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This is me playing and jumping to block the ball.

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My name is Maddy Gillespie and I am 14 years old. I love playing volleyball and my favorite school subject is math. This year I tried out for the Upper Dublin girls volleyball team and made it. I was number 20 and I played the front middle position.

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This Picture was taken at my 7th birthday party.

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I was born on June 5, 2007. My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. they support me in anything I do. I have tried many sports in my life like basketball, softball, dance, cheer, but I did not love any of them as much as volleyball.

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This is me, my mom, step dad, sister, and brother last year on thanksgiving

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My family that I live with consists of me my mom my stepdad and my little brother and sister. My parents split when I was very young and my mom remarried and had my sister and brother. I don't know how I would live without them. they support me in everything I do and every decision I make. my mom pushes me to be the best I can be and my dad does too.

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I have many goals for this year and the years beyond. One is that at the end of the year I hope to remember all the stuff I have been taught and carry that throughout my 4 years in high school and maybe even college. My strategies are making flashcards and reading everything from that day over and having someone quiz me or quiz me.

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In this unit, we talked about the Scientific Method, Characteristics of Life, Scientific Theories, and Multicellular Life. To study all this and learn about it we did many CERs and Experiments.

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1. Organization Within Multicellular Life
I learned that the levels of the organization of multicellular life are Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, and Organism. I learned this by using the CK-12 textbook and the study guides Mrs. Winship made for us.

2. Characteristics of Life

The characteristics of life are that all life is made up of small units called cells, all life responds to the environment, all life has DNA inside its cells, all life needs to be able to make more cells, this results in both growing and developing and reproduction, all life evolves, all life maintains a stable internal environment, and all life must have a way to get energy and matter to stay alive. I learned this by using the CK-12 textbook and finding more stuff to study online.

3. Scientific Theories
The three scientific theories are the Theory of Evolution, the Cell Theory, and the Germ Theory.  A hypothesis can also become a theory because if it is thoroughly tested and passes all tests, ensuring that there are no lingering problems with it, it can become a theory. I learned this by using the CK-12 textbook and finding more stuff to study online.

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I need to know this because this will teach me how complex the world around us is and how complex life is.

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In this unit, we talked about Prokaryote and Eukaryotic Cells, Parts of the Cell, Cytoplasm, and Cytoskeleton, Nucleus, Ribosomes and Mitochondria, Cell Structure, Plant Cell Structure, Cell Organization.

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1. Parts of the Cell
The four most common parts of the cell are DNA, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and the plasma membrane. I learned this by using the CK-12 textbook.

2. Ribosomes and Mitochondria
Ribosomes are small organelles and are the sites of protein synthesis. They are made of ribosomal protein and ribosomal RNA and are found in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Mitochondria is an organelle in eukaryotic cells that makes energy available to the cell in the form of ATP molecules. I learned this by using the CK-12 textbook and the other stuff in Mrs. Winship's resources folder.

3. Cytoplasm and Cytoskeleton
The cytoplasm consists of everything inside the plasma membrane of the cell, excluding the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell. It includes the watery, gel-like material called cytosol, as well as various structures. The functions of the cytoplasm are suspending cell organelles, pushing against the plasma membrane to help the cell keep its shape, and providing a site for many of the biochemical reactions of the cell. The cytoskeleton is a cellular skeleton that crisscrosses the cytoplasm. Three main kinds of cytoskeleton fibers are microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments. Three main kinds of cytoskeleton fibers are microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments. I learned this by using the CK-12 textbook and finding more stuff to study online.

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I need to know this because they provide structure for the body, take in nutrients from our food, convert those into energy, and carry out specialized functions like controlling the activities of the cell(nucleus). Cells also contain the body's hereditary material and can make copies of themselves. Cells have many parts, and they each have a different function.

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In this unit we talked about ecology, energy flow, matter cycles, interactions, and biomes to study all this I used my CK12 textbook and the labs we did.

