Blog #14

Favorite Topic: My favorite topic of this semester was viruses and bacterias because we got to see how they work and how they affect us. The book we read and the movie was also really interesting because it showed how deadly viruses and bacterias are. This topic relates to us, especially me because I get sick easily so it shows us what to do and how it happens.

Least Favorite Topic: My least favorite topic of this year was photosynthesis and the photosystem because it was really confusing. I didn't really understand how the plants work. I also didn't understand how the calvin cycle and light dependent cycles came into the topic because I didn't really get what they do.

If I could change one thing, I think it would be on how we take notes. The assignment is simple and I'm glad we are able to take notes from the screen but it kind of goes too fast so I don't get to write it all down. Also I'm not able to listen to the teacher because I'm too busy writing down all the notes so I can't understand what I'm writing. I just hoped that we could've slowed down a bit so we are able to take in what we just wrote down.

Blog #13

DNA changed the way we investigate crimes by giving us an idea of who the suspect is and concluding the case. By using the DNA found at the crime scene, we are able to narrow down who committed the crime. The two main types of tests are PCR and RFLP. PCR (polymerase chain reaction test) isn't very accurate but it is quick to process, usually a week. Also the DNA evidence doesn't have to be recent. It could be years after the crime and you are able to still use the DNA sample. RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) is considered more accurate than PCR testing. It involves DNA fingerprinting or profiling and requires the DNA cells to be fresh, undamaged, and recently dead. Also, you would need large amounts of the samples, such as several strands of hair and large splatters of blood. Although this test is very conclusive and finalizing, it takes a long time to complete, about three weeks to three months.