We had dinner last night at a North Indian restaurant down in Little India. It had been some time since I saw everyone and in a gregarious mood too. I remembered I promised them dinner after their finals but yesterday's timing couldn't be more prefect as we also bade farewell to the J2 for their studies ahead.
So that's it, I am letting go my life as a cricket teacher-mentor as I gathered them together for their farewell to one another and for me to them.
Calling for the passenger of .........
Friday - I finally purchased the tickets for our trip in December. I have not figured out if I should feel excited or terrified. But perhaps the former would be more befitting for the more adventurous side of me. Come December I will be bringing my parents to Hokkaido on a free and easy trip. I am not sure if I can call it a backpacking trip because I only have 9 days of leave to do so but I know that we will definitely be traveling around a lot and I have even planned out how to carry their luggage for them to facilitate mobility as we make the several pit stops in the eastern part of the prefecture.
Why go? I have always want to bring my parents out before they get too old and mobility becomes an issue. And I thought it would be fun and to share with them my experience in traveling - the way I travel and survive - although this time I will keep it at a higher comfort level. If their son had been jumping from country country for the past few years, it is only reasonable to bring them on a trip even when it is going to bust more than half a year of pay. Mmmm...I think it is going to be exciting afterall. =)
Why the destination? Because Hokkaido has very beautiful snow-scape and my dad has never seen snow before so I thought it would be cool to go there and also because I was there 2 years ago with my niece and one of my buddies and his gf - also on a free and easy trip that I planned but that time we covered 3 prefectures (that is really another story). We only managed to cover a small part of H then so I am heading eastward this time to explore.
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I think my end of year is going to be crazy. I am not sure if this is the best time to bring my parents because time is short in the planning department since I have 3 back-to-back trips to chiangmai(sch), cambodia (volunteer)+ above. But I suppose it will be quite a challenge and hopefully not too strenuous for I have to be ready to arrive and leave the very next day when I make the transit for each trip.
Why go? I have always want to bring my parents out before they get too old and mobility becomes an issue. And I thought it would be fun and to share with them my experience in traveling - the way I travel and survive - although this time I will keep it at a higher comfort level. If their son had been jumping from country country for the past few years, it is only reasonable to bring them on a trip even when it is going to bust more than half a year of pay. Mmmm...I think it is going to be exciting afterall. =)
Why the destination? Because Hokkaido has very beautiful snow-scape and my dad has never seen snow before so I thought it would be cool to go there and also because I was there 2 years ago with my niece and one of my buddies and his gf - also on a free and easy trip that I planned but that time we covered 3 prefectures (that is really another story). We only managed to cover a small part of H then so I am heading eastward this time to explore.
-----------
I think my end of year is going to be crazy. I am not sure if this is the best time to bring my parents because time is short in the planning department since I have 3 back-to-back trips to chiangmai(sch), cambodia (volunteer)+ above. But I suppose it will be quite a challenge and hopefully not too strenuous for I have to be ready to arrive and leave the very next day when I make the transit for each trip.
Peaking & Prelims
As we all await for the results of our labour, let's remind ourselves that Prelim is but a chance for you to test our your knowledge on the subject that you have studied so hard thus far. Somewhere down the road is another and even more important obstacle for you to overcome. I have known students who did well in prelim but languish at A's because they thought they were well-covered for and muddle through this one month. But when the A's come, important information has diffused away. On the other hand , the group that did not do as well as expected, continued to work hard all the way and we see the fruits of their labour a few months down the road.
What I am trying to say is: dun let your engine down during this time, keep it oiled and consistent.
-- Words of wisdom that come from personal experience.
What I am trying to say is: dun let your engine down during this time, keep it oiled and consistent.
-- Words of wisdom that come from personal experience.
Questions
Testing Yourself
Below is the answers to the thick stack of mcqs given before common test 2. This section is only applicable to those who have yet to tackle those answers. There are mistakes (3-4) or check in with me for clarification.
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Lethal Genes
This is a follow-up from a discussion that veered from mcq discussion. when do we consider a gene as lethal? how lethal is lethal? when does the victim die?
Most of the examples we came across for lethal genes are usually taken when zygotes are unable to form properly leading to death at birth, stillborn or sometimes death as an infant.
But a further enquiry showed that the definition is wider to include 'as long as the gene lead to death'. Thus, it is regardless of age although the main contributing factor must be the gene.
Nevertheless, any question pertaining to lethal genes will be stated.