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1. Interactions
There are two different types of interactions, competition, and predation. Predation is a relationship in which members of one species, the predator, consume members of another species. Competition is a relationship between organisms that strive for the same resources in the same place. There are two different types of competition. The intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species, and interspecific competition occurs between members of different species.

2. Symbiosis
There are three main types of symbiosis mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Mutualism is when two species benefit, commensalism is where one species benefits and the other is not affected, parasitism is where one species benefits while the other species is harmed.

3. Climate and Weather
Rain, wind, and temperature are all part of the climate. Climate is the average weather in an area over a long period while the weather refers to the conditions of the atmosphere from day today. Climate is generally described in terms of temperature and moisture.

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I need to know this because it provides new knowledge of how to maintain clean air and water, and sustain biodiversity in a changing climate.

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In this unit we learned about Atoms and Bonding, Bonding in Carbon, Ionic Bonding, Water and Life, Acids and Bases, Significance of Carbon, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids, Proteins, Biochemical Reaction, Energy and Biochemical Reactions, types of Biochemical Reactions, Enzymes, and Enzyme Function. To study all this I used my CK12 textbook and the labs we did.

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In this unit, we learned about DNA Details, Protein Synthesis, Mutations, and Gene Regulation. I studied this by using my CK12 textbook and the labs we did.

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In this unit, we learned about Reproduction, Chromosomes, Details of Asexual Reproduction, Details of Sexual Reproduction, and Life Cycle. to study this I used my CK12 textbook the labs we did in class, and the worksheets we did in class and for homework.

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1. Lipids
A biochemical compound such as fat or oil contains oxygen in addition to carbon and hydrogen and is made up of long carbon chains called fatty acids. Lipids may consist of fatty acids alone, or they may contain other molecules as well. For example, some lipids contain alcohol or phosphate groups. They include

triglycerides: the main form of stored energy in animals.

phospholipids: the major components of cell membranes.

steroids: serve as chemical messengers and have other roles.

2. Enzymes
Enzymes are the biological substances (proteins) that act as catalysts and help complex reactions occur everywhere in life. Enzymes are involved in most of the biochemical reactions that take place in organisms. About 4,000 such reactions are known to be catalyzed by enzymes, but the number may be even higher. Enzymes allow reactions to occur at the rate necessary for life.

3. Proteins
A protein is an organic compound made up of small molecules called amino acids, the monomers of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids commonly found in the proteins of living organisms. Small proteins may contain just a few hundred amino acids, whereas large proteins may contain thousands of amino acids. The largest known proteins are titans, found in muscle, which are composed of over 27,000 amino acids.

A protein may have up to four levels of structure. The complex structures of different proteins give them unique properties.

Enzymes are proteins that speed up biochemical reactions in cells. Antibodies are proteins that target pathogens for destruction.

4. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the most common type of organic compound. A carbohydrate is an organic compound such as sugar or starch and is used to store energy. Like most organic compounds, carbohydrates are built of small, repeating units that form bonds with each other to make a larger molecule. In the case of carbohydrates, the small repeating units are called monosaccharides. Carbohydrates contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

A monosaccharide, the monomer of carbohydrates, is a simple sugar, such as fructose or glucose.

Complex carbohydrates have two main functions: storing energy and forming structures of living things.

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I need to know about this because the chemistry of Life contributes to society by discovering molecular processes and drugs to diagnose and treat disease Major breakthroughs within Chemistry of Life often require highly interdisciplinary research.

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1. Mutations
A change in the sequence of bases in DNA is called a mutation. Mutations are essential for evolution to occur and are the source of all new genetic material - new alleles - in a species. Most mutations have no effect on the organisms in which they occur, but some mutations are beneficial. Even harmful mutations rarely cause drastic changes in organisms. Two major categories of mutations are germline mutations and somatic mutations. In gametes, germline mutations arise. These mutations are particularly important since they can be passed down to progeny, with the mutation present in every cell of the offspring. Other cells in the body can also be affected by somatic mutations. Because these mutations are limited to just one cell and its offspring cells, they may have little impact on the organism. Somatic mutations cannot be transmitted down to the next generation.

