Bio-Zero

Biology - Zero Seminar

The journey from nothing to everything.

Genetic Engineering
The Ultimate weapon: CRISPR-Cas9
To cure genetic diseases.

CRISPR: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. These are short, repetitive sequences of DNA found in the genomes of bacteria and other microorganisms. They were named for the unique organization of short, partially palindromic repeated DNA sequences.

Cas9: CRISPR-associated protein 9. Cas9 is an enzyme that is part of the CRISPR system. It acts as molecular scissors capable of cutting DNA at specific locations, enabling precise gene editing.

Planetary Wellbeing
Super population + macro cities
Anthropocene - contamination (micro-plastics, hormones, VOC) and Element exhaustion (lithium, phosphorus)
Global - Local (nuts, avocados, mosquitos)
Climate Change - Climate Refugees + Internet CO2

Planetary well-being is a concept that focuses on the health and sustainability of the entire planet, including its ecosystems, natural resources, and the well-being of all living organisms, including humans. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and aims to ensure a healthy and thriving planet for current and future generations. Here are some key aspects and examples of planetary well-being:

1. Environmental Conservation: Protecting and preserving natural habitats, reducing pollution, and promoting biodiversity to ensure the long-term health of the planet. For example, initiatives to save endangered species or the creation of protected marine areas to conserve ocean ecosystems.

2. Sustainable Resource Management: Managing Earth's resources (such as water, forests, and minerals) in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For instance, sustainable logging practices in forests or responsible water management to prevent depletion.

3. Climate Action: Mitigating climate change through efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to its impacts. Examples include the transition to renewable energy sources, reforestation to capture carbon, and urban planning for resilience to extreme weather events.

4. Social Equity: Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental and social well-being, and ensuring that all communities have access to clean air, water, and other resources. This may involve addressing environmental justice issues in marginalized communities.

5. Circular Economy: Promoting a circular economy that minimizes waste, reuses materials, and reduces the consumption of finite resources. This can include practices like recycling, upcycling, and reducing single-use plastics.

6. Conservation of Oceans: Protecting marine ecosystems, combating overfishing, and reducing plastic pollution in the oceans to maintain the health of these vital ecosystems.

7. Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging environmentally friendly farming practices that prioritize soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and promote biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

8. Global Cooperation: Recognizing that planetary well-being is a global issue, and international cooperation is essential to address challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and the equitable distribution of resources.

9. Sustainable Transportation: Promoting cleaner and more efficient transportation systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, such as the development of electric vehicles and public transportation.

10. Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness and educating individuals about the importance of planetary well-being and the actions they can take in their daily lives to support a sustainable planet.

Planetary well-being recognizes that human well-being is closely tied to the health of the planet and strives to balance economic, social, and environmental concerns to create a sustainable and harmonious future for all.

Growing Bacteria

The bacteria-growing activity on day one of the Biology Zero seminar offered a hands-on experience that complemented the theoretical knowledge gained earlier in the day. The objective was to cultivate bacteria in a petri dish and explore the effects of contamination. This practical application aimed to deepen our understanding of laboratory procedures and the importance of sterile techniques in microbiology.

In the activity, we were divided into groups, each assigned specific roles. My group took on the task of creating the jelly that served as the growth medium for bacteria. We formulated a yeast medium lab jelly, a crucial element in providing the necessary nutrients for bacterial growth. The process involved a careful combination of ingredients, considering the optimal conditions for bacterial proliferation.

Once the jelly mixture was prepared, the next step involved sterilization. Placing the mixture in a pressure cooker ensured the elimination of any pre-existing microorganisms, maintaining a controlled environment for our experiment. During this sterilization phase, we meticulously labeled the petri dishes, preparing them for the subsequent steps in the experiment.

Once the sterilization was complete, we cautiously poured the agar into the petri dishes, ensuring that the invisible layer of sterilization was not compromised. This step was crucial to create an environment conducive to bacterial growth while preventing external contamination. The petri dishes were then refrigerated for a few hours, allowing the agar to solidify and set the stage for bacterial colonization.

Analyzing the bacterial growth

Once the petri dishes were ready, we contaminated them with our chosen bacteria. We had contaminated the dishes with hair, lip pigment, leaf, spit, blood and tear drop. After the contamination, we put the petri dishes in the incubator to let the bacteria grow for 24 hours.

Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms (microbes), which are defined as any living organism that is either a single cell or a cell cluster. This includes fungi, protists, and Monera.