Thus to clarify, under Mendelian G Qn 22 + 23, both are talking about lethal genes and in the case of 23, because homozygous victim will die in children, M & C could have been homozygous.
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REsponses
After a heated discussion, it is my pleasure to round things up before we come to blows with one another. =)
1. Firstly I would talk about physiological concept on what is a stimulus. We identify a stimulus because there has been a change in the overall physiological condition of an individual. Thus we identify increase in bld sugar as a stimulus, only because there was a basal level to work with. such an increase would upset the balance and has to be regulated. And a decrease in bld sugar is also a stimulus. Stimulus does not have to excite only.
2. 'Responses' in question 30. Everyone has different takes on it and why is that so? because some tried to fit it into the receptor/stimulus-controlcenter-effector/response system. And they choose decrease in blood sugar as a response. But I would like to remind you that a decrease in blood sugar, is actually not a response under the system. The response would have been increase conversion of glucose to glycogen, increase in metabolic rate, increased gluconeogenesis. The RESULT of the responses is decreased blood glucose level which still serve as a stimulus to the receptors in the pancreas
Here it would be more appropriate to talk about general bodily responses as ZH had tried to explain. When we eat, the first response detected within the body (in the blood) would be a rise in bld sugar, then etc.
As to B's retort on running, there are too many factors I had running thru my mind because, the heart, muscles and lungs are involved but I guess there would be a drop in bld glucose level first for utilisation of muscles before the carbonate level in bld increase blah blah... and that drop would be the stimulus as well (for the pancreas) so the question was irrelevant.
If you have accepted the drop in bld glucose level as the response, you are already accepting it as a general bodily response and not anything under the system.
Let's us not forget the order in alphabets but also realise that we are governed by chaos and there is also order in chaos. (physics) =)
Happy wkend =)
Below is the answers to the thick stack of mcqs given before common test 2. This section is only applicable to those who have yet to tackle those answers. There are mistakes (3-4) or check in with me for clarification.
------------------------
Lethal Genes
This is a follow-up from a discussion that veered from mcq discussion. when do we consider a gene as lethal? how lethal is lethal? when does the victim die?
Most of the examples we came across for lethal genes are usually taken when zygotes are unable to form properly leading to death at birth, stillborn or sometimes death as an infant.
But a further enquiry showed that the definition is wider to include 'as long as the gene lead to death'. Thus, it is regardless of age although the main contributing factor must be the gene.
Nevertheless, any question pertaining to lethal genes will be stated.
Thus to clarify, under Mendelian G Qn 22 + 23, both are talking about lethal genes and in the case of 23, because homozygous victim will die in children, M & C could have been homozygous.
--------------------------
REsponses
After a heated discussion, it is my pleasure to round things up before we come to blows with one another. =)
1. Firstly I would talk about physiological concept on what is a stimulus. We identify a stimulus because there has been a change in the overall physiological condition of an individual. Thus we identify increase in bld sugar as a stimulus, only because there was a basal level to work with. such an increase would upset the balance and has to be regulated. And a decrease in bld sugar is also a stimulus. Stimulus does not have to excite only.
2. 'Responses' in question 30. Everyone has different takes on it and why is that so? because some tried to fit it into the receptor/stimulus-controlcenter-effector/response system. And they choose decrease in blood sugar as a response. But I would like to remind you that a decrease in blood sugar, is actually not a response under the system. The response would have been increase conversion of glucose to glycogen, increase in metabolic rate, increased gluconeogenesis. The RESULT of the responses is decreased blood glucose level which still serve as a stimulus to the receptors in the pancreas
Here it would be more appropriate to talk about general bodily responses as ZH had tried to explain. When we eat, the first response detected within the body (in the blood) would be a rise in bld sugar, then etc.
As to B's retort on running, there are too many factors I had running thru my mind because, the heart, muscles and lungs are involved but I guess there would be a drop in bld glucose level first for utilisation of muscles before the carbonate level in bld increase blah blah... and that drop would be the stimulus as well (for the pancreas) so the question was irrelevant.
If you have accepted the drop in bld glucose level as the response, you are already accepting it as a general bodily response and not anything under the system.
