Unit 6 Reflection

In this unit we studied what biotechnology is and its purpose in our modern-day world. Some common themes included applications of biotechnology in the environmental, industrial, medical, agricultural, and diagnostic research fields. After many labs and vodcasts, we connected what we learned to actual scientific processes are used in different fields of study. We also confronted the issues of bioethics, recombined DNA, used enzymes in polymerase chain reactions, and used electricity in gel electrophoresis. I would definitely say that a weakness for me, in this unit, was relating the concepts I learned in my relate and reviews. I have never been previously exposed to any of these biotechnological concepts, making it challenging to both remember the information and relate it to things I have learned before. Practicing the gel electrophoresis lab online on a virtual lab the night before the classroom lab, was proven to be very successful for me. I found that when doing the lab the next day, I was familiar with the procedure and tools used, giving me an advantage.

This unit included recreating many of the biotech processes scientists' use in our very own classroom labs. We created models of recombinant DNA, experimented with gel electrophoresis, and transformed the DNA of bacteria to make them glow. From these experiences I now have a better understanding of things I encounter in my everyday life such as what it means when I go to the grocery store and see "non-GMO" labelled on food, or how they make lactose-free milk, or how the drugs my doctor prescribes for me are so effective. These are all results of altering the DNA or one or more organisms to benefit us as a society.

One section of biotechnology that we briefly covered in the technologies vodcast, was sequencing. I still wonder how we invented the technology to determine exact orders of DNA and how this process works. I also wonder how this process applies to other departments of science and every day life.

I have been very successful thus far in living out my new year's goals. One of my goals was to make a "to-do" list of everything I need to complete that night to make sure I get everything done in time and don't ever get behind on assignments or turn them in late. I have noticed that I gradually became lazier in being faithful to this daily task, and can improve on my consistency with my "to-do" list.