Apoptosis

In bio we’re learning about the cell cycle, which is hands down my favorite concept so far. While I learned this stuff in high school and community college (shout out to DVC!), this course goes into so much more depth.

• So the cell cycle is just a cycle some smart people discovered to help explain the division and synthesis of cells. Here’s a picture of the cycle

• As you can see, the cycle is essentially divided into four phases: M, G₁, S, G₂.
• Each phase has its own function. G₁ is responsible for growth of the cell and prepare the cell for S phase. S phase is where the DNA replicates. G₂ is more growth of the cell and preparation for Mitosis. And M phase is mitosis where the chromatids split and form two new cells.
• In the cell cycle image, you can see those three purple looking bands in G₁, G₂, and M.
• These bands resemble checkpoints. These checkpoints are essential to the cycle and basically they serve as quality control. The checkpoint makes sure that each cell is the way it should be: correct size, nutrients available, DNA is not damaged, chromosomes replicated correctly, etc.
• If a cell comes across a checkpoint and is damaged in some way, the checkpoint will kill the cell. This is called apoptosis.
• If this damaged cell doesn’t die, it will begin dividing in an uncontrolled fashion. And the consequences of uncontrolled cell division can be dire: cancer.
• Apoptosis is the death of a cell that is for the benefit of the rest of the cell.
• Here is a video that illustrates this apoptosis

 

 

• So while I was sitting in class and heard my professor say “apoptosis is the death of a cell for the benefit of the rest of the cell.”  I immediately thought ‘Jesus.’
• Jesus is the embodiment of apoptosis. Jesus’ death is for the benefit of his people.  Something that has been revealed to me over and over again is that Jesus is the one that makes it possible for us to experience God. It’s as if we are standing on one side of the Bay, God is on the other side, and Jesus is the bridge that allows us to approach God.

Phospholipid Bilayer

You’re probably like ‘What the heck is a phospholipid?”

• A phospholipid is a type of lipid. It is made up of a polar head and a nonpolar tail. Which basically means one part of the phospholipid (head) loves water and the other part (tail) hates water.
• Here is an image to help understand what I’m talking about here.
• Now obviously, if you hate something…you tend to avoid it. So the hydrophobic tails don’t want to be anywhere near water.

Bilayer means a layer of two

• Now the amazing part about this is that the phospholipids spontaneously form a lipid bilayer. In other words, if you were to put phospholipids in a solution, they would self-assemble (no input of energy is required) into a two-layered circle, with the polar heads facing outwards.
• Here is a picture to show you what I’m talking about.
• The red circles are the ‘polar heads’ and as you can see, they are facing outwards and the nonpolar tails are sandwhiched in the middle, thus not interacting with water.

Why do I think this is amazing?

• Oh, I’m so glad you asked! These phospholipid bilayers make up the cell membrane of every cell in our body. And the fact that they self-assemble, just blows my mind. The thought of these little squirly looking molecules falling into the exact place that they need to be, leads me to believe that it’s more than just a coincidence. But rather a thoughtful Creator delicately creating each and every component of our being.

introDUCKtion

My desire is to seek peace & pursue it (1 Peter 3:11). I believe that God desires to be found by us, and He orchestrates the events of our lives with that purpose in mind.

As a biology student here at the University of Oregon, I find myself in many a science classes. I want to find God in everything I do – and thus the reason for this blog.

This blog is simply a place for me to write down things I’ve learned in class that lead me to think about what an amazing Creator we worship and are chosen by.

Most people experience the greatness of God in the midst of nature or through music or by serving others. I, on the contrary, experience the greatness of God when I am nose deep in my biology textbook or working hands-on in the lab. God has given me a passion for his creation and the blessing to learn about him through my studies.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the read. It’s pretty nerdy stuff, but God’s fingerprints are all over it.