When Punnet Squares Become Romantic (and Enzymes Become Rakes)

Peas. Yellow peas and green peas. Oh, and flowers! Yes, there were purple and white flowers.

Maybe that's all you remember about Mendelian genetics. Perhaps it has been many years since you last took any high school or college biology class, so you don't recall much (except that your teacher made a point of telling you about peas and flowers). But the heart of genetic--genes, DNA, alleles, and phenotypes--is about so much more than the color of plants or if you can roll your tongue. Genetics is about life both past and present.

Genetics can determine whether you live or die, if you can have children, and what kind of life you will live. Even our thoughts and beliefs about genetics affect us in a large way. It may determine if you are an evolutionist or creationist, pro-choice or pro-life, and perhaps even if you believe in God.

Dr. Hutchison Quotes of the Day!

Allow me to preface these quotes by saying that I walked into class that day and the slide on the screen read, "Applications: Dating." Needless to say, I knew this would be an interesting day in chemistry class.

Photo curtesy of Becca Mattison©

"He's an igneous rock. That means you can date him."


(Don't worry, he was referring to Carbon dating both in this quote and on the slide I mentioned).

"If you think about architectural history--of which I know nothing--you will find that..." 

"Aaaak, we're all going to die!" 

(Talking about how we were going to do a radiation lab next week.)

From The Shepherd's Crook Ministries

A lot of you, I'm sure, already know that November has been designated by our government as National Adoption Month. We need to be praying for the orphans of the world on a regular basis, and this month ought to bring their plight to mind more often than usual. In addition to praying for these children, I ask that you share their stories with at least one other person this month. You can post this message to an on-line forum, to your Facebook page, or print it and share it with your church. We all need to pray for these precious little ones and the millions of other orphans that they represent.

Dr. Hutchison Quote of the Day!

"Beta particles are technically called negatrons, but negatron kind of sounds like an evil robot, so we never use it."




"I heard some students in the Gen Chem lab call a Buret a 'bur-ay.' I had to resist the urge to say something! I just had to keep reminding myself, 'They're not even my students...just walk away....walk away.'"

You Should (you know, like) Watch This (like totally awesome) Video.

My speech teacher showed this video in class today and it has prompted me to begin weeding the word like out of my vocabulary. It's a hilarious, yet pointed video that you must see!

http://www.taylormali.com/index.cfm?webid=9

Dr. Hutchison Quote of the day!

"I did an experiment yesterday in the lab. Wow, imagine that! An experiment in the lab."

"It looks like electron, tastes like an electron...but it's not an electron."

Dr. Hutchison Quote of the day!

"My little molecules." (yes, I believe he was referring to us.)