Biology

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

*Why no, the science teacher isn't following a set theme. And this should make the students who were complaining about no chemistry much happier.*

Today, we will be discussing the chemicals one would find in a cell. If you would open your notes to page 24. And don't forget to sign the roll sheet--two consecutive absences will earn you detention. I will post lists later on this week.

Reductionism is an assumption that underlies much of contemporary science. The central premise: To understand a complex system, break the system down into its parts. This has been a very successful program for many areas of biology (though not for all). It can, if applied overly dogmatically, lead to an overly mechanical view of the cell. But it is a useful approach, and one that generates an extraordinary volume of research.
* Hierarchic view of life: to understand life fully, need to study it at different levels
* The cell is a chemical machine; its parts and its language are chemical
* Need sophisticated tools to analyze the components: chromatography,electrophoresis, etc.
* Biochemistry is study of these parts

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_jubilation_lee/]

Jubilee flinches and smiles sheepishly at Ms. Sidle. "Uh ... it's a cell thingy? When the cells, uh --" She looks up at the blackboard and wishes she understood any of this. "-- uh, when the cells get bored and decide they need friends and split up to make more of 'em? I think. Erm ... I'm so going to fail."

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

Partially correct. *a slight smile* At least in the sense that it is a form of cellular division. Meiosis is the process of forming gametes, or sex cells. Sperm and ova. *glances at the rest of the class* Yes, that will be on the next test.

*lowers her voice a bit* Please pay attention. It'll make things easier on yourself.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_jubilation_lee/]

Jubilee cringes. "Sorry, Ms. Sidle."

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

It's all right.