1) Discuss the differences between DNA and RNA. Explain why DNA is the most favorable molecule for genetic material and how RNA compares to it in this respect.
Topic B: Meiosis I vs. Meiosis II. Describe the major differences between Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
Topic C: Bioethics of Bird Flu Research. Read an article about the H5N1 bird flu research at one of the following websites. What are the benefits to society of this research? What are the risks? Should this research be allowed? If so, should it be published? Justify your answer.
2) A group working at the University of California, Berkeley has developed "nanothermometers", little nanoparticles that can be injected into cells to measure the temperature in various places in the cell. So far, it has been used in cells growing in a culture dish. What do you think they will find about the temperature in different parts of the cell? Will it be the same or different? Why?
3) For your primary posting, pick one of the following articles. What is the main point of the article? What are the benefits of the genetically-modified organism(s) described in the article? What are the risks to society? How can non-scientist citizens arrive at an informed opinion in such matters? Also, please reply to at least one fellow student under any topic.