Ghost in Your Genes

PBS Nova: Ghost in Your Genes

Today in AP Biology, our class watched a NOVA documentary about how epigenetics affects gene expression. When the entire human genome was mapped, scientists were surprised that there were only about 25,000 genes, the same as fish or mice. This was not expected because humans are more complex than organisms such as fruit flies. Scientists began to wonder what else may contribute to human complexity other than genes, mainly epigenetics.

What is the epigenome? Epigenetics translates to “above the genome”. The epigenome consists of histamine proteins that wrap around the DNA which provide structure. These proteins can either activate or turn off certain genes. When proteins “hug” the DNA tightly, then it is hidden from view for the cell, and cannot be expressed. Environmental factors such as diet and stress can impact the structure of the epigenome which affects how the genetic code is read and expressed.

The movie illustrated this concept with an example of how identical twin mice can weigh differently depending on the activation or deactivation of the agouti gene. The methyl group marker turned off the agouti gene in the thin mice. Scientists were able to control the offspring of the fat agouti mice by silencing the agouti gene in the mother with certain minerals. The change in her genome passed to her offspring resulting in thin baby mice.

To further understand the impact of epigenetics, the film discussed some studies done on identical twins. Because identical twins have identical genomes, any differences between the twins can be traced to the impact of epigenetics. Scientists can determine exactly how these chemical markers can affect the expression of genes. In a study, the researchers used DNA from identical twins and compared gene expression. The scientists observed how the epigenome in twins differentiates over time from outside experience. Although twins may have the same DNA, their epigenome can become completely unique.

The film showed another study done with rats. Scientists concluded that environmental factors can change the expression of DNA within a lifetime and pass down those changes to following generations. The researchers observed two groups of rats, one with nurturing mothers and the other with detached mothers. The offspring of these two groups significantly responded to stress differently. This was not from genetic differences but their environmental experiences. When studying the epigenomes, they discovered discrepancies in the markers on genes that affected stress response.

The movie went on to discuss how environmental factors can lead to human disease. When epigenetic changes silence tumor suppressor genes or active oncogenes, the regulation of the cell cycle can be affected. This can result in overstimulation of cell division or an inability to inhibit cell growth leading to tumors or cancer. Doctors have started doing epigenetic therapy for diseases such as cancer. Medical professionals can now treat patients with drugs that remove silencing tags that turn off the tumor suppressor genes. Over half of these patients have experienced significant remission in their cancer growth with minimal side effects. One example patient explained how he has now been cancer-free for two years after receiving this epigenetic treatment.

The speaker went on to describe how epigenetics can help explain why a specific gene for autism has yet to be found. Because the epigenome can affect the expression of any gene, it is difficult to identify a specific sequence that was chemically tagged to turn on or off. Additionally, for each individual, the markers may affect DNA differently. The film showed a set of identical twins where one sister had autism while the other did not. Since their DNA is identical, the epigenome would make the difference in their conditions.

At the end of the movie, the episode focused on the information found in a Swedish village that helps to explain more about epigenetics and inheritance. Scientists tracked births and deaths for centuries alongside the frequent famines that occurred. The researchers were initially looking at the connection between poor nutrition and health. During the study, they discovered that the available food supply from one generation affected the grandchildren with an increased or decreased risk for diabetes. This was not from direct mutations to DNA but the environmental information tagged on the epigenome.

After watching this documentary, I was surprised by the complexity that epigenetics adds to gene expression and our understanding of human DNA. I am excited to see how this science will develop in the future especially with improvements for medical treatments. The conclusions made from the Swedish village made me rethink the choices I make today knowing they can affect my children or grandchildren later on. Learning about this "second genome" provided insight into how experiences can mold genomes within a lifetime and live in following generations.

Nova Documentary:

click ^ to watch

More on epigenetics:

click ^ to read

Works Cited:

“Can the Legacy of Trauma Be Passed down the Generations?” BBC Future, BBC, www.bbc.com/future/article/20190326-what-is-epigenetics.

Geneimprint. “Ghost in Your Genes.” Vimeo, 23 May 2021, vimeo.com/248146854.

Genetic Counseling

             In class, I got to meet two very inspiring women who spoke about their passion for genetic counseling, Quinlyn Highsmith and Brooke Nightingale! One thing that was very interesting to hear about was how Quinlyn found her passion and how she recommends we find ours. First, she suggested that we focus on what subjects we find most interesting in school and then research careers that have to do with these subjects. She also recommended shadowing people at different jobs because it will help us observe what daily life would look like in that career. I really enjoyed hearing about Quinlyn’s suggestions because I have never even thought of shadowing different places to determine if a specific job is what I want to pursue. This is a great tip and piece of advice that I will definitely use in the future to explore more about the possible jobs that I am thinking of applying for. 