Let's us not forget the order in alphabets but also realise that we are governed by chaos and there is also order in chaos. (physics) =)
Happy wkend =)
Combating the virus
This blog had entered into stalemate for yet another long period of time and I guess pple do drop by just before exams to check for updates. But alas, the sensei had fallen victim to a virus of unknown origin since the fateful when you took your 1st bio paper. Fever raged at a all-time of slightly above 39 for 2-3 days before dropping to 38. I hated sweating in the middle of night, surviving the days like a drug addict who must take the drug to control the fever or else I would start to shiver uncontrollably akin to withdrawal symptoms. I am convinced that the brain is fried and no longer capable of processing information of complexity. But it was really funny to attempt typing then and realized at the end of the paragraph how many blanks the receipents have to fill in.
We all thought it was dengue but it wasn't. Just an unknown virus. Which is scarier?
Then there was the pounding headache after the fever subsided. Slam. Bang. Whack. It followed the rhythm of the heart like an orchestra filling a tempo. Went to see yet another specialist who could not pinpoint the cause either, deciding it was remnant of the viral fever. But it was interesting talking to the old doctor who, when realised i was a physio major, started to discuss with me about the heart and exercise and also talk about our beloved growth hormones which he advised against for another patient. ANyway it was a vague world I lived in for the past one week and the longest MC I was ever on. It was also a week which I watched the most tv since a very long time because I could work on the computer without feeling the strain nor do any proper mind-processing.
If there is any good coming out of the whole episode, I am supposed to be slightly thinner but I do not think that would have lasted. Unfortunately.
Nevertheless, I am back in form, exercising those fingers with red pens and cruelty. Swish swash lash.
How do you think you did? Dun think about. Enjoy your break first.
We all thought it was dengue but it wasn't. Just an unknown virus. Which is scarier?
Then there was the pounding headache after the fever subsided. Slam. Bang. Whack. It followed the rhythm of the heart like an orchestra filling a tempo. Went to see yet another specialist who could not pinpoint the cause either, deciding it was remnant of the viral fever. But it was interesting talking to the old doctor who, when realised i was a physio major, started to discuss with me about the heart and exercise and also talk about our beloved growth hormones which he advised against for another patient. ANyway it was a vague world I lived in for the past one week and the longest MC I was ever on. It was also a week which I watched the most tv since a very long time because I could work on the computer without feeling the strain nor do any proper mind-processing.
If there is any good coming out of the whole episode, I am supposed to be slightly thinner but I do not think that would have lasted. Unfortunately.
Nevertheless, I am back in form, exercising those fingers with red pens and cruelty. Swish swash lash.
How do you think you did? Dun think about. Enjoy your break first.
Calvin cycle- reduction: where does the p come from?
I have attended to a few times on this so here is the reference given in Feb
http://chansensei.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html
There are too many side reactions and because they are not crucial, we left them out. if you realise it and scratch your head, good for you. =) you are thinking
i hope my typing makes sense because I am having viral fever for since thurs and have mc all the way til tml. based on past trac record on typing, i tend to miss words out becos my coordination is a bit off. It was a suspected dengue case until this morning blood test. my brain is fried from harbouring 39 degree temp for 2-3 days but am still sane to answer your questions. =)
Gotta rest. I have my own battle to fight.
Good luck for paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://chansensei.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html
There are too many side reactions and because they are not crucial, we left them out. if you realise it and scratch your head, good for you. =) you are thinking
i hope my typing makes sense because I am having viral fever for since thurs and have mc all the way til tml. based on past trac record on typing, i tend to miss words out becos my coordination is a bit off. It was a suspected dengue case until this morning blood test. my brain is fried from harbouring 39 degree temp for 2-3 days but am still sane to answer your questions. =)
Gotta rest. I have my own battle to fight.
Good luck for paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How Are U Faring?
It has been quite a week and we finally broke camp this evening. The 2-Day camp for the end of year overseas community trip was a success and the group had bonded well (yeah!). But the teachers are dead-tired after a 5-day chiangmai recce trip, followed by 3 days of hours-long consultations interspersed with a camp. Ok lah. We are not really complaining because there are a lot of meaning in the things we do but a break is definitely welcomed.
And on the issue of break, I was told lat night that a box of choco in blue plastic bag was given to me on TD but because I had left for Chiangmai, it was put in the fridge. I went in search of it and the choco had disappeared to my horror of horrors. And I will never know who gave those sinful delights but whoever you are, I thank you. And for whoever took those choco,.......I have no words for U.
Anyway pple, two more days to the start and I hope all of you are in the pink of health and will give your best shot. We will never be fully prepared for exams but we can always do our best.
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A question that was brought by two.
"If I encountered an essay question that asked me to describe the process of transcription /translation, do I have to talk about the initial regulatory mechanism (found in pro and Eu notes)?"