Viruses, though not strictly classified as living organisms, are also studied within these fields. As well as immunology.

Classification
Microorganisms can be classified into several groups based on different criteria. Here are some common classifications:

1. Based on Cell Type:
- Prokaryotes: Microorganisms with cells that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Examples include bacteria and archaea.
- Eukaryotic: Microorganisms with cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Examples include fungi, protists, and algae.

2. Based on Organism Type:
- Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms with diverse shapes and sizes.
- Archaea: Prokaryotic microorganisms that often inhabit extreme environments.
- Fungi: Eukaryotic microorganisms, including molds and yeasts, that obtain nutrients through absorption.
- Protists: Diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, including amoebas and algae.
- Viruses: Non-cellular entities that require a host cell for reproduction.

3. Based on Oxygen Requirement:
- Aerobes: Microorganisms that require oxygen for growth.
- Anaerobes: Microorganisms that grow in the absence of oxygen.
- Facultative Anaerobes: Microorganisms that can grow with or without oxygen.

4. Based on Shape:
- Cocci: Spherical-shaped microorganisms.
- Bacilli: Rod-shaped microorganisms.
- Spirilla: Spiral-shaped microorganisms.

5. Based on Nutrition:
- Autotrophs: Microorganisms that can produce their own food.
- Heterotrophs: Microorganisms that rely on external sources for nutrition.

6. Based on Disease Association:
- Pathogens: Microorganisms that cause diseases in their hosts.
- Non-pathogens: Microorganisms that do not cause diseases in their hosts.

Microscope Study

1. Light Source: It all starts with a light source, typically located at the base of the microscope. This light sends rays upward through the specimen.

2. Condenser Lens: The condenser lens is like a concentrator, focusing and directing the light through the specimen. It helps create a well-lit and sharp image.

3. Specimen: This is what you're trying to observe, whether it's a tiny organism, a cell, or a thin slice of material.

4. Objective Lens: The objective lens is the primary magnifying lens. It takes the light that passes through the specimen and magnifies it, creating a bigger and more detailed image.

5. Ocular Lens (Eyepiece): This is the lens you look through. It further magnifies the image produced by the objective lens.

The combined magnification of the objective and ocular lenses gives you the overall magnification. For example, if you have a 10x objective lens and a 10x eyepiece, you get a total magnification of 100x

Microorganisms play a crucial role in our world, often unseen by the naked eye but wielding immense influence on life as we know it. The study of these microscopic organisms has been greatly facilitated by the invention and advancement of microscopes. These powerful tools enable scientists to delve into the intricate world of microorganisms, unlocking valuable insights that have far-reaching implications.

One of the paramount lessons I have learned through exploring microorganisms and utilizing microscopes is the vast diversity of life at the microscopic level. From bacteria and archaea to fungi and protozoa, these tiny organisms contribute significantly to various ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling and decomposition. Moreover, many microorganisms are pivotal in sustaining life by playing crucial roles in the digestive systems of animals and humans.

Understanding the significance of microorganisms has broader implications, especially in fields like medicine and biotechnology. The study of microbes has led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the development of antibiotics, vaccines, and various biotechnological applications. Recognizing the role of microorganisms in disease and health has been instrumental in advancing medical science and improving public health practices.

Microscopes have been indispensable in this journey of discovery. They have allowed scientists to peer into a world that was once hidden from view, revealing intricate structures and behaviors that shape ecosystems and impact human life. The ability to observe and analyze microorganisms at the cellular and molecular levels has paved the way for advancements in genetic engineering, molecular biology, and countless other scientific disciplines.

In my exploration of microorganisms and the use of microscopes, I have gained a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth. The unseen world of microbes, teeming with activity and diversity, influences macroscopic ecosystems and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Moreover, the study of microorganisms has taught me humility, emphasizing that there is still much to discover and understand about the microscopic realm that surrounds us.

In conclusion, the importance of microorganisms and the role of microscopes in their study cannot be overstated. These tiny entities shape the world in ways we are only beginning to comprehend, and microscopes serve as windows into this fascinating and complex realm. Through this exploration, I have learned not only about the intricacies of microbial life but also about the profound impact that understanding the microscopic world can have on various scientific and practical domains.

BIOLOGY ZERO

The science of micro-organisms.

Biology - Zero Seminar

Growing Bacteria

Analyzing the bacterial growth

Microbiology

Microscope Study

GMO Assignment

Reflection