2. Gene Expression
There are at least 20,000 genes in each of your cells. All of your cells, in fact, share the same genes. Do your cells all produce the same proteins? Clearly not. If they did, all of your cells would look the same. Rather, you'll find cells with various architectures and purposes. This is due to the fact that various cells produce different proteins. They accomplish this by using or expressing various genes. Gene expression is the process of using a gene to produce a protein. Gene expression is regulated to ensure that the right proteins are produced at the right time and in the right place. From the initiation of transcription until the processing of a protein after translation, regulation can occur at any step in the expression of a gene. The stages where gene expression is controlled are listed below:

Chemical and structural modification of DNA or chromatin

Transcription

Translation

Post-transcriptional modification

RNA transport

mRNA degradation

Post-translational modifications

3. DNA Structure
After DNA was found to be the genetic material, scientists wanted to learn more about it. James Watson and Francis Crick are given credit for discovering that DNA has a double helix shape, like a spiral staircase. The discovery was based on the prior work of Rosalind Franklin and other scientists, who had used X-rays to learn more about DNA’s structure.

4. DNA Replication
DNA replication is the process in which DNA is copied. It occurs during the synthesis (S) phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle. Enzymes, catalytic proteins, are needed in order for a cell to do this process quickly and efficiently. Some of the main enzymes involved include:

helicase

primase

DNA polymerases

ligase.

5. Leading and Lagging Strands
DNA polymerase reads the parent strand in the 3' to 5' direction. This happens smoothly on one strand, known as the leading strand. As helicase opens the double helix, DNA polymerase can build continuously. The other lagging strand is built in small chunks, called Okazaki fragments. Ultimately two new strands are built that are identical.

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1.  Chromosomes
Chromosomes are coiled structures made of DNA and proteins. They are the form of the genetic material of a cell during cell division. During other phases of the cell cycle, DNA is not coiled into chromosomes, instead, it exists as a grainy material called chromatin. The DNA of a chromosome is encoded with genetic instructions for making proteins. These instructions are organized into units called genes. Human cells are made up of 46 chromosomes - there are 23 chromosomes in each cell, for a total of 46 per cell. Each chromosome in one set is matched by a chromosome of the same type in the other set. The chromosomes in a pair are known as homologous chromosomes, they contain the same genes, but different alleles.

2.  The Life Cycle
Sexual reproduction occurs in a cycle. Diploid parents produce haploid gametes that unite and develop into diploid adults, which repeat the cycle. This series of life stages and events that a sexually reproducing organism goes through is called its life cycle. Sexually reproducing organisms can have different types of life cycles.

The haploid life cycle is the simplest life cycle. It is found in many single-celled eukaryotic organisms. Organisms with a haploid life cycle spend the majority of their lives as haploid gametes. When the haploid gametes fuse, they form a diploid zygote. It quickly undergoes meiosis to produce more haploid gametes that repeat the life cycle.

Organisms with a diploid life cycle spend the majority of their lives as diploid adults. When they are ready to reproduce, they undergo meiosis and produce haploid gametes. Gametes then unite in fertilization and form a diploid zygote, which immediately enters G₁ of the cell cycle. Next, the zygote's DNA is replicated. Finally, the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis produce two genetically identical diploid cells.

3. Cell Division
Cell division is the process in which one cell divides to form two new cells. How this happens depends on whether the cell is called a prokaryote or eukaryote. Prokaryotes have a single circular chromosome, no nucleus, and few other cell structures. Eukaryotic cells have multiple linear chromosomes contained within a nucleus.

