Genetic Engineering Essays (2963 words) - Biology, Genetics

Genetic Engineering Genetic Engineering: A leap in to the future or a leap towards destruction? Introduction Science is a creature that continues to evolve at a much higher rate than the beings that gave it birth. The transformation time from tree-shrew, to ape, to human far exceeds the time from an analytical engine, to a calculator, to a computer. However, science, in the past, has always remained distant. It has allowed for advances in production, transportation, and even entertainment, but never in history has science be able to so deeply affect our lives as genetic engineering will undoubtedly do. With the birth of this new technology, scientific extremists and anti-technologists have risen in arms to block its budding future. Spreading fear by misinterpretation of facts, they promote their hidden agendas in the halls of the United States congress. They fear that it is unsafe; however, genetic engineering is a safe and powerful tool that will yield unprecedented results, specifically in the field of medicine. It will usher in a world where gene defects, bacterial disease, and even agin g are a thing of the past. By understanding genetic engineering and its history, discovering its possibilities, and answering the moral and safety questions it brings forth, the blanket of fear covering this remarkable technical miracle can be lifted. The first step to understanding genetic engineering and embracing its possibilities for society is to obtain a rough knowledge base of its history and method. The basis for altering the evolutionary process is dependant on the understanding of how individuals pass on characteristics to their offspring. Genetics achieved its first foothold on the secrets of nature's evolutionary process when an Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel developed the first laws of heredity. Using these laws, scientists studied the characteristics of organisms for most of the next one hundred years following Mendel's discovery. These early studies concluded that each organism has two sets of character determinants, or genes (Stableford 16). For instance, in regards to eye color, a child could receive one set of genes from his or her father that were encoded one blue, and the other brown. The same child could also receive two brown genes from his or her mother. The conclusion for this inheritance would be the ch ild has a three in four chance of having brown eyes, and a one in three chance of having blue eyes (Stableford 16). Genes are transmitted through chromosomes which reside in the nucleus of every living organism's cells. Each chromosome is made up of fine strands of deoxyribonucleic acids, or DNA. The information carried on the DNA determines the cells function within the organism. Sex cells are the only cells that contain a complete DNA map of the organism, therefore, the structure of a DNA molecule or combination of DNA molecules determines the shape, form, and function of the [organism's] offspring (Lewin 1). DNA discovery is attributed to the research of three scientists, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and James Dewey Watson in 1951. They were all later accredited with the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine in 1962 (Lewin 1). The new science of genetic engineering aims to take a dramatic short cut in the slow process of evolution (Stableford 25). In essence, scientists aim to remove one gene from an organism's DNA, and place it into the DNA of another organism. This would create a new DNA strand, full of new encoded instructions; a strand that would have taken Mother Nature millions of years of natural selection to develop. Isolating and removing a desired gene from a DNA strand involves many different tools. DNA can be broken up by exposing it to ultra-highfrequency sound waves, but this is an extremely inaccurate way of isolating a desirable DNA section (Stableford 26). A more accurate way of DNA splicing is the use of restriction enzymes, which are produced by various species of bacteria (Clarke 1). The restriction enzymes cut the DNA strand at a particular location called a nucleotide base, which makes up a DNA molecule. Now that the desired portion of the DNA is cut out, it can be joined to anothe st rand of DNA by using enzymes called ligases. The final important step in the

