James Farley

Underwood

11/7/07

D5

Log 3- Immortal Genes: Running in Place for Eons

Synopsis:

            The theory of evolution claims that microbes are the essential organisms from which many forms of other life stemmed from. In the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, many observations have been made concerning this hypothesis. A microbiologist by the name of Tom Brock was studying microbes found in hot springs. At a location known as Mushroom Spring, he collected samples documented to thriving at 163 degrees and above. It was in this habitat that the bacterium Thermus Aquaticus was discovered. Among other observations, Brock noted that colors of the filaments in the springs vary based on what organisms are living at varying temperatures. Due to the fact that different microbes are different colors, scientists have been able to see observe and estimate the temperature of the water based on the color of the microbe that inhabited it.

            Brock discovered that life existed in some of the most unseemingly hostile environments on the earth. This proof of life opened the door to further research and study in this area. Discovering activity in such an extreme environment brings the inquisitive mind to search for furthering reasoning as to why and how things happen the way they do. In this case, Brock followed the scientific process of questioning, observing, collecting and analyzing data for conclusions. Through this series of events, deductions were made as to the adaptive process of hyperthermophiles (the organisms studied).

            Carl Woese and George Fox, scholars at the University of Illinois, later discovered that these organisms were in a classification of their own. The Thermus Aquaticus were classified as Archae, not bacterium or eukaryotes. From the studies of these individuals, an enzyme was discovered that is now used to manufacture a catalyst that speeds the process of examining genes. This discovery saved costly amounts of time and effort in the data collection and analysis process. Discovery leads to greater innovation. Advancement in innovation produces greater efficiency in the scientific process of study and research.

            According to evolution, Archae and Eukaryotes are known as ancient microbes. These microbes supposedly hold the answer to many of science’s questions concerning the origins of evolution. One of the main focuses of study in this area consists of the examination of immortal genes. Immortal genes are the similar genes found in almost every living organism. By documenting the relations of genetic code between living organisms, it is easier to make inferences as to the cause and effects of the development of life, history, and origin of how organisms came to be and why they exist now in today’s environment.

            The vastness and magnitude of measuring DNA is immense and insurmountably difficult. DNA changes over time through what seems to be sporadic and uncontrollable genetic mutation. Mutations are often small changes which may lead to much larger differences over a long period of time. The code is so big that only pieces at a time can be studied to gain an idea of the larger overall picture of what is happening. Step by step, science has attempted to explain the immensely complex questions of the most inquisitive scientific minds.

            In short, DNA makes proteins. Translation is the process of copying the DNA to RNA. The DNA unzips in order to pair with the mRNA. After the DNA is successfully copied onto the mRNA, the mRNA moves out of the nucleus and into the ribosome. Once in the ribosome the mRNA is paired with tRNA base pairs carrying amino acids. These amino acids bond to the genetic sequence found on the mRNA to form a protein chain.  Translation is the processing of the RNA strand within the ribosome in order to manufacture proteins.

After the processes of DNA translation and transcription take place, the proteins are responsible for repairing, building, and maintaining the body. The processes of transcription and translation are collectively known as protein synthesis. Without protein synthesis, cell production will be impossible and eventually the bodies systems will begin to deteriorate because of lack of production.

Immortal genes serve as the foundation by which the body is built up. The genetic makeup of many living organisms are very similar. It is in these similarities that humans are aloud to benefit off organisms that they prey on. A simple example of this is when a human consumes food, enzymes in the saliva break down the food and the genetic make-up of amino acids is digested and used to remake more cells for the human. The processes of food consumption and protein synthesis are made possible by the similarities in the genetic makeup of the food being consumed.

Mutations are sometimes necessary for diversity in species to grow. By having diversity, in some cases, there is more chance for an organism to selectively adapt to a changing environment. Mutations themselves are caused by sequencing errors in the process of protein synthesis. Mutations can either have positive, negative or neutral effects.

Amino acids constitute a large part of physiological makeup. There are currently 14 amino acids that are found in all forms of life. Having the immortal genes as a basis of measurement is most beneficial for the scholarly analysis of scientist and student alike. Though natural selection is a significant factor to the theory of evolution, the immortal genes serve as a starting point to understanding the vast complexities of life.

It is ironic that something as small as a bacterium holds clues to understanding how and why things came to be the way they are. Many events that have been documented in the scientific realm have shown that so much has occurred “recently” compared when viewed from the overall timeframe of the age of the earth. In this case, a step has been made to better understand the world around us.

Take Away Idea

            What really struck me deep was realizing that I cannot take things for face value. In order to be inquisitive and really strike at the root and the depths of the truth, I must apply myself to digging deeper in order to find evidence. If I take things for granted, I cheat myself. Though I may not be great at applying this principle, I am still working towards it. Hopefully in the future I will have greater diligence and fervor to accomplish the challenges put forth before me with quality and skill.

Most Challenging Concepts

            Everything went well and I had minimal problems. The reading was concise and easy to understand. Good examples were provided. The diagrams were a helpful visual aid in understanding the concepts discussed in the book as well. All in all, the chapter was a very easy read and I enjoyed it.

A Seminar Question

            Are there different color spectrums for other animals, organisms, etc? In other words, do other organisms see the world differently than humans do?

Aesthetic Awareness

It’s important to appreciate life in all its aspects and forms. Aesthetic awareness creates the catalyst which drives further understanding. The appearance of the microbes was what the scientists first observed. Each of the microbes had different colors. Even though there were different colors, each of these colors led to the idea that maybe there was a visual relation to scientific evidence.

 The visual word needs to be observed in order to collect data. In this case, the color and temperature of these springs was documented. Since these observations were made, other scholars were able to glean from the findings. Further studies were then pursued as a direct result of the previous aesthetic research. Therefore, aesthetic awareness is essential to documenting and understanding the world around us.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the logical process by which understanding is formed. If individuals do not question and analyze the world around them, then progress and innovation will be deterred. Therefore, the skeptic must strive to answer and face even the most challenging of convictions. Searching is mandatory until the answer is found. Searching for truth is not just about the answer, it is about the journey also.

In the case of the hot springs, the scientists had to observe the natural habitat and environment. The scientists also observed the various colors of the microbes they found in their expedition. The question was then posed, why is there colored material on top of such hot water, what could possibly live, thrive, and survival in such a setting? Critical thinking was a huge process in this chapter. Without it, scientists would not have been able to deduct the conclusion that different color bacteria live at varying temperatures.

Connection

            The world is full of many fascinating occurrences. When I went to the Naturalist center, I was able to observe many species of birds and mammals. The diversity present was simply amazing.  I enjoy seeing “cool” things, especially when they pertain to science.  Reading about the different color microbes fascinated me. I hope that one day I can travel to the springs and see these organisms for myself.

Vocabulary

Thermophilic- species thriving in hot water

Thermus aquaticus- species of microbe that lives in hot water

Proteins- molecules which perform functions in maintaining, repairing and reproducing cells in the body

Key Concepts

Things are not what they seem- much of science is being able to analyze beyond the surface level.

Immortal genes- 14 amino acids serve as the basis for studying the process of mutation because they are found in every life form

Mutation, natural selection and variation- mutations occur, natural selection “randomly” chooses a trait, variation occurs

Bibliography

The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of  Evolution by Sean Carroll, W.W. Norton; Reprint edition (September 10, 2007)