4. Cell division in Prokaryotes:

Step 1: DNA Replication. Just before a cell divides, its DNA is copied in a process called DNA replication. This means each daughter cell will have its own identical chromosomes instead of just one copy of the same gene as its parent.

Step 2: Chromosome Segregation. The two chromosomes segregate, separate, or move to opposite ends (known as "poles") of the cell.

Step 3: Separation. When a cell divides, the cytoplasm inside the cell begins to pull apart. This creates two daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell. A new cell wall must also form around the two cells as well as a new genetic make-up.

5. Cell Division in Eukaryotes
Cell division is more complex in eukaryotes than prokaryotes. Prior to dividing, all the DNA in a cell's multiple chromosomes is replicated. Its organelles are also duplicated. These preparatory phases make up the majority of the cell's reproductive cycle. Then, when the cell divides, it occurs in two major steps:

In a cell, the nucleus of the cell divides as part of a process called mitosis. During mitosis, the nuclear membrane breaks down and later reforms. The chromosomes are sorted and separated to ensure that each daughter cell receives a diploid number (2 sets) of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis is the next major phase. The cytoplasm, like prokaryotic cells, must divide. In eukaryotic cells, cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, ending in two identical daughter cells.

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I need to know this because it is the way the body stays alive, without it none of us would be here.

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I need to know this because replication is necessary for cell division since the two new daughter cells must have the same genetic information, or DNA, like the parent cell. Each DNA strand can act as a template for reproduction, which is how the replication process works.

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In this unit, we learned about Mendelian Principles, Human Chromosomes, Probability, Punnett Squares, Non-Mendelian Genetics, and Genetic Disorders. To study this I used my CK12 textbook the labs we did in class, the worksheets we did in class, and for homework.

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1. Mendelian Genetics

Each gene for a feature might have many variations, which are referred to as alleles. An individual's genotype is made up of the alleles he or she inherits, and the phenotype is determined by how these alleles are expressed. The dominant allele is expressed when only one of two alleles is expressed, while the recessive allele is expressed when only one of two alleles is expressed.

2. Sex-linked Traits
Male X-linked traits have a different pattern of inheritance than single-gene autosomal traits. Do you know why? It's because males have just one X chromosome. They always inherit their X chromosome from their mother, and they pass it on to all their daughters but none of their sons. X-linked recessive traits are less common in females than males, because females have two X chromosomes and males have just one X chromosome. An example of a recessive X-linked trait is red-green color blindness. People with this trait cannot distinguish between the colors red and green.

3. Chromosomal Disorders
Mistakes may occur during meiosis that results in nondisjunction. This is the failure of replicated chromosomes to separate during meiotic. Some of the resulting gametes will be missing a chromosome, while others will have an extra copy of the chromosome. If such gametes are fertilized and form zygotes, they usually do not survive. Most chromosomal disorders involve the X chromosome.

4. Genetic Disorders
A mutant dominant allele is expressed in every individual who inherits even one copy of it. If it causes a serious disorder, affected people may die young and fail to reproduce. Few genetic disorders are controlled by dominant alleles. A mutant recessive allele, such as the allele that causes sickle cell anemia (, is likely to pass on to the next generation rather than die out.

5.  Diagnosing and Treating Genetic Disorders
People with a genetic disorder in their family may be concerned about having children with the disorder. If they decide to have children, they may be advised to have prenatal testing to see if the fetus has any genetic abnormalities. One method of prenatal testing is amniocentesis, where a few fetal cells are extracted from the fluid surrounding the fetus and the fetal chromosomes are examined. Gene therapy is one potential cure for genetic disorders, but it is still in the early stages of development. If you could learn your risk of getting cancer or another genetic disease, would you? A number of companies now make it easy to order medical genetic tests through the Web.

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I need to know this because there are so many people with genetic disorders in the world. another reason I need to know this is because singular genes or sets of genes are studied in genetics research to see how they affect health and disease. In order to learn more about treating and preventing sickness, it is necessary to know genetic components and genetic disorders.