Given below are six key terms from the text follow Essays

Given below are six key terms from the text follow Essays Given below are six key terms from the text followed by six sentences, each missing a word or a phrase. Fill in the blank by dragging the key term that best completes the sentence. Victor, a manager of a team of software engineers, works out targets and the ways to achieve them for each member of the team that result in personal benefits for the team members. The given example illustrates the path-goal theory of leadership effectiveness. Albert, a senior manager, varies his management style depending on the situation in his company. Therefore, Albert is exhibiting a( n) contingency approach to leadership Keith, a team leader, examines certain factors in a situation before selecting an appropriate decision making style. The given example shows the normative decision model DuringBased on the skills and capabilities of her team, Irene decides on the amount of supervision or guidance each team member requires. The approach followed by Irene is known as Situational Leadership II (SLII) Matthew, the managing director of a food processing company, displayed tremendous courage and steered the company out of trouble when the company suffered huge losses. This is an example of crisis leadership Employee empowerment has shown positive results for Aries Inc. All team leaders and senior managers ensure that employees are given independence to take decisions. This scenario is an example of evidence-based leadership or management Which of the following is an example of contingency leadership? Wendell assigns work hours to employees who are less competent, while allowing his motivated team members to choose their own timings. Using the path-goal theory, match the most appropriate leadership styles on the left to the contingency factors provided on the right. Participative style When the morale of employees performing nonrepetitive tasks needs to be improved Achievement-oriented style When high expectations need to be set for team members performing ambiguous and nonrepetitive tasks Directive style When a task is unclear and team morale needs to be improved Supportive style When a task is dissatisfying, frustrating, or stressful According to the path-goal theory, which of the following is an example of a participative style of leadership? Dylan often consults with his subordinates for their inputs before making decisions on task allotment. Scott, an architect, has been assigned the task of redesigning the layout of a building his team is working on. Scott has recently received criticism about his work and feels disappointed. He possesses some of the skills needed to accomplish this task, but he lacks the motivation to seek help or to complete it. According to the Situational Leadership II model, Scott is most likely a( n) _____. Disillusioned learner Maxwell, a project manager, asks his team to decide which enterprise software package to purchase. He provides them with information on the requirements and the budget, but he does not influence their decision as he trusts his team to make the right choice. According to the normative decision model, the decision-making style used by Maxwell in this scenario is known as _____. Delegate Rostov, the owner of a coffee shop, reopens his store for business after a recent burglary. Many of Rostov's staff are still shaken by the burglary, but Rostov gives them a pep talk and plans to invest in a better security system for the shop. This gives Rostov's employees hope and energizes them. In this scenario, Rostov is leading during a crisis by _____. Displaying optimism Sheryl knows that showing appreciation is an effective way to boost employee morale. When a usually silent team member, Yves, comes up with great ideas at a meeting, she sends an email to Yves thanking him for his valuable inputs. Since this incident, Yves regularly offers valuable inputs and feedback to Sheryl and other team members. In this scenario, Sheryl is practicing _____ leadership. Evidence-based When Jessica appreciates Kurt's shined shoes and wrinkle-free shirt, Kurt feels like he is being treated like a child. Though Jessica was instructed by upper management to provide positive feedback and encouragement to workers, it backfired with Kurt. What supervisory style should Jessica adopt with Kurt? Check all that apply. Jessica should listen to Kurt's inputs when he provides them, but generally adopt a supervisory style that is low on

Outline and assess the different uses of strategy Essay

Outline and assess the different uses of strategy - Essay Example Rivals can have the same goals and objectives like ours. The nature of goals and objectives may be such that their realisation can accommodate only one individual or organisation or only a few individuals and organisations. Thus, strategy must have something to say on how several rivals should be dealt with so an organisation or individual can outsmart rivals. Resources are only available in limited states of abundance and scarcities. Individuals and organisations must therefore took stock of the most relevant resources for meeting goals and objectives and must establish a resource use policy or resource use combinations consistent with the resources that are available in terms of quantity, profile, and abundance. There are also rivals that can be competing for the same resources as well as in the realisation of the same objectives and goals. Goals and objectives are often pursued wherein there are obstacles to their realisation. The obstacle can be apparent or may only emerge in the course of pursuing the goals and objectives. Thus, strategy must be able to identify obstacles and anticipate the possible emergence of obstacles as goals and objectives are pursued. In the pursuit of goals and objectives, there are stakeholders involved. ... It can involve the combination of various forms of organisations, activities, and tools. III. Use of strategy by firms and non-firms Strategies are used by military organisations, businesses, and non-profit organisations. According to MacMillan and Tampoe (2000, p. 170), a business strategy defines the following: the scope of a business the consumer’s current and future needs that it wants to address within its scope of business the specific capabilities that will give its business a competitive advantage and the general conduct that will allow a business to gain territory within its area of business. Earlier, Porter (1996, p. 64) asserted that the essence of strategy is to choose of activities that are different from what rivals do. It can involve cost leadership, differentiation and focus (1996, p. 67). According to Porter (1996, p. 68), at the core, strategy is â€Å"the creation of unique and valuable position, involving a different set of activities†. It involves p ositioning, positioning trade-off, as well as operational effectiveness (Porter 1996, p. 67-68). Alone, however, operational effectiveness is not strategy (Porter 1996, p. 78). Strategy covers what not to do, making trade-offs in competing, and combining activities (Porter 1996, p. 70). It is about a whole system of activities and not just a collection of activities (Porter 1996, p. 70). Strategy also involves forging a fit among activities (Porter 1996, p. 77). Mintzberg (1987, p. 11) described that strategy have two essential characteristics: they are planned in advance and are developed consciously and purposefully (1987, p. 11). At the same time, however, Mintzberg (1987, p. 11) stressed that the field

