BIO 1012 by Sarah Davenport https://padlet.com/sdavenp5/9afzgx9rbwvy32t9 en-us 2025-08-23 20:25:22 UTC 2025-08-23 22:32:50 UTC hello@padlet.com Assignment 1 sdavenp5 https://padlet.com/sdavenp5/9afzgx9rbwvy32t9/wish/3552493392 The ground finches studied in the Galapagos Islands are perhaps the most common, and recognizable, example of evolution. The differences in beak size and shape is a great example of a variation which benefitted the finches in surviving changing food sources. These changes would have come through natural selection. In times when food sources changed the those with a beak more suited to the most readily available food source would have survived far better than those without. This is due to a lack of competition for resources, as those with ill suited beaks would not be able to eat as easily. The differences in coloration also would be an example of adaptation to their environment. Being able to better blend in with their surroundings would help the finches to avoid predators and a grisly end.


(Picture sourced from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/evolution-changing-species-over-time/ )


]]> 2025-08-23 21:44:44 UTC https://padlet.com/sdavenp5/9afzgx9rbwvy32t9/wish/3552493392 Assignment 2 sdavenp5 https://padlet.com/sdavenp5/9afzgx9rbwvy32t9/wish/3552501894 Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Baker's Yeast, has been used in breadmaking, brewing, and wine making for thousands of years. The article above also mentions that it is one of the first eukaryotic organism to have its whole genome sequenced. It can reproduce both sexually, producing a diploid cell, or asexually, producing a haploid cell. Due to bread yeast not being pathogenic to humans, it's ability to survive and reproduce in containment, and it's flexibility in studies; it is used as a model organism. Saccharomyces cerevisiae's genetics are also easily manipulated by adding plasmids. This helps in identifying unknown DNA in plasmids, this is done through a two-hybrid system and is explored further in the article. Bread yeast is also described as important to the understanding of the cell cycle. Through observing cell cycle mutants by arresting their growth through temperature manipulation, this has given researchers insights into the check points in the cell cycle. It also allowed for more study of CDC genes, a common gene between yeast and mammals. This study has led to better understanding of how defects in cell-cycle checkpoints can lead to cancer. In conclusion, there is way more to Saccharomyces cerevisiae than just breadmaking, brewing, and winemaking!

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