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Unit 6 Reflection

       In this unit, we delved into the biotech field, meaning the ethics assoiciated with it, the fields it applys to, how it works, and some examples of it. The biotech field deals a lot with the ethics of altering natural things, and scientists' morals may influence their work in it. The biotechnology field is massive and its disciplines includes chemistry, engineering, molecular biology, nanotech, genetics and more! One example of it is PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction, an essential in biotech. It's used to make millions of copies of a sequence.
      This was the most interesting unit to me thus far, resulting in more strengths than ususal. I found the ethics of it very interesting, and I would consider that a strength. Understanding the technologies of it was a little more difficult, a setback if I had one. The applications of biotech were strengths for me, too.
      We did a lab on fluorescent bacteria, discovering how it is created and works. My favorite lab was the candy electrophoresis lab, where we tested the DNA of well known candies's food coloring against the common food colorings. My favorite part was inserting the candies's coloring into the gel with the micropipet.



From these labs, I learned through the examples how biotechnology can work. The gel electrophoresis can be used for fingerprinting, studying proteins or vaccines. For example, vaccines enhance humans and are considered biotech. The fluorescent bacteria enhances certain bacteria and allows them to survive in new environments, like in amphacilan. 
             I want to learn more about technologies in biotech. I will definitely read up on it and stay informed. 
            My goals were to be more organized and study better, and I achieved these goals by doing my textbook notes on the day they were assigned (I'm shocked too!). This really helped me deal with stress and understand the chapter better. With that said, I need to work on my organization. 

GEL ELECTROPHORESIS LAB: http://smerdonscience.blogspot.com/2017/01/candy-electrophoresis-lab.html
      

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