Week 11 - Reflecting On Learning

 Recall that reflecting on what you have learned and how you learned those things is a critical process for strengthening synapses, and therefore strengthening memories.  Think broadly about your Bio 40A experiences, going all the way back to the first day of class and extending through the present.  Take plenty of time to reflect and consider...

1.     the coursework and Canvas assignments you completed
2.     our on-campus meetings
3.     your interactions with classmates and with me
4.     any new skills, strategies, attitudes, or mindsets you have developed
5.     relevant conversations you've had with friends and family
6.     any other official or unofficial experiences related to your participation in Bio 40A over the last 11 weeks!

As you reflect on the above, compose a 500 word or more reflection on the prompt...

    What from Bio 40A do you think you will remember and continue to use/practice/act on years from now?
    Why did you choose those things?
    How do you think you learned those things?

There are absolutely no right or wrong answers and nothing would please me more than to see a wide range of ideas from one student to the next!  You will receive credit based on...

    4 points - Writing at least 500 words (your word count will be displayed in the bottom right as you type)
    8 points - Providing details, examples, and a candid analysis of your experiences, personal progress, anticipated memories, and applications of what you've learned going forward

In this class]

• I realling like learning on case scanerio , it really helpful think out of the box which help me improve critical thinking.
• researching on the internet and discuss with the classmate .
• engage in meaningful discussions with classmates.
•  

Lab experiences 

in the past i was afraid the lab

not familier about using microscopes don't know how to adjust the magnifier .

I felt not enough to practice in lab 

I purchase small not expensive microsocope and practice 

 confident on using microscopes  

now i am enjoying using microscopes 

fell in love study in with science 

Overcoming the initial fear and unfamiliarity with microscopes, I took the initiative to practice and become confident in using them. Lab hand on assignment not only improved my skills but also sparked a love for science. Lab hands-on experience help me transform apprehension into enjoyment and passion for learning science. I love to continue to explore the microscopic world.

In my earlier years, I harbored a fear of science. Science classes used to make my heart race, especially when I started learning biological concepts in high school. When I started learning Biology 40A in college, I noticed that my fear of the subject had diminished compared to high school. Perhaps the teaching approach played a significant role in making science enjoyable for me. The teaching methods seemed to foster a newfound appreciation for learning science. Biology 40A covers human anatomy and physiology. It delves into the fascinating world of cells, tissues, organs, and systems within the human body. I enjoyed participation in both classroom and online activities. I find learning through case scenarios is truly beneficial. It encourages me to think outside the box and enhances critical thinking skills. In class activity research on specific scenarios and case study online, broadening my understanding. Engaging in meaningful discussions with classmates enriches my learning experience. Collaborating with peers provides diverse perspectives and fosters deeper understanding. Another thing is that regular assessments, quizzes, and feedback loops help me gauge my progress and identify areas for improvement.

Overcoming the initial fear with the lab because I was unfamiliar with using microscopes. I purchased a little microscope and diligently practiced, which help me not only boosted my confidence but also ignited a genuine love for science. Lab hand on assignment not only improved my skills but also sparked a love for science. Lab hands-on experience helps me transform apprehension into enjoyment and passion for learning science. I’m eagerly looking forward to delving deeper into the microscopic realm next semester as I explore Biology 40B, 40C, and the fascinating field of microbiology.
In the class of Biology 40A, I forged more than just scientific knowledge. I honed my analytical skills, navigated complex concepts, and discovered the art of inquiry. Beyond textbooks and lab reports, I unearthed the power of active engagement, self-reflection, and continuous feedback. These lessons, like seeds planted in fertile soil, will bear fruit throughout my academic and personal voyage. Armed with curiosity and resilience, I set sail—a lifelong learner charting uncharted waters

Macrophages

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell of the innate immune system that engulf and digest pathogens, such as cancer cells, microbes, cellular debris, and foreign substances, which do not have proteins that are specific to healthy body cells on their surface. This process is called phagocytosis, which acts to defend the host against infection and injuryhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrophage.

