The basis of structure, of life, and of mankind Essay Example for Free

The basis of structure, of life, and of mankind Essay Every single form of life on the planet is created and controlled by a chemical recipe, a chemical code consisting of hundreds of thousands of instructions in every single cell, the basis of structure, of life, and of mankind. Who, what, where, when, how, and why, are all questions which for centuries have remained unanswered. They demanded an extraordinary amount of skill, time, and precision from individuals the world over to be conquered to our current level of understanding. Many discoveries have led to the discovery of genetics. In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen, a german physicist, accidentally discovered x-rays, whilst studying cathode rays in a high voltage gaseous discharge tube. This marked the beginning of a long series of explorations and experiments, eventually leading to the discovery of DNA. A year later in 1896, Antoine Becquerel, this time a french physicist, discovered through experimentation and observation, the disintegration of electromagnetic rays (x-rays, and gamma rays), also known as radioactivity. He was observing the element uranium and saw that it could blacken a photographic plate even though the latter was separated by a sheet of glass and paper. Becquerel also noticed that the rays were capable of emitting charge captured by an electroscope, which showed they possessed an electric charge too. Becquerels idea was revolutionised in 1898 by Pierre and Marie Curie who suggested radioactivity occurred due to the structure of atoms. Max Von Laue then discovered x-ray diffraction in 1912, which was, not long after, mathematically interpreted by Lawrence Bragg by analysing the different diffraction patterns made by x-rays when they deviate from their original paths, due to closely spaced atoms in the crystal. Bragg didnt believe that Laues theory was correct in detail. He therefore carried out numerous experiments and concluded by using the now common Bragg law. This details at what angles x-rays will be most efficiently diffracted by crystals when the wavelength and distance between the crystal atoms are known. One very famous scientist who played a large part in the progression towards the discovery of DNA was Maurice Wilkins. Teamed with Rosalind Franklin, both x-ray crystallographers, their studies included analysing DNA crystals and diffraction. They discovered that the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA molecule is present on the outside of the molecule and also discovered the basic helical structure of the molecule. The final breakthrough came in 1953, when Francis Crick, and James Watson (Wilkins was also a principal contributor) officially published their model for the structure of DNA. They discovered how information, governing heredity is carried in the chromosomes of human cells (DNA), hence determining physical development in every single cell of the individual. Procedures have evolved even further since then, which shows how much science can progress over the years. What begins as a small theory can drastically transform into an enormous scientific revolution, changing they way we would have previously visualised ideas. HUGO was set up in the year 2000. This organisation involves the very best scientists from all over the world and the technology of supercomputers and robotics also, and was set up originally in a bid to crack the genetic code. This occurred on the 26th of June 2000 and now provides the blueprint for all human life. Thanks to all the dedication of those scientists over centuries, many ideas previously considered as ridiculous are being reconsidered. Who would believe, for instance, that an actual living animal could be cloned using another animals DNA? It may have taken scientists over 250 attempts to clone Dolly the sheep, but they succeeded in the end. Could it now be seen as possible to clone a dinosaur? It could occur, although the odds of retrieving frozen, preserved, living cells are very slim. Another consideration would need to be finding a very closely related female living species for the cloning to work. An impossibility? Perhaps not! New technology derived from such scientific investigations now enable more effective medical treatments to be created, and also could help eradicate inherited diseases such as downs syndrome or some forms of cancer, giving people a better quality of life. Recent innovations are GM crops, and human cloning, over which there is much controversy. We do not yet know what disadvantages could occur if we mess with the chemical code for life. For all the advantages such as enabling crops to become drought resistant, creating decaffeinated coffee plants, and increasing disease and pest resistance, as well as maybe in the future being able to recreate an animal or person whom has died, or being able to choose how your baby will look, there are bound to be disadvantages. Recent research suggests that disease immunity decreases considerably in a cloned animal, than a normal animal. With such complicated and moral issues, the issue of religion must be considered. It can sometimes be perceived that science today is displacing the views of religion. For example it is believed that god created mankind. With evidence such as the above, it certainly questions the reliability of religion. I believe that both religion and science is important. The human race is forever wanting answers as to what they dont know. However, the amount of belief in religion seems to be declining due to people wanting evidence to support statements. No longer will they accept an idea as a safeguard because it is stated in the bible, they want to know why it is so. Its seems more people want to believe magic however. Maybe it is because science is so closely related to magic and is in itself a type of hocus pocus. It is a method of explaining why something occurs despite our limited knowledge and disbelief and doesnt need experiments to clarify it. In the past it was thought to contradict the bible, but, really it is another side of science which just needs to be explored. In the past, it was believed witches conjured magic. We now know that it is the planet earth which conjures up magic which is waiting to be uncovered. Altogether, it can be concluded that science has progressed dramatically over the years. It is a magic which is never ending and which will never cease to be investigated. It is an alternative way of looking at the world, which progresses everyday and which, just like religion or magic, brings about previously unheard of miracles. Science is always being revolutionised and is beginning to be seen by many as a new religion, which is gradually unfolding the mysteries the universe prevails.