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We just started learning about evolution the other day in class. we were talking about the different types of selection, natural, artificial, and engineering. To study this I used my CK12 textbook the labs we did in class, the worksheets we did in class, and for homework.

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1. Natural Selection
Nature chooses the winners and losers of a population based on adaptations. The next generation is what was able to successfully breed. Successful organisms:

Eat enough

Don’t get eaten

Have offspring

2. Artificial Selection
Humans choose the winners & losers of a population Man chooses which organisms to breed together Examples:

Artificial insemination

crop selection

dogs

3. Engineered Selection
HUMANS genetically alter the DNA of organisms; change the sequences. One organism can be altered or genes can be transferred into other organisms (transgenic organisms)

CRISPR, RNAi, cloning vectors.

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Understanding evolution has been crucial in the discovery and utilization of natural resources such as fossil fuels, and it will continue to be so as human societies attempt to create long-term connections with the natural world. These types of examples can be multiplied indefinitely.

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In this unit, we talked and learned about the cell membrane, its function, including the phospholipid bilayer, and cellular function, including active and passive transport, osmosis, and diffusion. To study this I used my CK12 textbook the labs we did in class, the worksheets we did in class, and for homework.

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1. The Phospholipid Bilayer

A phospholipid is a Lipid molecule with a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and two hydrophobic (water-hating) tails; that make up the cell membrane. the phospholipid bilayer is a double layer of phospholipid molecules that makes up a plasma membrane cell membrane and forms a barrier between the cytoplasm and the environment outside the cell. The cell membrane has selective permeability. The cell membrane is primarily composed of phospholipids arranged in a bilayer, with the hydrophobic tails on the interior of the membrane, and the hydrophilic heads pointing outwards.

2. Cellular Transport
Cell transport refers to the movement of substances across the cell membrane. Probably the most important feature of a cell's phospholipid membranes is that they are selectively permeable. there are different types of transport:

Passive Transport- Passive transport does not require energy input. An example of passive transport is diffusion, the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Sometimes, molecules cannot move through the cell membrane on their own. These molecules need special transport proteins to help them move across the membrane, a process known as facilitative diffusion. These special proteins are called channel proteins or carrier proteins.

Active Transport- Active transport is the energy-requiring process of pumping molecules and ions across membranes "uphill" - against a concentration gradient. During active transport, the particles move across a cell membrane from a lower concentration to a higher concentration (see the Figure below). This involves using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that is produced by cellular respiration.

The active transport of small molecules or ions across a cell membrane is generally carried out by transport proteins that are found in the membrane, also known as a protein pump.

Larger molecules such as starch can also be actively transported across the cell membrane by vesicle transport processes called endocytosis and exocytosis.

Endocytosis and Exocytosis- Endocytosis is the process of capturing a substance or particle from outside the cell by engulfing it with the cell membrane and bringing it into the cell. Exocytosis describes the process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane and releasing their contents to the outside of the cell. Both endocytosis and exocytosis are active transport processes.

3. Diffusion
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration the molecules to an area with a lower concentration. The difference in the concentrations of the molecules in the two areas is called the concentration gradient. Diffusion will continue until this gradient has been eliminated. Since diffusion moves materials from an area of higher concentration to the lower, it is described as moving solutes "down the concentration gradient." The end result of diffusion is an equal concentration, or equilibrium, of molecules on both sides of the membrane.

4. Osmosis
Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. It is a type of passive transport. Osmosis solely refers to the movement of water. Diffusion is the movement of other substances. Osmosis is the diffusion of water. In comparing two solutions of unequal solute concentration, the solution with the higher solute concentration is hypertonic, and the solution with the lower concentration is hypotonic. Solutions of equal solute concentration are isotonic. A contractile vacuole is a type of vacuole that removes excess water from a cell.

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I need to know this because all these things are happening in our bodies and without knowing this I wouldn't know what's happening in my body.