            Next, hearing about Brooke’s experience with genetic counseling was a little bit different because she has more experience in this field. I learned so much from her presentation and found the stories of her clients very interesting. One thing that Brooke taught the class about was Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. This was a very engaging topic because I have never heard about this condition before. Brooke had two female clients who were curious to know why they had not gotten their period yet by the time they were 16 and 20 years old. After running tests and analyzing the results, Brooke found that they had Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome which is when someone has an X and a Y chromosome (which males have), however, their body cannot respond to some male hormones. This is why people with this condition may have some physical female characteristics, but be genetically male, thus not getting a period. This really surprised me because conditions like Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome are definitely not talked about very often, ultimately making these lessons and topics more taboo. Although Brooke’s presentation touched a lot on topics that I have explored in my AP Biology class, such as inheritance, family pedigrees, and disorders such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s, she also introduced a completely new condition that I have never gotten to learn about before!

            After sharing this with us, I felt very connected to Brooke’s story because she reminded me of a nurse. She spoke about how delivering this kind of news to her clients is very difficult to do, which is why it is so important for her to be a strong support system for others. I respected Brooke on a deeper level after this because I realized that she is not just examining tests and reporting what she finds, but she is also delivering life-changing information that ultimately breaks family’s hearts. This is why I loved when she recognized that a huge part of her job is to continuously be compassionate and supportive to whoever she is working with. 

            Although I got to spend an entire class period learning from both Quinlyn and Brooke, I am still curious to hear about Quinlyn’s future and other clients that Brooke works with! I have included a picture below, that Brooke shared with my class, about the multiple tasks of a genetic counselor in case you are interested in pursuing a career in this field!

Cracking Your Genetic Code

 

1/25/21

Secret codes… we often think of these devices being used to open safes or hidden passages. Although there is a secret code hidden inside all of us, in the form of DNA. DNA is a nucleic acid found in the nucleus of our cells. DNA contains our genetic code, which sequences for the creation of proteins that help our body to function properly and also determines our phenotype. These sections of DNA that code for the genes that produce specific proteins, have a unique sequence of nitrogenous bases (Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine) that determine what the protein produced will be. If there is even a single mutation in this sequence, a misplaced nitrogenous base, a certain protein will either not be produced or it will be produced incorrectly meaning that the protein will not function properly either. These genetic mutations, which can sometimes be passed from parents to offspring, can lead to diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or down syndrome, due to the dysfunctional proteins produced, or not produced. So essential DNA is the secret code for human life and development. And if this secret code is discovered, meaning the whole genome is sequenced, it can be beneficial to some individuals but damaging to others as well. 

("What Kinds of Gene Mutation…”)

This image demonstrates the result of even having a single mutated base in a gene sequence. The shape of the protein produced could be altered, meaning the protein cannot function properly, or no protein could be produced at all. Knowing these mutations in the genome can help doctors to diagnose an individual, and by editing these mutations with CRISPR the correct protein can hopefully be produced and the body can begin to function properly.

Due to advancements in technology our society has been able to sequence DNA, meaning the entire genome of an individual was read. Through sequencing, certain mutations can be distinguished and therefore a cure/prevention method can be found. This technology has been developed to the point where an individual's DNA, or at least sections of it, can be sequences in a fast, accurate, and cost effective manner. This means that certain companies, such as 23 & Me, are able to collect an individual's DNA and go through certain parts of gene sequences to determine if that person is more or less prone to developing a certain disease. Since only a portion if the DNA is sifted through, these results cannot be entirely accurate since the development of these diseases usually rely on environmental factors as well as other genes. 

All of this new information can be very helpful to treating diseases and cancers, such as cystic fibrosis or melanoma. Scientists can determine the mutation in the genotype of the sick individual and fix the issue. In the case of cystic fibrosis, gene based drugs are given to the patient to allow the mutated protein to stop producing the thick mucus that is causing their problems. Scientists sequenced the genotype of skin cancer, melanoma to be exact, and found that some patients have a mutation in the BRAF gene which causes the cells to replicate rapidly and uncontrollably. So scientists have found that giving a specific drug can inhibit this mutated protein from sending the signals to the cells that cause them to rapidly divide, therefore stopping the spread and growth of this skin cancer. This new discovery has allowed scientists to make some amazing advancements that will allow people to treat their diseases in a more effective manner, these treatments customized for their specific genome, or take preventative measures to ensure that a certain disease that they are prone to does not develop. 