Women and Politics Essay -- Sarah Palin

Introduction (Literature Review) When females started entering the political scene in the United States in significant numbers in the latter parts of the 20th century, they were faced with a number of predicaments. One of these predicaments centered around the language they were to use in the political arena. As members of the â€Å"other† group, women were forced, in many ways, to adopt the speech patterns of their male counterparts. As Blankenship & Robson pointed out in their research, â€Å"Once women were allowed a modest entrà © [sic] onto the political playing field, they either had to speak the dominant language of power and prove themselves â€Å"tough enough† or remain forever the linguistic sissy† (354). Within the past couple of decades, however, the roles of women collectively in society and politics have changed drastically, prompting some to question whether feminine political discourse still exists – and if so, to what extent. Around the mid to late-1980s, literature on the topic of feminine discourse in politics first began to surface in abundance – possibly as a result of the Democratic Party’s nomination of Geraldine Ferraro as the first female vice presidential candidate on a major party ticket in 1984. Originally, feminine discourse was merely a speech pattern characterized by â€Å"its personal tone, references to personal experience, inductive reasoning, the use of anecdotes and examples as evidence, audience participation, and identification between the speaker and audience† (Campbell, 1989, p. 13). Since that time, however, it has evolved tremendously. In fact, Dow and Tonn (1993) asserted through their study of Texas governor Ann Richard’s speeches that this new feminine speech was an â€Å"alternative political philosophy’’ ... ... is incredibly new and full of ambiguity. As mentioned before, there is a great deal of knowledge that has yet to be uncovered on the topic of gender and political discourse – particularly with regards to female candidates at the national level. As the scope of politics in America continues to change, and as more female politicians become figures on the national stage, the importance of research of this nature. However, through this particular study at hand, I intend to highlight the commonalities in female politicians’ performance of their feminine identities through discourse in hopes of coming to a conclusion of what â€Å"feminine† political discourse looks like in this decade. In doing so, I hope to establish the groundwork for future discussion on the evolution of discourse used by female candidates seeking political offices, a topic that is rarely discussed. â€Æ'

