A student msged me recently to seek advice on his career choice and he made two statements that surprised me:
Why did you ask me for advice on such matter?
1.Because sir, you looks young but have a old heart.
An awkward expression. I told this to my fellow teacher-mentor and she said, this boy do know you.
2. Sir, you are too harsh on yourself
And realised that it is true. he said after spending two weeks together in chiangmai for the overseas expedition, there are something that you just know.
Of Course I M Upset
B was really distracted today and little pockets of conversation carried on regardless of whether it was tutorial or the so-called catching up. Few listened. The jet lag did not help and I have trouble sorting out the emotional mayhem within. Some said I looked upset and how can I not?
Just a few hours before lesson, I met a member of the SB team who asked if I have bought goodies for the team and it was then when it struck me that I have not. A little embarrassed but it also made me realise that it was because the team has never/yet to make me feel part of it. Often, I don't feel appreciated and I felt like I am just playing an administrative role, so the relationship becomes very stale. Ironically, I got along better with other CCAs --- it was disturbing that I would say hi to many kiddos in other CCAs (who greeted me) as I walked towards the field but only to meet with silence in my own CCA as some conveniently ignore me. Yet it wasn't like that 2 years back with my cricket and softball teams which I have really bonded well with. I do wonder if it is because I demand too much from them this time?
I always tell the C-CAL under me during C-CAL cmp that the teacher-mentor has to be part of the team otherwise why would he/she want to work for the team and admittedly, I felt the inertia at various stages.
On the other hand, my classes were on my mind during my trip. So after hauling the load of goodies across the continents and entering a class which seemingly ignored you and whose members were only interested in their own conversations, I had to wonder about if there is something wrong with myself this year...and I was upset with myself. Sighz... in the end, I still gave out the goodies despite the brooding gloom because deep down I know I still really want to give it to them and without questioning. (the many thank-you softened the blow but it doesn't take away my worry for their studies).
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During my absence from school, a number of ex-students came by to say hi but instead have to drop a note. It was nice to 'hear' from them again but such is the way of fate. Sometimes, the 'goodbye, see you next time' never materialize. One came back from the States and visited the school on the day I left for Camb (when he had returned days before my departure date). So I didn't trust T when he said we will meet up during the x'mas period and I stayed at the airport yesterday upon landing so that I can send him off. And today, I met up with A in the late afternoon before she flew back to US tml morning even though she said it is alright if I am too tired from the jet lag.
In saying so, I am also glad to have met up with Rick in London after what seemed like an impossible mission. I must admit that I was really a bad conversationalist and I realised then that I really don't know much about him even though we have spent time working together in a US camp 4 years ago. so what brought us together? I think it was the sincerity we extended out to pple around us.
Just a few hours before lesson, I met a member of the SB team who asked if I have bought goodies for the team and it was then when it struck me that I have not. A little embarrassed but it also made me realise that it was because the team has never/yet to make me feel part of it. Often, I don't feel appreciated and I felt like I am just playing an administrative role, so the relationship becomes very stale. Ironically, I got along better with other CCAs --- it was disturbing that I would say hi to many kiddos in other CCAs (who greeted me) as I walked towards the field but only to meet with silence in my own CCA as some conveniently ignore me. Yet it wasn't like that 2 years back with my cricket and softball teams which I have really bonded well with. I do wonder if it is because I demand too much from them this time?
I always tell the C-CAL under me during C-CAL cmp that the teacher-mentor has to be part of the team otherwise why would he/she want to work for the team and admittedly, I felt the inertia at various stages.
On the other hand, my classes were on my mind during my trip. So after hauling the load of goodies across the continents and entering a class which seemingly ignored you and whose members were only interested in their own conversations, I had to wonder about if there is something wrong with myself this year...and I was upset with myself. Sighz... in the end, I still gave out the goodies despite the brooding gloom because deep down I know I still really want to give it to them and without questioning. (the many thank-you softened the blow but it doesn't take away my worry for their studies).
------------------------
During my absence from school, a number of ex-students came by to say hi but instead have to drop a note. It was nice to 'hear' from them again but such is the way of fate. Sometimes, the 'goodbye, see you next time' never materialize. One came back from the States and visited the school on the day I left for Camb (when he had returned days before my departure date). So I didn't trust T when he said we will meet up during the x'mas period and I stayed at the airport yesterday upon landing so that I can send him off. And today, I met up with A in the late afternoon before she flew back to US tml morning even though she said it is alright if I am too tired from the jet lag.
