Biology

 Week 2 Discussion: Biology,

“Mitochondria, Water, Molecules, and Cell Structures”
Note: Online students, please respond to one (1) of the following four (4) bulleted options.

The cell is comprised of very important components including the mitochondria. Please view this video describing mitochondrial disease which is found here. Keep in mind that one of the symptoms of mitochondrial disease is fatigue (weak and tired). Next discuss two (2) functions of mitochondria and why you believe each of these functions is important. Then explain two (2) ways that the inability of mitochondria to perform their proper function can account for mitochondrial disease symptoms. Justify your response.

Water is essential to life. Briefly discuss three (3) properties of water then explain what is meant by the structure of water accounting for each of its properties. Next choose one (1) of the properties of water below and explain two (2) ways the property can be useful for living systems.

Cohesion
Adhesion
High Specific Heat
Floating Ice
Good Solvent Properties
Dissociation of water molecules

Are you really what you eat? Many of us have heard the saying, “you are what you eat”. Please view the quick crash course on carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins here then describe the processes needed to distinguish whether a biological molecule is a carbohydrate, lipid, or protein. Next consider your daily intake of foods this week and note the various carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins you ingested. Discuss three (3) ways that your diet relates to the molecules of life and their function. Justify your response.

Consider three (3) structures and functions of a cell then provide a 100 to 250 word explanation based on the following question: “How do varied membrane composition and the structural features of molecules in different cells contribute to membrane function?”

“Juvenile Delinquency Interventions”
Using what you’ve learned this week, respond to the following prompts in your post:

Think about the following questions: Do rational people commit crimes? Do they choose to commit a crime? Are they intelligent? Do they aim to maximize pleasure and minimize pain? If someone believes all of these questions they most likely would agree with choice theories. Speculate on the school of criminology choice theories are derived from. Next, based on your selection of school of criminology, debate whether or not you agree with these theories. Justify your response.
A number of studies have been undertaken which show a very real connection between delinquent and /or criminal behavior, and single parent families. Wright and Wright’s (1994) research shows that single parent families, and in particular mother-only families, produce more delinquent children than two parent families. Indeed the very absence of intact families makes gang membership more appealing (Muehlenberg 2002). Based on this information, discuss whether or not you believe these statements are true or false. Provide support for your response.