This is my R&R in the middle of the term.
Here you will read about my reflection on my progress.
If you are curious about in my progress at the end of the term, please check out R&R 5!
My view on gene regulation
1. How would you describe your progress so far?
I have progressed much more in understanding various mechanism and critically thinking about different gene regulation system than I expected from the beginning of the course. I think this is due to having discussions in class and reading a lot of papers to experience the advances in our understanding of gene regulation directly from recent research.
2. Are you satisfied with your progress so far?
I am satisfied with my progress.
3. What evidence/pieces of evidence did you use to determine whether you have made progress?
In the beginning of the course, I thought everything in gene regulation is rather rigid and absolute ,which is only accurate in some cases. For instance, conservation of Hox gene expression is important for body plan development, however not all Hox genes expression is necessary for survival. I have never thought such variation in the effect of gene expression in this conserved pathway is possible. Moreover, I have come to realize that as in everything in biology, gene expression is very dynamic and can be rather plastic. In some regulatory pathway, many components are necessary for proper gene expression. In other pathways, some components come to interact with gene of interest and is sufficient in producing a different morph( as in caste differentiation in queen bee) but they are not necessary for proper development into adults.
I have also come to read papers with ease and critically think about what the take home message is from primary literature. I have also noticed as I understand the material more, I generate better questions to challenge my knowledge in gene expression.
(Thanks, Pam! It has been amazing to be part of your class because it really pushes my brain to think more)
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