A result of this study of the human genome has also allowed for the development of CRISPR technology. This method allows scientists to address the genetic mutation directly, and replace the mutated nitrogenous base with the correct base. This will allow the correct protein to be produced and the body to work efficiently on it’s own once again. If you would like to learn more about the exact details of how CRISPR works and controversy surrounding the discovery, please feel free to check out this link: https://www.wired.com/story/wired-guide-to-crispr/ 

While DNA sequencing for the most part has had many benefits, there are a few dangerous consequences that have developed from the discovery of this new technology. For example, people who discover that they have the BRCA1 gene, which is associated with developing breast and ovarian cancer, may be more likely to get married and have children before they are really ready so that they can have their breasts and ovaries removed. This person will rush their life because of this new information that they found out, meaning that they may not have thought through their decisions to ensure they would be entirely happy with their spouse. Companies or banks could also get a hold of your genetic information and begin to discriminate against you based on what diseases you are more prone to develop. And finally, the development of CRISPR may also mean the development of “designer babies”. 

Scientists have stated to generally edit embryos to see if they would be able to prevent a child from being born with a genetic disease that their parents may have passed down to them. While this started with good intentions, as the technology developed it became harder to control what others would be doing with CRISPR. Many want to genetically edit their children so that they can have favorable traits or skills, such as height, intelligence, or physical abilities. Fortunately the scientists in the documentary say that since these traits are linked to so many different genes on so many different chromosomes, it would be very difficult to make the edits necessary for the baby produced to have these traits. Still the world is not quite yet ready for CRISPR babies, yet some scientists overstep the bounds. One scientist edited an embryo to ensure that the children produced would be resistant to HIV, and while this seems like a good cause the edit was not necessary since there is already medicine present that treats HIV. The samples that the scientist used were also not meant to be developed into human life, yet still two baby girls were born who are resistant to HIV due to genetic editing. If you would like to learn more about the scientific community's response to the scientist and how access has changed to get these embryo research samples because of this incident, please take a look at this link: https://www.wired.com/story/us-biotech-firms-made-chinese-crispr-babies-possible/?mbd=GuidesLearnMore

("#110 Gattaca, 22 Years Later")

This Sci-Fi movie from 1997 explores the societal impact of knowing your peers genetic code and having the ability to edit this code before birth. This film plays on the fear that if this genetic code is known it can be used to discriminate against individuals, adding another reason for our picky society to favor certain individuals and leave others to suffer for something that is not their fault.

As one can see, understanding an individual's genome can have benefits, but there are also many downfalls as well. With these new technological and scientific developments our society must create a more solid ethical foundation on what is considered “right”, and what is “going too far”. At what point must we sacrifice scientific development in order to ensure that we stay true to our ethics and are protecting every human, and future generations, from the discrimination or other unknown side effects that may go along with understanding and editing the human genome. Knowing about your DNA can be a life-altering experience, but depending on the mutations in your sequence it can either save your life or make you aware of your imminent downfall.

Works Cited

Molteni, Megan, and Grace Huckins. "The WIRED Guide to Crispr." Wired, 1 Aug.

     2021, www.wired.com/story/wired-guide-to-crispr/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

Molteni, Megan. US Biotech Firms Made China's Gene-Edited Babies Possible.

     Wired, 30 Nov. 2018, www.wired.com/story/

     us-biotech-firms-made-chinese-crispr-babies-possible/?mbd=GuidesLearnMore.

     Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

"What Kinds of Gene Mutations Are Possible." EssayRx, essayrx.com/article/

     what-kinds-of-gene-mutations-are-possible. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

"#110 Gattaca, 22 Years Later." DNA Today, dnapodcast.com/episodes/2019/10/23/

     110-gattaca-22-years-later. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

Cracking Your Genetic Code Documentary

As biophysicist Gregory Stock states “we are entering an era of unprecedented self knowledge” as “we are beginning to understand the processes that constitute our cells where we can intervene to take control of our own future”.  The documentary Cracking Your Genetic Code discusses the ways in which advancements in the field of genomics is changing the world. 

