Blog

Each person inherits two copies of any given gene from their…

Each person inherits two copies of any given gene from their parents. Those who inherit two copies of the same gene variants (variants are called alleles) are known as homozygous individuals (the prefix “homo-” means “the same”). Those who inherit two different alleles of the gene are known as heterozygous individuals (the prefix “hetero- “means “different”). Whether an individual is homo- or heterozygous is their “zygosity.” Determine and record the zygosity of samples 1, 2, and 3, from the simulation, in the table below.   DNA Sample 1 DNA Sample 2 DNA Sample 3 Zygosity (homo/hetero) [DNA1] [DNA2] [DNA3] Allele (s) contained (TNF1 and/or TNF2) [DNA4] [DNA5] [DNA6]      

pH Balance – Function of Buffers Study Guide Buffers are a c…

pH Balance – Function of Buffers Study Guide Buffers are a combination of two molecules: a weak acid and its corresponding base. Buffers are therefore capable of stabilizing pH at any value depending on their buffering capacity. If the solution has a sudden increase of H+, the pH value would naturally lower. However, if a buffer is present, the base partner of the buffer would absorb the excess H+ in solution and bring the pH back to the stable pH value it sustains. Likewise, if the H+ in solution started to lower, the pH value will start to increase. However, when the buffer is present, the acid partner of the buffer will release more H+ to bring the pH back to the stable pH it sustains. Buffers are present in all biological organisms and thus play important roles in maintaining a stable pH.