Chemistry of PNA Peptide Nucleic Acid Essay -- Biology Polymer Medical

Abstract For this report I chose to study PNA, or peptide nucleic acid, a biological polymer that was related to the biomedical field of research. I was very interested in this synthesized molecule because of its inimitable and remarkable properties, comparatively to other nucleic acids such as the more commonly known DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, and RNA, or ribonucleic acid. I also wanted to understand its uses and possible uses in everyday life. My main goal was to learn about the structure, significance, and clinical applications of PNA. Essay Imagine being able to solve problems such as cancer by just a few molecules. Think of all of the lives that would be saved by this miracle molecule. Well, there may be such a thing, and that too a polymer that is similar to DNA. This wonder-molecule is called peptide nucleic acid, or PNA. PNAs can bind with high specificity to a selected target in a gene sequence, so this makes them very significant, especially in the medicinal and biotechnological perspectives. However, before learning how PNA is useful in that way, it is crucial to learn about its properties and their meaning. Peptide nucleic acid is a very special polymer that is unique in its characteristics, functions, and use in the modern world. 3 Although PNA may not be a common household word, it is quite familiar to molecular scientists all over the world. It is a potent structural mimic of DNA with a pseudopeptide backbone. This is clearly shown by the image on the left, as the central composition of both nucleic acids are relatively analogous. The phosphodiester backbone of DNA is replaced in PNA by a 2- aminoethyl-glycine linkage. The structure of the molecule itself is a glycine molecule with .. ...nant Melanoma. 27 Oct. 2006. 29 July 2008 . [5]: Mondhe, Madhav. Figure 2. Chemical Structure of PNA & DNA. [PNA binding to DNA]. Digital image. Madhav Mondhe. 24 Oct. 2007. 29 July 2008 . Pellestor, Franck. PRINS and PNA Technologies in Chromosomal Investigation. New York: Nova Science, Incorporated, 2006. [4]: Vocke, Eric, Everardo Macias, and Virginia Evans. PNA Triplex Ball and Stick. Digital image. DNA Triplexes. 29 July 2008 gcntrl.html#location>. [3]: Vocke, Eric, Everardo Macias, and Virginia Evans. PNA Triplex Black and White. Digital image. DNA Triplexes. 29 July 2008 gcntrl.html#location>.

Bias-Free Language Essay

In her article Bias-Free Language, Rosalie Maggio tackles the problem of the heightened sensitivity in our multicultural America among minority groups who deem certain words offensive. She completes two objectives in her article. The first is to explain the importance of becoming aware of bias in language, and the second is to offer solutions of words and phrases to use in place of biased language. As Maggio explains, language â€Å"both reflects and shapes society. † In a similar vein, culture is also determined by our language and in turn, culture guides the evolution of language. For this reason, Maggio argues that we should do what we can to eliminate certain words or phrases in our language that have been deemed to be offensive or in some way not accurate. If we allow these biases in language to continue, bigoted people in our society will continue to willfully dehumanize segments of the population with words and phrases that have a limited basis in reality. Maggio explains that biased words, such as the use of â€Å"man† in many different contexts, i. e. manmade, mailman, etc. , are often inaccurate and vague. She advocates for individuals to expand their vocabulary and use the opportunity to develop new phrases and more creative, accurate ways of saying things and cites many authors throughout history that have done just that, hoping that these examples will encourage others to do the same. Maggio does a good job in preparing a case against using biased language. She also does well in refuting attempts at underscoring her project. She has many good points which would be valuable to a society willing to change the way it views the world and the people around them.

Relationship Between Gender And Jobs - 1521 Words

Research Question and Main Concepts To examine the relationship between gender and jobs which are pursued after attaining a graduate or post-graduate degree I would ask a question as follows: The purpose of this study is to examine whether, among college-educated individuals, there is a correlation between gender and the careers pursued following the conclusion of their education. By asking the question in this way, I introduce all of the concepts which are necessary to complete my study. By taking a stance that simply poses the question while not suggesting that there is a correlation in either direction, I offer an unbiased as possible examination of the query at hand. Considering that the goal of a researcher is to remain as unbiased†¦show more content†¦Using gender as the independent variable, I will examine the effect of being either male or female on the type of job that is pursued after school. Having the concept in mind is crucial to begin the study, as it is this c oncept which the study is based on. While it can be said that gender is a socially-constructed concept, for the sake of the experiment it will be defined as the biologically-assigned sex which one has; either male or female, rather than what someone defines themselves as. Education is the static variable here – it is the part of the experiment that does not change. In this case, education is the college education that each of the participants will have already completed by time of the experiment. The dependent variable, and another essential concept, is the careers which are going to be pursued. Careers can be defined as the jobs which these people seek, and this is what I’m curious about; whether there is a difference in career choice based on gender. While careers may be seen as a lifelong path for some, for the sake of the experiment, this term will also be used to describe a normal, not so long-term job, such as a cashier – this may better reflect the differ ences in gender influence. The pursuit of said career is the final concept which entails the journey, or the methods used, in relation to gender, to attain a job. The concept is a bit more complex as rather than examining the concrete nouns addressed in the