The first time a genome was sequenced took thirteen years, hundreds of scientists and billions of dollars. Now gene sequencing, genotyping and gene testing is becoming more readily available and integrated into our society.  For example, the biotechnical company 23andMe allows one to access their genetic information and risk for possible genetic diseases for two hundred dollars. This means that many people have access to their genetic information especially as more and more companies develop this technology. However, no technology can fully and accurately predict a health condition because the technology is still relatively new and there are still so many unknowns about the human genome. As stated in the documentary, “the vast majority of genetic information is largely probabilistic” (Cracking Your Genetic Code). 

The presence and availability of this technology asks the question: How will knowing what the diseases you might have in the future affect the way you live? Katie Moser decided to get tested for the gene which causes Huntington’s disease because the gene ran in her family. The test results indicated that she had the gene and therefore had a high likelihood of being diagnosed with Huntington’s disease later in her life. With this information, she believed she could better plan for her life. Contrarily, Catherine Elton intentionally did not do gene testing even though she knew that there was a chance she could have a mutated BRCA1 (because the gene ran in her family). She believed that if she knew she had that gene, she would be carrying a burden which would constrict her from living her life to the fullest. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with breast cancer when pregnant with her second child but claimed she would not have changed her decision to do gene testing. 

The images below gives a visual example for how genetic sequencing works, using a liver (DNA Sequencing Process). The second image is a close up of how the gene sequences can appear on a computer for scientists to analyze. Each color represents one of the four nitrogenous bases that make up DNA('Measuring Stick' Standard for Gene Sequencing)

This documentary left me thinking a lot about the future of biological sciences. The possibility of our genome being the new way in which we define ourselves in the coming years is not absurd.  In my opinion, this idea is frightening because genetic information adds another factor in which one can be discriminated against and adds more complexity to things such as privacy. But I also find this new form of self identity to be exciting because this means we are gaining more and more insight into one of the greatest mysteries: human life.

The trailer to the documentary Cracking Your Genetic Code is attached below! Also, if you have a library card you can watch the documentary through Kanopy.

Works Cited

Cracking Your Genetic Code. Dir. Sarah Holt. PBS, 2012. Kanopy. Web. 24 Jan. 2021.

DNA Sequencing Process. National Human Genome Research Institute, www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/DNA-Sequencing-Fact-Sheet. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

'Measuring Stick' Standard for Gene Sequencing. NIST, 21 May 2015, www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2015/05/measuring-stick-standard-gene-sequencing-now-available-nist. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

"NOVA | Cracking Your Genetic Code." YouTube, uploaded by NOVA PBS Official, 9 Feb. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPzid88oSFc. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

Building a DNA Model

    In my AP Biology class, our teacher tasked us with a unique way to build a DNA molecule. Half the class had instructions on how to build the molecule while the other half had the materials. We would be paired with someone who had the opposite of what we had, in order to work together to build a DNA molecule. One of the teammates read the instructions while the other constructed the molecule. I had received the materials to make the molecule. 

    When I pulled out the bag full of materials to build a DNA molecule I thought to myself, ‘How will I make a DNA molecule from these materials?’  I was pretty nervous to build my DNA molecule because I was not sure if my group would be able to communicate well. I have never done something like this before, so this added to the unpredictability of the task. However, my group worked well together and our communication was better than I expected. I actually finished my DNA structure quickly and was impressed with my team's fast progress. This experience was so unique because I was able to build something without the instructions and instead have someone read them to me through the screen. It was fun to be able to work with my peers on this simple yet complicated task. 

    

    The model of DNA that I created accurately represents an actual DNA molecule. The grey, green, blue and red straws represent the four different bases that make up DNA; Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine. Adenine pairs with Thymine just like the grey pairs with the green and Guanine pairs with Cytosine just as the blue pairs with red. The DNA structure I built also shows the spiral like structure our DNA has. One of the sides of the structure has a “red ball” at the top while the other side has this at the bottom; this serves to represent how one of the sides of the DNA is 5’ to 3’ while the other side is 3’ to 5’. Attached below is a YouTube video that is very helpful if you would like to learn more about the structure of DNA!

While making this DNA molecule, I was thinking about the process of DNA replication. This process occurs in the nucleus and happens during interphase. A majority of the “key players” in this process are enzymes (this is evidenced by the names of the molecules; they all end in “ase”!) The first step in DNA replication is when the helicase protein unwinds the DNA. Then SSB proteins bind to DNA strands and primase creates the primer for the DNA. DNA polymerase is the protein that begins to build the new DNA. DNA polymerase can only work 5’ to 3’. The ligase protein is thought of as the gluer because it binds the new molecules to the DNA. The process of DNA replication is semi- conservative meaning that with the DNA molecule created, there is one original strand and one new strand. Attached below is another video on DNA replication if you would like to learn more about this process!

