Plant Dissection
During our biology day, we started the day by working on our use of microscopes while observing different animal cells through different types of lenses. Getting more into the beauty that comes with nature, while observing the different types of animal cells, I noticed a broad spectrum of different types of beautiful patterns and potential art that comes with these different cells. Usually, when learning about science we don’t appreciate how beautiful and different nature is and how much work is put into it. From the physical appearance, texture, smell, and life that biology has to offer. It was such an enjoyable activity to see what nature has to offer. I hope shortly you are able to experience similar things as well.
Punnett Squares
After the lily dissection, we were introduced to Punnett squares. They are a way for us to predict and analyze what makes us all different. Since human genes are 99.9% similar to each other, it’s the difference between dominant and recessive genes. Punnett squares are a way to organize and find the percentage of the trait the next generation would most likely have. We do this by having every dominant gene capitalized and every recessive gene lowercase. We set it up in a box with four squares and separate them into whatever letters into the same box. Punnett squares were an interesting way to learn genotypes and phenotypes that could potentially help people who might give their children genetically mutated diseases that are recessive. This groundbreaking find was started with Reginald Punnett trying to figure out the difference between phenotypes in his plants.
Animal Dissection
Planarians are tiny organisms that play an important role in our aquatic ecosystems. One way we can observe these tiny creatures is by the use of microscopes. In today’s animal dissection part, we studied the movement, length, and width of the planarians. And feeding them eggs. It was wonderful to see their movement inside a microscope. At last, we conducted dissections to gain insight into their internal structure. Through today’s observation, we were able to the unique features of these fascinating organisms.
By: Lucas, Maddie, and Jenetta