life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

a. Do you think that using recombinant DNA technologies to change the genetic composition of a human egg cell is ever justified? b. If so, what restrictions should be placed on such a use? c. What about human cloning?

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

The stem cells are captured from embryonic cells, but they also can be captured from the placenta and umbilical cord. a. If this is the case, why is there so much controversy on the subject? (It is not unethical after all to capture stem cells from the placenta or umbilical cord after the birth of a child). b. Also, ...continues

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

Hemophilia is a sex-linked trait in humans. That means that the gene that is responsible for it resides on the X chromosome. Hemophilia is a hereditary disorder characterized by the failure of the blood to clot properly. As a result, such individuals suffer from excessive bleeding. Sometimes it results in death. Here are th ...continues

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

1. When comparing the DNA molecule to a twisted ladder, what do the rungs of the ladder represent? 2. Describe the three major properties of genes that are explained by the structure of DNA? 3. What occurs on the sex chromosomes to determine the sex of a mammal? 4. Describe a difference between meiosis and mitosis? ...continues

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

I have a major question about the hereditary genes. Using Mendelian genetics you can determine the likelihood of your eye color, your hair color, some things that fall in these lines, but at the age of 25 I would like to know how I can determine when I will have a head full of white hair. My father has some white hair and my ...continues

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

Eight years ago the doctor asked if we wanted to save (can't remember if it was to froze or not) the blood from the umbilical cord from our daughter. His explanation was that it was full of good stuff and we could save it. Here is my question: How long can the stuff in the umbilical cord be saved for? Are there any def ...continues

Genetically Altered Foods

Nowdays lots of food that get on our table are genetically altered. Some people are not bothered by that fact. Some demand more facts supporting that such foods are safe to eat and will not bring any negative alterations to our health later on. I understand that the public should know where their food comes from and what exa ...continues

hormone use in the cattle industry

The USDA has been following hormone use in the cattle industry since the 1950s. The hormone is given to the cattle in pouches inserted into the ear. The hormone enters the bloodstream of the animal very slowly, and according to the USDA the hormones never enter the human food chain. According to the USDA the use of growth ...continues

nature vs. nurture in intelligence

I have a question about the nature vs. nurture debate re intelligence. To what extent do you think the differences among individuals are due to genes, rather than to environmental factors such as upbringing, nutrition, and schooling. I know that numerous studies have been made on the topic including twin, adoption, orphanage ...continues

nature vs. nurture in sexual orientation

I have a question about the nature vs. nurture debate re sexual orientation. To what extent do you think the differences among individuals are due to genes, rather than to environmental factors such as upbringing, nutrition, and schooling. I know that numerous studies have been made on the topic including twin, adoption, orp ...continues