I would say NO.
Talking about either process in general (as in the genomics notes) is sufficient to garner you the marks and also unless the question specific for pro or eu, you will have to talk about both regulatory controls. If you really want, keep it short.
M back!
ALright. THere is no time for me to dilly dally.
PArt 1: Big Thanks
I returned from my Chiang Mai REcce trip on Tues Night at around midnight so I am still trying to sort out my table from the Teachers' Day bounty because I left in such a rush on that day itself and not forgetting work that lay astrewn. Many thanks for the warm wishes (card, sms, emails etc) and prezzies which I either ate/havent try or havent read. I was expecting the students to be mugging feverishly at home so I didnt think that pple will drop a note which is cool by me. But then those that did, it was nice.
Part 2: Landed and Back to Reality
I have just scanned and posted a revision exercise prepared by Mr Loo which you can try on your own. It is a pdf document and answers are attached. you will be able to find it on R.connect. It is a warm-up exercise for the core paper. (not a mock yah)
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Qn 1: How does Ti plasmid infect the plant cells.
In cloning, there are two ways to go about doing it:
a) after inserting of gene of interest, you perform electroporation so that the plasmid will enter the protoplast. The T-DNA will take care of itself and integrate.
b) after........, you introduce the plasmid back to the bacteria and let the bacteria infect the plant cells/protoplast.
This is to clarify as kindly pointed out by a reader (hahah) - and I have made the appropriate corrections.
For electroporation, we use protoplast culture.
But if you are using Agrobacterium tumefaciens(and yes, there is an 's'), you can either infect a protoplast culture with the bacteria (co-cultivation) or you could inject them into a wounded tissue of the plant and subsequently extract and culture the transformed plant cells.
And I have checked, there is greater efficiency when you use the bacteria instead of electroporation (which is understandable since it is a natural process) =)
----------------------------------
Part 3: Papers
If you are still ultra blur, you might not realised that the sequence of papers is:
Paper 3: application
paper 2: core
paper 1: Mcqs
I leave you to check the dates but apparently, I encountered students who did not realise that.
Application Syllabus: (pls check the details if you need to)
- DNA Cloning (Genetic Engineering)
- DNA Analysis and Genomics
- Human genome project
- Stem cells
- The treatment of genetic diseases in human
- Gene therapy
- Cloning
- Genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
PArt 1: Big Thanks
I returned from my Chiang Mai REcce trip on Tues Night at around midnight so I am still trying to sort out my table from the Teachers' Day bounty because I left in such a rush on that day itself and not forgetting work that lay astrewn. Many thanks for the warm wishes (card, sms, emails etc) and prezzies which I either ate/havent try or havent read. I was expecting the students to be mugging feverishly at home so I didnt think that pple will drop a note which is cool by me. But then those that did, it was nice.
Part 2: Landed and Back to Reality
I have just scanned and posted a revision exercise prepared by Mr Loo which you can try on your own. It is a pdf document and answers are attached. you will be able to find it on R.connect. It is a warm-up exercise for the core paper. (not a mock yah)
--------------------
Qn 1: How does Ti plasmid infect the plant cells.
In cloning, there are two ways to go about doing it:
a) after inserting of gene of interest, you perform electroporation so that the plasmid will enter the protoplast. The T-DNA will take care of itself and integrate.
b) after........, you introduce the plasmid back to the bacteria and let the bacteria infect the plant cells/protoplast.
This is to clarify as kindly pointed out by a reader (hahah) - and I have made the appropriate corrections.
For electroporation, we use protoplast culture.
But if you are using Agrobacterium tumefaciens(and yes, there is an 's'), you can either infect a protoplast culture with the bacteria (co-cultivation) or you could inject them into a wounded tissue of the plant and subsequently extract and culture the transformed plant cells.
And I have checked, there is greater efficiency when you use the bacteria instead of electroporation (which is understandable since it is a natural process) =)
----------------------------------
Part 3: Papers
If you are still ultra blur, you might not realised that the sequence of papers is:
Paper 3: application
paper 2: core
paper 1: Mcqs
I leave you to check the dates but apparently, I encountered students who did not realise that.
Application Syllabus: (pls check the details if you need to)
- DNA Cloning (Genetic Engineering)
- DNA Analysis and Genomics
- Human genome project
- Stem cells
- The treatment of genetic diseases in human
- Gene therapy
- Cloning
- Genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
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