Popular Music and the Moving Image Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Popular Music and the Moving Image - Essay Example Historically silent films are characterized by certain elements that defined them. These are Projection Speed, title cards, physical acting techniques and music and sound. In the absence of the spoken dialogue, title cards that comprised of printed or drawn frames of text inserted between the film frequencies to serve different roles. The particular types of title cards used in the silent films included dialogue and expository interties. The former were primarily used in conveying dialogue while the latter was used in providing supplemental narrative material whenever what was photographed could not express the full situation by itself. Essentially, the title cards were utilized by the filmmakers in the silent era to add more detail to the films in case the films developed into novelties that entertained a lot. Fundamentally, filmmakers were able to expand their potential to enhance on their storytelling by including some aspects of dialogue and in a way, the title cards served as na rration techniques (Marks, 1997).Another historical element of the silent films was live music and sound. Contrary to today’s films containing spoken dialogue and synched music in the background. The silent films were accompanied by a phonograph recording or live music such as a guitarist or pianist that was critical in reinforcing the mood of a movie and also provided the audience with emotional cues. The above narration explains why there were piano accompaniments in small towns plus the singers.

Reflecting my English Understanding in a rhetoric concept Essay

Reflecting my English Understanding in a rhetoric concept - Essay Example vironment and subsequently form hypothetical reasoning about these occurrences. Within various societal spheres people usually have different meanings with regard to information presented in piece of writing which most interestingly the author had not included or intended in his/her material. Without denial, I have been a thinker, but my interaction and exposure to the English 102 class has further improved my skills to be used analytically in any literary material. My enthusiasm have been shaped more as I constantly look into ‘why’ aspect of an author’s point of view rather than mere focusing on author’s meaning as portrayed in any material. A consistent quest for knowledge has therefore created in me as I look for more intended purposes of any material by placing myself in the author’s world. ... Moving from the past form of basic literary writing, I have developed throughout the various paradigms of this course from writing and presenting simple facts to building a sustained paper argument that examines a variety of paper complexities and adequate paper organization which since then played a critical role opening up and expanding my mental faculties. My earlier wrings during the process of this course has so been influenced by environmental degradation and related concerns from wider societal perspective. During this earlier period I presented the concept of rhetoric writing as I analyzed paintings by Mathias Duwel and his intentional messages. I had played my big part of analysis in presenting Duwel’s bibliography and dedicated my entire discussions on Duwel’s theoretical standpoint and its implications for the wider society. As I advanced from this stage during my course work, I still chose to look at environmental degradation concerns. Quite familiar with th is approach, I used this as an opportunity to look at the various subject matter complexities as presented by another piece of writing this time focusing on a Hawaii’s economic ambitions and balance with the sustainable manageable of the delicate environment. While registering the improvement I have so far gained in this class, I objectively look at the needs for economic development and environmental demands as opposed to my earlier writing where I would stick to biased sided argument in a paper. It has also become very easy for me to locate numerous authoritative journals and refer from various books has also significantly sharpened my skills in research. In the final

