BioQuakes

AP Biology class blog for discussing current research in Biology

Tag: #genetictraits

Try to eat just one potato chip – it probably won’t happen.

Potato Chips or any junk food for that matter can be very addicting after just the first bite. The high concentrations of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats commonly found in these processed foods contribute to one of America’s greatest health risks, adult obesity. Today, over 40% of America’s adult population is considered obese and in the last 20 years, the prevalence of severe obesity has almost doubled to 9.2%. A single bag of Lay’s Potato Chips contains 15g of carbohydrates and around 170mg of sodium which could take around 15 mins of very intense workout to burn off. We have learned in AP Bio that consuming many carbohydrates without burning them off through exercise results in carbs converting into fatty acids during cellular respiration. So, when looking into obesity, researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University wanted to understand why “High-calorie foods — high in fat, oil, and sugar” tend to be overeaten.

Walmart Wenatchee 2

The researchers investigated the specific gene behind overeating and linked it to one named “CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1 (CRTC1).” In the past, trials on mice have indicated that when the CRTC1 gene is removed, they become more obese indicating that it “suppresses obesity”. But, it is now known that CRTC1 is found in all neurons around the brain so, they wanted to dive deeper and find the specific mechanism or neuron within this gene that reduced obesity.
First, Associate Professor Shigenobu Matsumura, who lead the research, hypothesized that “CRTC1 expression in MC4R-expressing neurons suppressed obesity because mutations in the MC4R gene are known to cause obesity.” So, they conducted trials on mice, manipulating the MC4R-expressing neurons to test their theory. It turns out that when on a standard diet, the original mouse and the one with the manipulated MC4R gene remained the same weight. But, when put on a high-fat diet, or one more resembling junk food, the mouse that was deficient with the CRTC1 MC4R neuron became “significantly more obese than the control mice and developed diabetes.” Reflecting on this outcome, the researchers have concluded that the CRTC1 gene plays a role in controlling our portions. Looking forward, the researchers hope this will lead to a better understanding of what causes people to overeat.

Mouse Brain Cross-Section

In our current AP Biology unit, we have been learning about cell respiration and the way our body consumes both O2 and food to create ATP energy. Our body can break down glucose through glycolysis, convert it into two Pyruvate, and then Acetyl CoA, to then create NADH and FADH2 through the Citric Acid Cycle to produce about 28 ATP energy molecules through Oxidative Phosphorylation. Other nutrients we consume like fats and proteins are also converted to ATP energy when needed but, when no energy deficit is created through activity, these nutrients along with excess glycogen are bound to insulin to create fat around the body. Looking forward, it is important to understand how addictive these unhealthy foods can be on a neurological and biological level, warning us of the dangers of overconsumption.

Race is a Social Construct. Science cannot be Misused to Justify Racism.

This blog post from Montclair HS in NJ, co-written by a teacher and a student is very insightful through its thorough exploration of the biology of melanin as well as some helpful links in its introduction of genetics and race. 

Melanin is a pigment found in our skin whose job is to protect us from harsh conditions such as sunlight (specifically the radiation from rays that can damage DNA and increase risk of skin cancer). Those with higher levels of melanin tend to have darker eyes and those with lower levels have lighter eyes. In addition, there are two types of melanin called eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin (in higher concentration) is responsible for darker shades in eyes, hair, and skin while pheomelanin (in higher concentration) is responsible for lighter shades.

The topic then shifts to the idea of skin color losing its biological importance. It contributes to the creation of race and its value. When science mixes with societal constructs, things can get complicated. Through science, we obtain knowledge backed by evidence. What happens if bias interferes? I’d question the accuracy of the information I consume. Science should not be utilized to push forward personal agendas nor should it be used to justify things like racism. The blog links an article covering misrepresentative genetic data and how it can be used to support one’s view. The article references a 2017 gathering of white nationalists chugging milk, because digesting lactose as an adult is a genetic trait more frequent in white people. However, this stems from a racially charged past. Other minorities were excluded from this evolution, yet this trait is commonly used to tell those of African descent to leave America. While certain findings appear to have one meaning, we must be careful to not fixate on how we want to use information to support our own opinions. Part of this responsibility belongs to scientists and how they present their data. Many doubt their ability to communicate to the public about controversial topics. All humans are 99.6-99.8% identical. That as a fact is the basis of why I believe there aren’t superior or inferior people.

 

This glass of milk may be cool, but white supremacy isn’t. The genetic trait to be able to digest lactose after childhood is far more common in white adults. However, this is not due to racial superiority in any way. There was a chance mutation that not everyone experienced because of discriminatory conditions during the time period.

The American Medical Association implemented two policies as of November 16, 2020. The policies acknowledge race as a social construct. Racial essentialism – when race is considered a biological construct – worsens health disparities for marginalized groups. Therefore the AMA desires medical education that can explain how racism is able to grow when race is presented as biology. It is their hope that race can one day no longer be a determinant of health.

This blog piqued my interest, because I often forget that identifiers such as race and gender are social constructs. These articles were a perfect combination of what some of my Diversity Committee work is but also what we have been learning in AP Bio about genetics. I think it is so important to address these areas of bias within our systems in this country. Racial inequality has been prevalent for far too long. We must use science for the greater good and not to support each personal opinion we have.

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