Sunday, January 11, 2009

(Form 4) Dynamic Ecosystem

PREY-PREDATOR
This interaction (+,-) occurs when an organism, the prey, is hunted and eaten by a stronger and bigger organism called the predator.



COMPETITION
You can read more about this interaction here, though it is a bit complicating.





Please read more from pg. 253 to 254 of your text book.

Maktab Nasional Cross Country 2009

Well, these are some of my collection of photos taken during MN's cross country in Bukit Padang on 10 January 2009 (7.00 - 8.45 am). I'm happy that all my students from F5C turned up *smiles* Well done, Yellow Lamborghini for securing first and second place in cross-country race.















Till then... Pax et bonum~

Friday, January 9, 2009

(Form 5) Film Biography of Gregor Mendel

Hi all~ Here's a film biography of Gregor Mendel.

(Form 5) Gregor Mendel Rap

I found this rap about Gregor Mendel very informative and amusing. Do check it out yourselves! :) Have fun with Genetics, people!~~~

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

(Form 4) Dynamic Ecosystem

SYMBIOSIS
Definition: a close interaction between two different species which live together and interact with each other for an extended period of time

Commensalism (+,0) is a interaction where the commensal partner benefits while the other (host) derives neither benefit nor harm.

Example of commensalism: Clown fish and sea anemones



Read more about "commensalism" in your text book (pg. 251)

Mutualism (+,+) is a relationship between two species of organisms in which both organism benefits.

Example of mutualism: Bird and water buffalo



Read more about "mutualism" in your text book (pg. 252)

Parasitism (+,-) is a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits while the other is harmed.

Example of parasitism: Rafflesia sp.



Read more about "parasitism" in your text book (pg. 252)

Saprophytism is a type of interaction in which living organisms obtain food from dead and decaying organic matter.

Example of saprophytism: mushrooms



Read more about "saprophytism in your text book (pg. 253)

(Form 5) Variations and Inheritance - Terms / Definitions

Dear students of 5J and 5C,

Here's the list of terms explained during our lessons this week:
  • Gene: a unit of inheritance
  • Alleles: an alternate form of gene
  • Dominant: an allele that masks the expression of another allele
  • Recessive: an allele whose expression is masked by the activity of another allele
  • Codominant: alleles that are both expressed in the heterozygote
  • Autosome: a non-sex chromosome
  • Genotype: genetic constitution of an individual
  • Phenotype: observable expression of a genotype
  • Heritability: the proportion of a trait attributable to heredity
  • Heterozygous: possessing two different alleles for a particular gene
  • Homozygous: possessing two identical alleles for a particular gene
  • Independant assortment: random organization of chromosome homologs during metaphase I of meiosis I
  • Segregation: allele separation during meiosis
  • Law of segregation: Mendel's principle stating that one of each gene pair is placed in a separate gamete
  • Mutant: a phenotype or allele that is not most common for a certain gene in a population or has been altered from the normal condition
  • Pedigrees: a chart showing relationships of relatives and which ones have a particular trait
  • Polygenic: a trait caused by more than one gene
  • Punnett square: a device used to diagram the various possible genetic results of combining gametes
  • Wild-type: the most common phenotype or allele for a certain gene in a population
  • Pure breed: the plant carries two genes that are the same for a particular trait and these genes are passed on from the plant to the progeny through self-fertilization only
For those who are using the old Success (green book), you can start reading from the start of the chapter until dihybrid inheritance.

For those who have the new Success, you can refer to Pg. 518 for the list of terms.

From the Desk of a Biology Teacher

Hi All,

I've started this blog so that it's easier for me to transfer ICT info on our subject to you all. I'm kinda new at blogging so just bear with the simplicity of the blog. Smiles, people, for Biology is simpler than you think it is.

Since the other day I spoke about twins formation with 4M, here's a vidz on it...



There will be more to come... Please check frequently.

Homework Reminder to Form 4M:
The steps involved in a scientific investigation