Histomorphometeric Study of Lymphoid Nodules of Vermiform

Histomorphometeric Study of Lymphoid Nodules of Vermiform ABSTRACT Objective: To study the lymphoid tissues of vermiform Appendix at various age groups to establish that appendix is an important organ of gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and its role in etiology of acute appendicitis. Study Design: Comparative study Place and duration: The study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College Rawalpindi from July 2011 to June 2013. Materials and Methods: Four age groups spacing 15 years between each group, except last group (advanced age) which had no limit because of less availability of the specimens, were made. In each group histological sections of 10 normal looking surgically amputated vermiform appendices were included. The parameters including number of lymphoid nodules and diameter of lymphoid nodules measured under the microscope. Results: There was gradual decrease of mean number of lymphoid nodules with advancing age but even at the age of 74 few numbers of lymphoid nodules were observed. There was great variation of diameter of lymphoid nodule at different age groups but at advanced age it was much decreased. Conclusion: The lymphoid nodules decreased with advancing age but these were present even at the age of 74 years. The diameters of lymphoid nodules are remarkable except at advanced age. Key words: Vermiform appendix, lymphoid nodule, Microscope. Introduction The clinical presentations associated with this blind ending tube (vermiform appendix) are so many and diverse that many lives have been lost in the past either due to misdiagnosis, mismanagement or complications associated with it. The appendix length varies from 2 to 20 cm with an average of 9 cm.1 The variable number of lymphoid nodules located in the lamina propria extending to sub-mucosa, are arranged circumferentially around the lumen of the appendix. The crypts of Lieberkuhn are absent between epithelial lining and lymphoid nodules at places where the lymphoid nodules are close to epithelial lining. Zahid A. observed that the vermiform appendix is an important component of mammalian mucosal immune function, particularly B-lymphocyte-mediated immune responses and T-lymphocytes derived extra-thymically and it is also suggested that vermiform appendix is not a vestigial organ.2 The normal function of appendix probably helps to promote local immunity.3 The appendix contains both isolated and aggregated lymphoid follicles and it is a part of gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).4 The irregularity of the lumen of vermiform appendix is due to mucosal folds which appear due to lymphoid follicles.5 The lymphoid nodules appear in the vermiform appendix about two weeks after birth6. In full term human fetus there is no obvious lymphoid tissue seen in the vermiform appendix but two well organized lymphoid nodules are observed within first two weeks and about 10-12 well organized and prominent lymphoid nodules are visible in transverse section of vermiform appendix of man of thirty two weeks old.7 As the age advances, the weight of the appendix decreases because number and size of lymphoid nodules reduces. In or near appendix, in any pathology, the primary and secondary immune response is high in young age. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College Rawalpindi from July 2011 to June 2013. In this study, a total of 40 normally looking surgically amputated vermiform appendix specimens were included. According to age, these specimens were divided into four equal groups. Each group consists of 10 specimens with spacing of 15 years between each group except the last group. Due to less availability of appendices, the last group ranges from 46-74 years. The groups were as follow: Group A: 0- 15 years Group B: 16-30 years Group C: 31-45 years Group D: 46-74 years The 5 micrometer thickness sectioning of tissue blocks with microtome made. The specimens stained with Haemotoxylin and Eosin. Only the results of middle part of the vermiform appendix are included in this study. The histological slides were examined under the light microscope after calibration of ocular micrometer. Procedure for measurement of the diameter of the lymphoid follicle The measurements were taken twice for each nodules, one was taken among the maximum transverse diameter and another at perpendicular to the first one. Then the number of micrometer divisions were multiplied by the correlation factor derived earlier keeping the magnification constant. Diameter of the lymphoid follicle was calculated as: Maximum transverse Diameter + Perpendicular diameter Diameter of lymphoid follicle = 2 By using the above formula the diameter of all lymphoid nodules of each slide were measured and then mean diameter of each slide calculated. Then the mean diameter of each group calculated as shown in the tables. Discussion At different age groups, the microanatomy of appendix is variable. The lumen size and wall thickness depends on number and diameter of lymphoid nodules. There are large numbers of lymphoid nodules in the vermiform appendix and it is a part of Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). It is proposed by Zahid A. that appendix perform to train immune system of the body for production of antibodies when exposed to antigen and also play a role in foetal development by manufacturing hormones.2 In this study, the highest number of lymphoid nodules (10.3) is in the group B (16- 30 years) and the lowest number of lymphoid nodules (3.8) is in the group D (46-74 years). In a Bangladesh study8, the highest number of lymphoid follicles was in age group up to 20 years and lowest in age group between 56-70 years and similarly the diameter of lymphoid follicles is highest in age group up to 20 years and lowest in age group of 56-70 years but the age grouping was somewhat different from our study. In another study, the highest average diameter of lymphoid follicles was found in group 0-20 years and lowest average diameter was found above 50 years age.9 The above referred study agreed with Borley5 and Arey.10 In another Bangladesh study11 the mean numbers of lymphoid nodules are less than half of our study. In old age, the numbers of the lymphoid nodules are reduced and these are replaced by fibrous tissue.11,12 It is observed in our study, that although the mean number of lymphoid nodules is lowest (3.8) in group D (45-74Years) but even at the ages of 60 years, 63 years, and 65 years, the number of lymphoid nodules are equivalent to some specimens of group A, B, and C. Even at the age of 74 years three lymphoid nodules were found. Although the lymphoid nodules and other structures in the wall of appendix are replaced by fibrous tissue in old age but normally it is also observed in many adults13. The germinal centers in most of the lymphoid nodules of human appendix are present in the children up to16 years of age but the number of germinal centers are less in adults and they are absent in the nodules in old age persons.14 In our study the germinal centers were not explored. Like the vermiform appendix, the Peyer’s patches (Lymphoid nodules) which are concentrated at distal 25cm of ileum are more numerous in young adults and they become less prominent as age advances.15, 16 Conclusion The lymphoid nodules decreased with advancing age but these were present even at the age of 74 years. The diameters of lymphoid nodules are remarkable except at advanced age. Ann. Pak. Inst. Med. Sci. 2014; 10(3): 161-1641

