come from stored fat or protein, causing them to lose weight.[/quote]

You sir, are a god among men.

I'll get that answer down and move on to #2!
 
[quote name='javeryh']nerd alert! I'm amazed sometimes with the intelligence level of some of the people on this board - I consider myself pretty educated (who doesn't, I guess?) but these questions are like they are written in a different language or something...[/quote]

Seriously, I'm terrible at science....
 
[quote name='greydemise']another reason y i love cag, every1 helps :D..even tho bio isnt my thing...got a psychology question and im there :D[/quote]

yeah... give me some legal crap and I can probably hold my own but biology? no thanks....
 
IBTN. I try my best when it involves comps or math, but I suck at Bio. Hence I come to the good men at CAG.
:)
 
SatchmoKhan, I hope you don't mind me using your response as my answer.

bio1.jpg
 
[quote name='HeadRusch']I always loved science, but these questions definately rate on the "WTF-O-Meter".[/quote]

These are pretty standard, I had almost that exact same sheet back when I was in highschool.
 
I am a TA for a few classes like Cell Biology and Molecular Evolution, so I have no problem with you using it. I am glad to help out a fellow CAG. Hope you do well.
 
[quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='HeadRusch']I always loved science, but these questions definately rate on the "WTF-O-Meter".[/quote]

These are pretty standard, I had almost that exact same sheet back when I was in highschool.[/quote]

It's a St. John's U class, so most people haven't had them in HS. :p

PS--I know the anser to #2, but am having trouble getting a lengthy answer out of it. :p If I need your guys help, I'll be back in 10 mins asking. :)

As for #3....yeah, I've no idea.
 
[quote name='SatchmoKhan']I am a TA for a few classes like Cell Biology and Molecular Evolution[/quote]

Where at?
 
[quote name='SatchmoKhan']UCLA, I am working on my PhD in evolutionary biology there.[/quote]

Ah. My teacher is a TA at NYU working for a PhD in Cell Biology (I think)
 
For #3 check Zion's answer on page 1. For a protein to work properly it must have the right 3-dimensional shape, without all of the modifications Zion mentioned the protein will not work at all in the form made by the bacteria.
 
[quote name='SatchmoKhan']For #3 check Zion's answer on page 1. For a protein to work properly it must have the right 3-dimensional shape, without all of the modifications Zion mentioned the protein will not work at all in the form made by the bacteria.[/quote]

I don't understand it, but I'll be able to make an answer out of your and zion's responses. Thanks.

As for #4, the answer isn't obvious but I'm sure I'll be able to get it with a little thinking. :)
 
The gene from the human liver cell codes includes exons and introns. In a eukaryote like a human this would be transcribed into mRNA and then modified (introns removed, tail added) before it is translated into the amino acid sequence of a protein. Without these modifications in the prokaryotic bacteria the sequence of amino acids would be different and the resulting protein would fold into a different/non-functional shape than the protein in the human. Good Luck.
 
[quote name='SatchmoKhan']The gene from the human liver cell codes includes exons and introns. In a eukaryote like a human this would be transcribed into mRNA and then modified (introns removed, tail added) before it is translated into the amino acid sequence of a protein. Without these modifications in the prokaryotic bacteria the sequence of amino acids would be different and the resulting protein would fold into a different/non-functional shape than the protein in the human. Good Luck.[/quote]

I love you Satchmo.

Do you have Mark of Kri? I've been trying to get rid of that crap forever, and, well, you deserve it for all this help.
 
[quote name='SatchmoKhan']Don't worry about it. I am glad to come out of my usual lurking to help with something I am good at.[/quote]

Come on man--let me give you comething in return. :p I don't feel right accepting this much help for no reason. :D
 
Wait a second...
What would starting a family late have to do with the frequency late-acting allele? The question isn't the effects on population, just the frequency, and the frequency would be the same regardless of when you're getting married..
 
[quote name='RichD1']Wait a second...
What would starting a family late have to do with the frequency late-acting allele? The question isn't the effects on population, just the frequency, and the frequency would be the same regardless of when you're getting married..[/quote]

Speculate on the effects this trend may have on the incidence (frequency) of late-acting dominant lethal alleles in the population.


assume late acting is 30's-40's and more of the population starts having kids then, what would the effect be?

For example Huntington's disease hits at 30-50, well if people wait that long to have children and the disease has already hit you might not be around to reproduce.
 
Ah, in the population. Gotchya. I overlook the most basic parts.

Population decline the like of which haven.... err, never mind. I couldn't think of a good tsunami joke.
 
[quote name='RichD1']Ah, in the population. Gotchya. I overlook the most basic parts.

Population decline the like of which haven.... err, never mind. I couldn't think of a good tsunami joke.[/quote]

edited my last post, I hope that helps.
 
Yeah, I figured. I didn't realize at first the effects were on the actually reproduction, but rather i thought the question was regarding the frequency. It was worded badly. Thanks a bunch.

Now for the last damn question. Which is answered in my text book. I appreciate everyone's help guys.
Edit. I lied. They don't answer it. They ask it. Bastards. :)
 
[quote name='RichD1']Yeah, I figured. I didn't realize at first the effects were on the actually reproduction, but rather i thought the question was regarding the frequency. It was worded badly. Thanks a bunch.

