Gabby's Photos: 16-20

22. Vanna is deep in the midst of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a series of metabolic reactions and processes where glucose is transformed into ATP. The chemical reaction is as follows: Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy (as ATP). This process allows Vanna to release energy stored in the chemical bonds of glucose. As a result of the production of ATP, Vanna’s cells use it to fill their energy needs. During this process glucose is oxidized and oxygen is reduced from water. In order for this to happen, first glycolysis must occur which is the breakdown of the glucose. Then aerobic respiration occurs which of course requires oxygen. If no oxygen is available, fermentation occurs which will produce lactic acid or alcohol but no more ATP.

33. Here I have taken a picture of Dharma’s epithelial tissue, or skin. Although she is covered with fur, underneath is her skin. Since she is an English bulldog she has lots of folds and wrinkles in her face further heightening her epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue covers the whole surface of the body. The cells are closely packed and can be layered, or stratified, such in the case of human skin and Dharma’s skin. There are no intercellular spaces. It is also separated from underlying tissue by a basement membrane. Epithelial tissue provides a protective layer and structural support. It lines the body where it needs to be able to withstand wear and tear. Skin is a great example of this because it needs to withstand the tear of all our interaction with the outside world.

34. Ethylene is a plant hormone, but unlike other plant hormones, it is actually gaseous. Its chemical formula is CH2. It is produced from methionine in most tissues. The production of ethylene varies depending on the type of plant and the tissue. ATP is needed for the synthesis of ethylene from methionine. The reason I photographed a picture of these open red flowers is because ethylene plays a role in stimulating flower opening. If it wasn’t for ethylene, these beautiful red flowers wouldn’t be open. Ethylene has also been studied considerably, and the results used in biotechnology to make fruit ripen faster because it is also plays a role in that process.

50. Stitch's body maintain homeostasis to keep him healthy and fully functioning. Homeostasis is the way the body maintains normalcy and internal regulation in the face of an every changing external environment. Most homeostatic regulation works through the release of hormones into the bloodstream. Two important mechanisms to control this are positive and negative feedback loops. Negative feedback loops are extremely important because say Stitch starts playing and his heart rate goes up too much, his body will sense this and help bring it back to a safer level. Temperature is also regulated by the body to make sure the organism does not overheat or become too cold. Homeostasis allows Stitch to enjoy his days of running around and scaring people because of the size of his beak.

77. This group or herd of horses is an example of a population. A population is a group of organisms that are part of the same species and live in the same geographical area. This herd meets both of those requirements. There also have to be two or more organisms of the same species which this also is. A population has the potential to interbreed. It is also the the smallest unit that can evolve and change.