Biology, 9/19, Period 2

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

Elliot sipped from a very, very large cup of coffee as she waited for her students. A TV and DVD player had been wheeled into the classroom, and a mound of socks was on each lab table.

"Hi, people. Today you're going to learn about cell reproduction through mitosis and meiosis. They're both processes that cells use to make more cells. The deal is, every living thing begins as one cell. To get the number of cells that are needed to make up, say, Ronnie the rat or you or me, cells need to go through a cycle of division many, many times. And they never stop -- as long as you're alive, cells will keep dividing and growing. Think about skin cells, for example.

The two cells that come from the division of one cell are called daughter cells -- even in boys and men. Each of the daughter cells needs to have a complete set of chromosomes, or genes. The two distinct ways they make those copies are mitosis and meiosis. I have short little movies showing both of them,, because they're kind of complicated to explain, but it's really pretty when you see it."

She cues up the movies, one on mitosis and one on meiosis.

When they're done, she hands out an explanation of the lab. "Go forth and experiment, and try not to throw too many sockosomes at each other."

Comments

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

"And it would keep them from getting so bored," Elliot said in approval. "Like a little rat townhouse. I like this plan. Do you want some cash to buy the stuff?"

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow looked surprised but not unhappy. "Oh. Sure! Thanks."

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

"I just don't want being a TA to be this whole expensive proposition for you," Elliot said, with a crooked grin, before quietly getting her wallet and handing off the money.

She stood and watched the rats for a bit. "What kidn of treats are those?"

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Yogurt drops," Willow said. "Amy used to love them."

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

"Sounds like Amy was a lucky rat," Elliot said. "Is she back home with your folks?"

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"She's back in Sunnydale, yeah," Willow said, since that had the benefit of being true. "Xander helped me with that."

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

"Sweet of him," Elliot said. "I'm sorry she's on the other side of the country, but I'm glad my rats benefit from it."

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"I like taking care of animals," Willow said. "And rats are both smart and cute. It creates a fondness."

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

"They really are," Elliot said fondly, and sighed. "After class I'll let them out so they can run around my office a little."

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Have you ever tried those plastic balls that they can roam around in?"

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

"I tried Nancy in one once in my apartment," Elliot said. "She managed to get it stuck under the couch. But I should try again in a smaller space."

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Or a bigger ball?" Willow suggested.

Re: General Class Stuff, Biology, 9/19

[blonde-doctor.livejournal.com]

"Goood thought," Elliot said.

With a farewell scritch for Nancy, she bounced off to pass out lab supplies before starting her lecture.