Now for the last damn question. Which is answered in my text book. I appreciate everyone's help guys.[/quote]

well good luck and I'm sure there are plenty of chi squared tables online that can help you.
 
But sleeping was so much more useful. :(

PS. My brain hurts. I give up on #5. I don't know how the hell do it without a rr genetype possible in the second generation.

Holy Jesus. 1 AM. :(

Edit. a rr genotypo is possible, but 40% of the time. Which would equate to .16 total, am I right?
 
[quote name='RichD1']But sleeping was so much more useful. :(

PS. My brain hurts. I give up on #5. I don't know how the hell do it without a rr genetype possible in the second generation.

Holy Jesus. 1 AM. :(

Edit. a rr genotypo is possible, but 40% of the time. Which would equate to .16 total, am I right?[/quote]

just use the Rr type in its place, it will work the same way.
 
[quote name='RichD1']I think I've got it.

.6 = RR
.24 = Rr
.16 = rr[/quote]

well it says it will reach equilibrium in one generation, so is that the equilibrium state?
 
[quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1']I think I've got it.

.6 = RR
.24 = Rr
.16 = rr[/quote]

well it says it will reach equilibrium in one generation, so is that the equilibrium state?[/quote]

It was a typo, .16 is also Rr.

Comes out to .6 RR, .4 Rr as we already knew.

800 R total, 200 r total.

.8 frequency R
.2 frequency r

.8 / .2 equilibrium as stated.



Man, that was too easy. I overthought that like a sumbitch.
 
[quote name='RichD1'][quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1']I think I've got it.

.6 = RR
.24 = Rr
.16 = rr[/quote]

well it says it will reach equilibrium in one generation, so is that the equilibrium state?[/quote]

It was a typo, .16 is also Rr.

Comes out to .6 RR, .4 Rr as we already knew.

800 R total, 200 r total.

.8 frequency R
.2 frequency r

.8 / .2 equilibrium as stated.



Man, that was too easy. I overthought that like a sumbitch.[/quote]

yes, very nice job!
 
[quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1'][quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1']I think I've got it.

.6 = RR
.24 = Rr
.16 = rr[/quote]

well it says it will reach equilibrium in one generation, so is that the equilibrium state?[/quote]

It was a typo, .16 is also Rr.

Comes out to .6 RR, .4 Rr as we already knew.

800 R total, 200 r total.

.8 frequency R
.2 frequency r

.8 / .2 equilibrium as stated.



Man, that was too easy. I overthought that like a sumbitch.[/quote]

yes, very nice job![/quote]

Heh. I still can't get over how I made such an easy question so complicated. Honestly, once I realized what to do, it was literally a 3 second question; and I should have realized what to do in 3 seconds as well.
 
[quote name='RichD1'][quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1'][quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1']I think I've got it.

.6 = RR
.24 = Rr
.16 = rr[/quote]

well it says it will reach equilibrium in one generation, so is that the equilibrium state?[/quote]

It was a typo, .16 is also Rr.

Comes out to .6 RR, .4 Rr as we already knew.

800 R total, 200 r total.

.8 frequency R
.2 frequency r

.8 / .2 equilibrium as stated.



Man, that was too easy. I overthought that like a sumbitch.[/quote]

yes, very nice job![/quote]

Heh. I still can't get over how I made such an easy question so complicated. Honestly, once I realized what to do, it was literally a 3 second question; and I should have realized what to do in 3 seconds as well.[/quote]

Yes well that's what you must be very careful of on tests. Know which questions are easy and not to spend to much time on them.

Anyhow nice job and I hope you study a bit more before the test.
 
[quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1'][quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1'][quote name='zionoverfire'][quote name='RichD1']I think I've got it.

.6 = RR
.24 = Rr
.16 = rr[/quote]

well it says it will reach equilibrium in one generation, so is that the equilibrium state?[/quote]

It was a typo, .16 is also Rr.

Comes out to .6 RR, .4 Rr as we already knew.

800 R total, 200 r total.

.8 frequency R
.2 frequency r

.8 / .2 equilibrium as stated.



Man, that was too easy. I overthought that like a sumbitch.[/quote]

yes, very nice job![/quote]

Heh. I still can't get over how I made such an easy question so complicated. Honestly, once I realized what to do, it was literally a 3 second question; and I should have realized what to do in 3 seconds as well.[/quote]

Yes well that's what you must be very careful of on tests. Know which questions are easy and not to spend to much time on them.

Anyhow nice job and I hope you study a bit more before the test.[/quote]

Already took the test part. Grades were supposed to be posted this afternoon but she never got around to it. Hopefully I did well enough to not need an amazing grade on the essays that were supposed to be done in class, but she decided to let us take home. :)

(Rich = greatest test taker. Ever. I don't know why, but I am, and I'm grateful for it. :) )

And with that said. I will not study for a test.
I don't do the studying thing. Calculus is too simple to study for, History I read for, and biology I wing. Life is good.
 
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