Essay --

The Effects of Cool- and Warm-Season Mites One of the most damaging, difficult to see and even harder to control invasive insect species is the mite. The vast majority of these plant-destroying insects fit into one of two categories: warm-season mites and cool-season mites. Both groups are characterized by their extremely small size and ability to swarm and damage plants quickly. Warm-season mites are only active during the spring and summer, while cool-season mites remain active throughout the colder days of spring and fall. Mite species are completely dormant in winter, though cool-season species can hatch on particularly warm days in January and February. Adult mites are generally oval-shaped and are less than a millimeter long. They often appear as very small red, white, green or brown dots, and can be difficult to detect against branches and leaves. One of the best ways to check for a cool- or warm-season mite infestation is to hold a sheet of white paper beneath a leaf and gently shake the branch. The tiny mites will drop onto the sheet and can be identified when they move. Plant-eating mites can be distinguished from predatory mites by squashing the mites and examining the streaks they produce. Green streaks indicate plant-damaging mites, while red or brown streaks indicate predatory mites. Predatory mites are helpful for controlling plant-eating mites, and should not be eradicated. Both cool- and warm-season mites affect a wide range of plants, including trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and fruiting plants, and can pose a significant control issue when present on indoor plants. Mites damage trees by sucking chlorophyll directly from the leaves and needles of trees, hindering the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. ... ...eep your plants healthy and protected. Mites are prone to attacking stressed or sick plants, so keeping your trees and shrubs fertilized and well-watered is imperative for ensuring plant protection. Another effective method is to simply hose the plant down with a powerful stream of water. This technique dislodges the mites, but must be done 3- to 4-times a day over a sustained period of time. The use of insecticides, such as Abacideâ„ ¢ 2 from Mauget, is recommended when large infestations can be observed using the white paper technique. Abacide 2 is an injectable, closed-system insecticide formulated to prevent damaging insect infestations. Late summer and fall applications help bolster the plant’s defenses against spring attacks. Abacide 2 is safe for use on nurseries, orchards, woodland and ornamental trees, public parks and commercial or residential properties.