strayer sci115 week 5 and week 6 discussions

"Cells and Cancer and Sexual Reproduction" Please respond to the following:

Note: Online students, please respond to one (1) of the following four (4) bulleted items.

• Go to the Science Blogs Website and read the blog post titled “Dichloroacetate and cancer”. Explain how the blog post ties in with this week’s lessons. Indicate three (3) significant ways this post tells us about the link between metabolism, apoptosis, and cancer, and provide an example with your response.
• Go to the Postcards from Winticomack Website and read the blog post titled, “Using genetically-modified bacteria to fight cancer at Johns Hopkins”. Discuss the main point of the article. Determine at least three (3) benefits of the genetically modified bacteria described in the article. Give your opinion on what risks the genetically modified bacteria may pose to those receiving the cancer treatments.
• Describe the major differences between Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Explain what you believe is the most significant difference in respect to sexual reproduction, and explain why.
• Discuss the advantages of sexual reproduction in plants over asexual reproduction. Determine if there are any disadvantages, and explain why or why not.

"Inheritance and Genetic Engineering" Please respond to the following:

Note: Online students, please respond to one (1) of the following four (4) bulleted items.

• Compare and contrast the Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance. Describe what you believe is the most significant difference, and explain why.

• In 1918, an influenza pandemic that originated with avian flu killed 50 million people. Researchers isolated samples of that virus from bodies of infected people preserved in Alaskan permafrost since 1918. From the samples, they sequenced the viral genome, and then reconstructed the virus. The reconstructed virus is 39,000 times more infectious than modern influenza strains, and 100 percent lethal in mice. Understanding how this virus works can help us defend ourselves against other deadly influenza strains that arise. For example, discovering what makes it so infectious would help researchers design more effective vaccines. Consider this statement: Critics of the research are concerned that if the virus escapes the containment facilities (even though it has not done so yet), it might cause another pandemic. Worse, terrorists could use the published DNA sequence and methods to make the virus for horrific purposes. Determine whether or not you believe this research makes us more or less safe, and explain why. Propose at least one (1) other application these discoveries could be used for.

• Go to one (1) of the Websites below to read the article of your choice. Discuss the main point of the article you chose to read. Determine at least three (3) benefits of the genetically modified organism(s) described in the article. Give your opinion about what risks the genetically modified organisms pose to society, and justify how non-scientist citizens can arrive at an informed opinion in such matters.

-"Synthetic Life: the Revolution Begins"

-"Engineering Food for All"

• Go to The New York Times Website to read the article titled “Concerns are raised about genetically-engineered mosquitos”, dated October 30. In your own words, summarize the pros and cons of using genetically engineered insects to control pests. Determine if you would be for or against the use of genetically engineered insects in your neighborhood, and explain why.