Week 11 - Organ System Connections

 I would choose about the skin should be considered an immune system organ. At the beginning of learning anatomy, I simply thought that the skin is the outermost layer and largest system which covering and protecting from exposure of external elements. The skin acts as a formidable physical barrier, shielding us from external threats, such as pathogens, toxins, and harmful UV radiation. I am more focused on other vital organs, but I underestimate and overlooked how our skin is doing an amazing job performing in immune response for our body. After reading Dr. Gigli's articles how she explored the immune system functions of skin cells, I explored deeper how skin deeply relates to immune response. I have learned that the skin has intricate complexity and multifunctionality in immune response. The skin plays a vital role in our immunological significance, and it functioned in immune defense.
                      The skin defends against infections and toxins. Keratinocytes cells located in the epidermis act as express receptors immune cells that constantly monitor for invaders. When detecting pathogens, it triggers inflammation. Keratinocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells work together to detect pathogens and maintain tissue balance. According to the Rachel Cotton is a PhD student in the Immunology Program at Harvard stating in her article that “keratinocytes produce some antimicrobial peptides that control resident microorganisms on the skin”.      
                  Macrophages, the versatile immune cells, play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and arranging immune responses within the skin. Macrophages are voracious phagocytes, they digest cellular debris, pathogens, and foreign particles. Macrophages are immune conductors, shaping responses across diverse organ systems for examples  phagocytose dead neurons, modulate inflammation, and contribute to brain repair, hepatic macrophages (Kupffer cells) reside in the liver, alveolar macrophages patrol lung airspaces.
                Dendritic cells capture and present antigens. They differ in markers, location, migratory pathways, and immunological function. Dendritic cell can stimulate hundreds to thousands of T cells and interact with other T cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells. Rachel Cotton stating in her research summary that “The skin is home to roughly 20 billion T cells .Greater than 95% percent of T cells in the skin have a “memory” phenotype, meaning that these cells have already experienced their cognate antigen, and are poised to rapidly respond to that antigen again”. According to the research finding stating that the skin isn’t just an outer layer; it’s a dynamic interface connecting our sensory experiences to the central nervous system.
             Melanocytes played not only for skin pigmentation, it also actively functioned in innate immunity, which actively mediate immune responses, performed in sensory perception, and synchronize with our inner rhythms. According to Rachel Cotton,PhD student in the Immunology Program at Harvard University, stating in her article that “Langerhans cells are the first immune cell which response to any pathogen that invading the skin”.
              In conclusion, the skin isn’t just a passive covering; it’s a vigilant immune sentinel, tirelessly working to keep us safe. Dr. Gigli’s and Rachel Cotton,PhD Harvard University student’s  research opened my eyes to the skin’s hidden complexities of immune response. Skin-derived immune cells not only modulate local responses but also impact systemic inflammation.When I look at my skin, I see that skin is not just an outer layer but a vital player in our body’s defense—after relating with the research articles; I will explain that the skin played a vital role for our immune system.

Application question 14

 

Step 2: Chemical & Cellular Explanation

2a) Please describe what happens with ATP inside muscle cells in this condition, in your own words?

2b) Describe how those changes in ATP will impact the sarcomere and contraction.

 

Please answer the above questions and label your responses as 2a), 2b), etc. Please keep your answers to 1-2 SENTENCES per question to describe what may be going on!

 Step 2: Chemical & Cellular Explanation
Perform additional research on...

2a) Please explain what happens with ATP inside muscle cells in this condition, in your own words?

2b) Describe how those changes in ATP will impact the sarcomere and contraction.

 

Answers:

2a) In rhabdomyolysis, ATP becomes depleted from a) sustained contraction and b) overactive ATP-dependent membrane proteins.

2b) Due to abnormal depletion of ATP during rhabdomyolysis, ATP cannot detach the myosin head from actin. This causes a sustained contractile state of the sarcomere.

application question 12

 I would like to explain to Luis that, bone growth and elongation are made by the chondrocyte and osteoblast. Especially chondrocytes are dividing and lengthening at the end of the bone before puberty and we notice our height is taller. Estrogen hormone released at the stage of puberty, and that hormone shortens the life of the chondrocytes that causes the stopping of the bone length. When the bone elongation is terminated, osteoblasts start to bind with calcium phosphate to harden the bone. Therefore, we noticed that the height stops at the puberty stage and no longer gets taller. 

           I will explain to Luis that when we grow up the chondrocytes actively make new cartilage, which is ultimately transformed into bone by another type of cell known as osteoblasts. 

Chondrocytes are specialized cells found in the growth plates of our bones.Before puberty, chondrocytes divide and contribute to bone lengthening.The estrogen hormone released during puberty that triggered shortens the life of chondrocytes, leading to the cessation of bone elongation.At this stage, osteoblasts take over, binding calcium phosphate to harden the bone. Osteoblasts work hard to create new bone tissue, which lengthens  long bones and contributing to our height.As a result, our height stops at puberty, and we no longer grow taller. Luis's bones settled into their final dimensions, and that’s why he hasn’t experienced significant height changes.

  When puberty start the bodies begin manufacturing estrogen  hormones. The estrogen hormone circulate in our blood when it reach to highest level , which effectively instructs our bone receptors to shut down.