In saying so, I am also glad to have met up with Rick in London after what seemed like an impossible mission. I must admit that I was really a bad conversationalist and I realised then that I really don't know much about him even though we have spent time working together in a US camp 4 years ago. so what brought us together? I think it was the sincerity we extended out to pple around us.
Bacteria/Plasmid
I gave a lecture on bacteria the other day here in Camb and there were also additional materials which I dispensed for a wholesome learning experience. Anyway here is some tibits for the mind.
1) F factor = F plasmid
When you talk about F factor you are referring to the F plasmid itself. F factor is not a gene on the plasmid but represent the entire plasmid with the various genes that contribute to the particular characteristic i.e. having sex pilus.
2) F+ bacterium do not mate with F+ bacterium i.e. no mating bridge is formed between them.
Under normal circumstances, F+ bacterium with its pilus will bind to F- bacterium to draw them nearer to each other. This binding requires recognition of specific proteins on the F- bacterium which are missing in F+ bacterium. So once a F- bacterium receives a F plasmid, there will be changes in its surface proteins such that the above does not take place.
3) Additional: There are many other types of plasmids as well. There are some which confer tolerance to salinity, others produce toxins etc. However, there is one which I would like to talk about and there is the R factor.
R = antibiotic resistance
As the term implies, when a bacterium receives a R factor, it will become resistant to (specific) antibiotic. This is of course important in many of the laboratory work these days as well as the emergence of superbugs in hospitals.
There can be several types of plasmid in a bacterium. And some of these plasmids can make use of the mating bridge formed by the F factor to sneak into the receipient bacterium.
1) F factor = F plasmid
When you talk about F factor you are referring to the F plasmid itself. F factor is not a gene on the plasmid but represent the entire plasmid with the various genes that contribute to the particular characteristic i.e. having sex pilus.
2) F+ bacterium do not mate with F+ bacterium i.e. no mating bridge is formed between them.
Under normal circumstances, F+ bacterium with its pilus will bind to F- bacterium to draw them nearer to each other. This binding requires recognition of specific proteins on the F- bacterium which are missing in F+ bacterium. So once a F- bacterium receives a F plasmid, there will be changes in its surface proteins such that the above does not take place.
3) Additional: There are many other types of plasmids as well. There are some which confer tolerance to salinity, others produce toxins etc. However, there is one which I would like to talk about and there is the R factor.
R = antibiotic resistance
As the term implies, when a bacterium receives a R factor, it will become resistant to (specific) antibiotic. This is of course important in many of the laboratory work these days as well as the emergence of superbugs in hospitals.
There can be several types of plasmid in a bacterium. And some of these plasmids can make use of the mating bridge formed by the F factor to sneak into the receipient bacterium.
Counting Down
Also thought of sharing some of the bits in Cambridge with you... =) - and now I can finally do it since I have finished my official homework brought from Singapore =( =P. It is amazing how time flies. after getting over the jetlag and clearing some work here and there, I am already heading home....
Some highlights thus far:
Punting Down The River Cam. It was really some exercise :P
Up the London Eye which we have replicated with our own Flyer
The Big Ben & Parliament (While on Cruise)
Although it looked absolutely non-descript unlike all the other bridges, this is the one and only "London Bridge"...is falling down....
One day, I went to attend an Econ Lecture but couldnt take it so I took the time to write lovenotes in a courtyard =)
I took the Biotech kids down to Eagles Pub where Watson & Crick came up with the structure of the DNA molecule. And there is no question about cam-whoring.
This is today's. I went with the literature grp to The GLobe which is a replicate of an open-air theatre built during Shakespearan time for plays. The construction of the Globe was actually initiated by an American in 1949. I watched a 3-hr King Lear play standing up, braving the sudden showers and totally enjoying it even though I couldn't catch everything. The acting was just superb!
Walking on the Millenium Bridge towards St Paul's. I like the bridge a lot. Modern and it felt 'open' , getting it a relaxed feel...