How do the Season’s Impact the Flu Virus and Vaccines? - Kelly Schackel

Do you ever wonder why you get your flu shot in the winter time? Or why when it's colder and drier you tend to get more sick? In this video, we will be discussing the Influenza Virus and the Vaccine for the Flu, and how they are all affected by the seasons changing!

Works Cited

All Images by WeVideo

“Colds and Flu: Why Do They Strike in Winter?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320099. 

Dobson, Roger. “Flu Costs the US $90bn a Year, Report Shows.” BMJ : British Medical Journal, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 2 June 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1885332/. 

Klepser, Michael E. “Socioeconomic Impact of Seasonal (Epidemic) Influenza and the Role of over-the-Counter Medicines.” Drugs, Springer International Publishing, Sept. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4149741/. 

Krug, Robert M., and Robert R. Wagner. “Virus.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 18 Aug. 2020, www.britannica.com/science/virus. 

Says:, Nic Bernhoeft, et al. “The Reason for the Season: Why Flu Strikes in Winter.” Science in the News, 4 Dec. 2016, sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/the-reason-for-the-season-why-flu-strikes-in-winter/. 

“Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Sept. 2018, www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-selection.htm. 

“Understanding How Vaccines Work.” CDC Vaccines, July 2018, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/downloads/vacsafe-understand-color-office.pdf. 

Infectious Diseases CDQ

 

After choosing one question to research I was able to look into why some organisms can be carrier to viruses that kill humans. To understand this better I looked at the human immune system, bat’s immune system, and looked into why some people are asymptomatic. Although there is no definite answer yet there is much valuable info that is helping more people research why viruses work the way they do.

How can gene editing like CRISPR play a role in gene editing and the prevention of diseases caused by viruses?

 I am very curious about the impacts that gene editing can have on the future of viruses. I think that the subject has some serious promises when it comes to revolutionizing the epidemiology field. I want to be someone who is known for pushing the boundaries and causing positive change in the science world. I think that this question is very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed researching this topic. If you are interested in the answer to this complex question watch the video!

Work Cited:

“Alloantibody.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloantibody.

“Alloantigen.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alloantigen.

Clara Rodríguez Fernández  –  23/07/2019    7 mins   – CRISPR, Tops. “7 Diseases CRISPR Technology Could Cure.” Labiotech.eu, 14 Jan. 2020, http://www.labiotech.eu/crispr/crispr-technology-cure-disease/.

“DNA Vaccines.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 12 Oct. 2011, http://www.who.int/biologicals/areas/vaccines/dna/en/.

Keener, Amanda. “The Genetic Shortcut to Antibody Drugs.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 12 Dec. 2018, http://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07645-x.

Saey, Tina Hesman. “Explainer: How CRISPR Works.” Science News for Students, 6 Mar. 2020, http://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/explainer-how-crispr-works.

Simon, A Katharina, et al. “Evolution of the Immune System in Humans from Infancy to Old Age.” Proceedings. Biological Sciences, The Royal Society, 22 Dec. 2015, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707740/.

“Stability of Vaccines.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 3 Feb. 2012, http://www.who.int/biologicals/vaccines/stability_of_vaccines_ref_mats/en/.

Vidyasagar, Aparna. “What Is CRISPR?” LiveScience, Purch, 21 Apr. 2018, http://www.livescience.com/58790-crispr-explained.html#:~:text=CRISPR technology is a simple,of diseases and improving crops.

Immune System Sketchnotes!

  I found that these were pretty difficult for me. I think that sketch notes are a great way to learn and to make connections. Though I did feel like it takes me longer to process things and to actually find a connection between words and pictures. Then trying to organize it in a way too so that other people were able to understand it and see my way of thinking.

The Body System Chronicles

Season 10 was all about the body systems as we virtually dissected a fetal pig. To demonstrate our learning, Kristen and I created a newsletter that describes each body system and has a reflection of the fetal pig dissection that we witnessed. Hope you enjoy!