Coursework Draft-Sci-fi Narrative Essay

I’m fed up of my life. Everyday it’s the same routine. I sat in front of my loyal and reliable pc and opened my notorious chat room. It was quarter to ten and I’ve waited for valuable information to electronically crop up. Out of the blue a bizarre message appeared. â€Å"Do you crave for paypal account details?† I read out. This message quenched my desire for priceless details. Quickly I typed and replied hell yeah. A list of words emerged on the colossal liquid crystal display screen. I examined the passage. It was an instruction for a paypal account with à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ 250,000 deposited in. The particular participant had written this under the pseudonym Omega. Before starting my money-hungry pursuit I printed the information in a sleek laminated sheet, wore my personalised arsenal top, baggy tracksuit bottoms and my flamboyant air max ltd plus I grabbed a handy USB. As I strolled across Faraday Avenue, I pulled out the information and read it aloud. â€Å"Go to the laboratory in Faraday Avenue.† I scan the industrialised scenery and found the laboratory that fitted in the description. The old decrepit lab seems to contrast with the spanking new surroundings. I entered as silent as a scared, stealthy mouse and switched on the lights. Rats and other rodents scurried away and the room smells like horse manure. I could feel the moisture gradually building up on my light beige-like caramel skin because of the humidity. I read the next instruction clearly and said â€Å"stand in front of the main computer.† I stood patiently and waited for the next instruction. Suddenly the computer displayed countless binary digits scrolling down rapidly as if it was initiating a complex program phase. As fast as the speed of light a bright light materialized and I was teleported. â€Å"Wahhhh†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I uttered, startled. I felt as if I was falling for a few moments, but then I felt stable. Unaware of closing my eyes, I opened them, blinking. â€Å"Hello, I’m Omega.† said a voice. Stood before me was a man dressed in a funny fashion. â€Å"Welcome to cyberspace utopia.† â€Å"Hey!† I shouted. â€Å"Where are the money packed accounts you promised me.† â€Å"You must facilitate me first.† â€Å"What’s the catch chum?† Omega took a deep breath before explaining. â€Å"Delete the master program by using your infamous virus called exterminator V2.90025.† â€Å"Why should I?† I reprimanded. â€Å"This is the program which controls the national grid. The master program or MP was upgraded to version 3.95 and gained artificial intelligence. He will annihilate the national grid and wipe out Great Britain as we know it.† â€Å"Okay,† I said in a sarcastic manner. â€Å"Where do I start?† â€Å"Head towards the control panel, there you will upload the super virus.† he responded. I scrutinized the strange environment to find the control panel. The vibrant and colourful place looked more developed in terms of technology than Earth. Circuit boards are the floor, USB ports and chips are situated everywhere and the shrilling sound of booting could be heard. I soon found a neon sign saying control panel 2 terabytes ahead. Omega threw a miniature capsule at the floor and a gleaming electro-cycle appears out of nowhere. â€Å"Hop in,† he hollered. I approached to touch the glossy exterior before jumping in. Omega started the engine and told me to brace myself. Before I knew it the cycle soars into the distance and stopped in front of a majestic tower. â€Å"Here, take this e-katana and help me delete MP’s minions.† whispered Omega. It was an electric blade with a light handle. Rapidly he stuck a cap on his head and cocked his twin pistols. Swiftly a group of similar people attacked us. I felt an uplifting sensation running through my feeble bones and with just a mighty heave, the swarm of minions were obliterated. Soon after, the next wave chased after us as we dashed towards the MP’s lair. Omega blasted them as if it was a game of space invaders whilst I was plunging my e-katana through several chests. The minions were â€Å"deleted† and we headed cautiously towards a giant door. There was a small console next to the door and I soon began to do what I do best – hacking. The door was soon opened and we continued. It was a dull room with three giant computers. â€Å"Quickly upload the virus.† he said in a drastic tone. While I was uploading the virus on the third computer through my USB a mysterious figure appeared in the room. He was a tall dark man with a ferret like moustache. Omega leaped towards him and cries out hurry. Omega tried his best to stall but he was beheaded by his deadly claws. The virus was uploaded and he screamed in horror. I soon realised who he was†¦

Separation of Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll B, and Beta...

Abstract Pigments extracted from different greens have different polarities and may be different colors. Mixed pigments can be separated using chromatography paper. Chromatography paper is able to separate mixed pigments due to their polarity and solubility. Pigments of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and beta carotene will be separated on chromatography paper because each has its own polarity and solubility, which results in different distance traveled up the paper. Beta carotene is non-polar so it travels the highest distance, followed by chlorophyll a. Chlorophyll b is the most polar; therefore, it travels the shortest distance. The separated pigments on the chromatography paper can be eluted in acetone and absorbance spectrum is†¦show more content†¦Beta carotene is orange, and its graph created by spectrophotometer shows that it mostly absorbs blue and green light and reflects orange. Figure 1. The absorption spectrum for leaf pigment, wavelength in nm. Discussion During the separation of the pigments by chromatography paper, chlorophyll b traveled the shortest distance, chlorophyll a went above it, and the highest went beta carotene. ThisShow MoreRelatedAp Biologly Photosynthesis Lab Report1336 Words   |  6 Pagesby a process called chromatography. We will also be measuring the rate of photosynthesis in isolated chloroplasts. Beta carotene, the most abundant carotene in plants, is carried along near the solvent front because it is very soluble in the solvent being used and because it forms no hydrogen bonds with cellulose. Xanthophyll is found further from the solvent font because it is less soluble in the solvent and has been slowed down by hydrogen bonding to the cellulose. Chlorophylls contain oxygen andRead MoreChromatography1984 Words   |  8 PagesCOLUMN AND THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY Maria Janine B. Abarientos, Kuia B. Allarde, Aliana Keshia P. Andino Mary Viadelle E. Andrada and Nina Marian Robelea G. Ang Group 1 2C Pharmacy Organic Chemistry Laboratory ABSTRACT In this experiment, the techniques column and thin layer chromatography was used to separate and determine the purity of the colored components of siling labuyo and malunggay leaves. The results obtained relied on differential solubilities and adsorptivities of the components to