Mmmm... I am glad to have worked hard last week so that I may ease down this week for a more relaxed pace =)
Some highlights thus far:
Punting Down The River Cam. It was really some exercise :P
Up the London Eye which we have replicated with our own Flyer
The Big Ben & Parliament (While on Cruise)
Although it looked absolutely non-descript unlike all the other bridges, this is the one and only "London Bridge"...is falling down....
One day, I went to attend an Econ Lecture but couldnt take it so I took the time to write lovenotes in a courtyard =)
I took the Biotech kids down to Eagles Pub where Watson & Crick came up with the structure of the DNA molecule. And there is no question about cam-whoring.
This is today's. I went with the literature grp to The GLobe which is a replicate of an open-air theatre built during Shakespearan time for plays. The construction of the Globe was actually initiated by an American in 1949. I watched a 3-hr King Lear play standing up, braving the sudden showers and totally enjoying it even though I couldn't catch everything. The acting was just superb!
Walking on the Millenium Bridge towards St Paul's. I like the bridge a lot. Modern and it felt 'open' , getting it a relaxed feel...
Mmmm... I am glad to have worked hard last week so that I may ease down this week for a more relaxed pace =)
Virus Updates
Feeling a bit guilty here because I have yet to put up the updates on virus as promised and I could not find the correction sheet which I have typed out earlier *groan :(. But no worry, my retentive memory is somewhat still working :) - though I wish to be back in my classrooms talking about this interesting topic ....oh well.. at least I substituted it with a lecture here in Cambridge on bacteria to our Bio students here :P
Anyway here goes:
1) matrix proteins - what are they? Are they important?
From Wiki: In virology, matrix proteins are structural proteins linking the viral envelope with the virus core.
This protein is noted in both influenza and HIV but their implications are different. In influenza, the matrix protein M1 as seen in the given diagram IS also the capsid protein so there is only one level of protein layer enclosing the nucleoprotein. On the other handd, for HIV, the capsid protein and matrix protein genome. The matrix protein is really there to hold the gp41 to the membrane but that doesnt really matter. What you should note is that for HIV, therefore, there are two layers of protein enclosing the genome.
2) Is polypeptide = polyprotein?
They are two different things.
Polypeptide will fold to form one protein.
A polyprotein refer to polypeptide that can be cut into several pieces, each of which can be folded into various structural or enzymatic proteins. In the case of HIV for example, the gag gene encodes for the capsid and matrix protein while the pol gene encodes for the viral protease, RT and integrase. what do you think env gene encodes?
2a) what is this splicing business?
Due to alternative splicing, sometimes you get mRNA of either gag, gag-pol or just env.
3)If you have not made this change in your notes already, pls do. Page 19. Bullet 5/6. a double-stranded DNA is not a provirus. a provirus only exists when it is integrated into the host's genome. Just as we called the integrate phage genome in a lysogenic cycle a prophage.
4) Qn: How do you get a double-stranded DNA in HIV? Who is involved?
5) Your covering tutor should have covered with you on: influenza is a -ve sense RNA virus (-ve sense RNA implies that the genome cannot be used as mRNA directly and has to be converted to the +ve sense (mRNA) before translation can take place) thus the template used to make the new genome and proteins should be the +ve sense mRNA that is transcribed from the -ve sense genome... If not, I will talk about it again next time.
That's all I have I believe =)
Have fun!
Anyway here goes:
1) matrix proteins - what are they? Are they important?
From Wiki: In virology, matrix proteins are structural proteins linking the viral envelope with the virus core.
This protein is noted in both influenza and HIV but their implications are different. In influenza, the matrix protein M1 as seen in the given diagram IS also the capsid protein so there is only one level of protein layer enclosing the nucleoprotein. On the other handd, for HIV, the capsid protein and matrix protein genome. The matrix protein is really there to hold the gp41 to the membrane but that doesnt really matter. What you should note is that for HIV, therefore, there are two layers of protein enclosing the genome.
2) Is polypeptide = polyprotein?
They are two different things.
Polypeptide will fold to form one protein.
A polyprotein refer to polypeptide that can be cut into several pieces, each of which can be folded into various structural or enzymatic proteins. In the case of HIV for example, the gag gene encodes for the capsid and matrix protein while the pol gene encodes for the viral protease, RT and integrase. what do you think env gene encodes?
2a) what is this splicing business?
Due to alternative splicing, sometimes you get mRNA of either gag, gag-pol or just env.
3)If you have not made this change in your notes already, pls do. Page 19. Bullet 5/6. a double-stranded DNA is not a provirus. a provirus only exists when it is integrated into the host's genome. Just as we called the integrate phage genome in a lysogenic cycle a prophage.
4) Qn: How do you get a double-stranded DNA in HIV? Who is involved?
5) Your covering tutor should have covered with you on: influenza is a -ve sense RNA virus (-ve sense RNA implies that the genome cannot be used as mRNA directly and has to be converted to the +ve sense (mRNA) before translation can take place) thus the template used to make the new genome and proteins should be the +ve sense mRNA that is transcribed from the -ve sense genome... If not, I will talk about it again next time.
That's all I have I believe =)
Have fun!
Cambridge
Finally a day when I am not so tired at night to pen my thoughts. I guess the jetlag has wore off substantially after a 50-min power nap in the afternoon...=)
How are my classes doing? I wondered but I know that they are in good hands and today I have finally finished and sent the updates I had wanted to prepare before I left to the respective covering tutors. They are so going to kill me even though they were already ready to do so when they realised that my classes are going to start on viruses, slightly ahead of others. =P
But clearing of work was really crazy before I left when I survived on 3 hours of sleep over 2 days - right up to an hour before I left for the airport - to mark the mock SPA, tutorials (structured only- cant make it for essay) for my 3 classes and also the MCQs before I flew off.
And thanks for all the well-wishes from 3L that morning via smses and the booklets and to T whoh had painstakingly collected the bklets so that I may read and write during my time in UK. I have already started on 3 =)
Before I came to Cambridge, I told a good fren/colleague of mine that I was baffled by my role in this trip which seemed to be so different from ISLE. Am I to let go and relax as advised to or do I be the disciplinarian that I expect myself to be? It would be so easy to take the backseat but I find it really hard to do so. Then she pointed out that that's because I would always make it a point to try and seize every moment as a teachable moment to instil values and social awareness. And I supposed that is the choice I have made so that my students can flourish as a person of good character in all sense.
Just as I have made the choice to spend time and mark all questions done in tutorials (except for this virus one) when we do not have to, hoping that each and every student will become aware of the error he/she tends to make and learn from it. Just as my students have to decide the amount of effort they are going to put in for this last stretch for their promos.
Choices choices. The choices we teacher have in our approach to this profession, as sent by a friend who is comtemplating to enter this profession after working in the private sector for 4 years http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20080619-71705.html
late already. I am going to snooze...
How are my classes doing? I wondered but I know that they are in good hands and today I have finally finished and sent the updates I had wanted to prepare before I left to the respective covering tutors. They are so going to kill me even though they were already ready to do so when they realised that my classes are going to start on viruses, slightly ahead of others. =P
But clearing of work was really crazy before I left when I survived on 3 hours of sleep over 2 days - right up to an hour before I left for the airport - to mark the mock SPA, tutorials (structured only- cant make it for essay) for my 3 classes and also the MCQs before I flew off.
And thanks for all the well-wishes from 3L that morning via smses and the booklets and to T whoh had painstakingly collected the bklets so that I may read and write during my time in UK. I have already started on 3 =)
Before I came to Cambridge, I told a good fren/colleague of mine that I was baffled by my role in this trip which seemed to be so different from ISLE. Am I to let go and relax as advised to or do I be the disciplinarian that I expect myself to be? It would be so easy to take the backseat but I find it really hard to do so. Then she pointed out that that's because I would always make it a point to try and seize every moment as a teachable moment to instil values and social awareness. And I supposed that is the choice I have made so that my students can flourish as a person of good character in all sense.
Just as I have made the choice to spend time and mark all questions done in tutorials (except for this virus one) when we do not have to, hoping that each and every student will become aware of the error he/she tends to make and learn from it. Just as my students have to decide the amount of effort they are going to put in for this last stretch for their promos.
Choices choices. The choices we teacher have in our approach to this profession, as sent by a friend who is comtemplating to enter this profession after working in the private sector for 4 years http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20080619-71705.html
late already. I am going to snooze...
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