The Body System Chronicles May 2020

Botany of Desire

Take a moment to think of every plant in your household. Perhaps you have some basil in a pot on your windowsill, or a vase of flowers on your table. Think of the grass in your yard and every tree. Think of the fruits and vegetables in your refrigerator, or the lemons and bananas on your counter. Who is in charge of the relationship between you and these plants? You may think you are in control of these plants, but a documentary by Michael Pollan reveals otherwise. Team AP Bio recently watched Botany of Desire, which covers the relationship humans have with four different plants: apples, tulips, cannabis, and potatoes. The study of each of these plants reveals that plants have actually used humans and catered to their desires in order to spread and grow.

The first plant covered in the documentary was the apple tree.

    Apples have long been a part of American culture and are a staple fruit in most any household. The apple actually has its roots in central Asia, in Kazakhstan. The apple tree eventually spread to Europe, and then the Americas. Apple seeds contain lots of different genes, so each new apple tree produces a different kind of apple, which is a great way for apples to maintain biodiversity. However practical this kind of genetic diversity may be for apples, humans prefer to be able to have lots of one kind of plant. If a certain kind of apple growing on the tree is preferable, humans can recreate this exact tree through a process called grafting, where the bud of an apple tree is inserted into a young apple tree to produce the same kinds of apples.

    The tale of a young man named Johnny Appleseed is a famous one, but is actually based on a true story. Johnny Chapman traveled America, planting apple seeds wherever he went. Rather than planting trees to create a wholesome, green environment, Chapman was searching for the perfect apple to make cider. Apples were not the same sweet variety we know today, but rather a bitter fruit that was not suitable for eating. However, they were perfect for making cider, which was preferable to water that could possibly be contaminated. As alcohol became shunned, people began to view apples as an evil fruit. Cider was not the only function of an apple, however. People began to search for the perfectly sweet apple, which they could then graft and grow by the masses simply to eat. Apples could essentially use humans changing needs and desires to make them do their bidding. Because of humans' desire for more apples, apple trees were able to spread further and faster than if they were on their own. Because of their natural biodiversity, apple trees were able to cater to people's changing needs for sweeter apples. We are essentially pollinators working for the apple tree.

The next plant studied was the tulip, a signature flower of the Netherlands but found all over the world.

    Tulips, like apples, originated in central Asia, where it was revered in many ancient cultures. Things were different, however, when the tulip reached the Netherlands. Tulip mania gripped the nation as people sought to breed rare varieties. Tulips became a symbol of wealth and status, and anybody who was anybody had tulips growing in their front yard. The most prized kind of tulip, the Semper Augustus, was a pure white with a splash of bright red, and the bulbs eventually sold at a price equal to that of a town house today. Little did the Dutch know that this design was actually caused by a flower virus.

    Today, tulips farmers continue to grow thousands of flowers on their tulip farms and breed flowers to find new combinations. Because of tulips' ability to constantly change and keep humans' attention, they are able to thrive and make us do their bidding of planting them by the masses.

Perhaps the most prominent example of how plants control humans is through cannabis, or marijuana.

    Like apples and tulips, cannabis has been a part of many different cultures. Smoking this plant was not always as looked down on as it is today, but time made a devil of the cannabis plant. Scientists investigated the molecule in marijuana that gets humans to the high that makes cannabis so desirable. The molecule, THC, fits perfectly with a receptor in the human brain. But why would a plant chemical molecule be perfectly fitted to a receptor in our brains? As it turns out, THC has a very similar, nearly identical, structure to a chemical made in our brains that allows people to forget information. As of now, cannabis is being used to investigate possible drugs to treat PTSD.

    Cannabis is a fickle creature, and requires a lot of attention to grow. Not only does the plant have humans under its control by making a molecule people desire and seek out, but the plant also makes humans take care of them in very precise and attentive ways. Two cannabis growers described how the plants require very specific care. Not only that, but when cannabis was outlawed, humans genetically modified cannabis plants to be able to grow indoors, all because of the fascination that humans have developed with the high marijuana provides.

The potato is the final plant examined in this documentary.

    Potatoes were originally cultivated in Peru, where many different types of potatoes were grown to ensure that in the event of a virus or disease, there would be other potatoes that could grow. When the Spanish brought potatoes to Europe, most countries grew only one variety. This proved a fatal mistake in the Irish Potato Famine, which killed millions when a potato disease targeted the only type of potato grown in Ireland. In the U.S. today there is another instance of monoculture in potatoes. One type of potato is mass produced and sold mainly to fast food companies to make french fries, which poses a problem when there is a type of insect that eats that kind of potato. When the potato beetle struck, scientists created a genetically modified version of the potato that included a protein potato beetles could not digest and eventually killed them. The human relationship with potatoes is another example of humans believing they control plants, when, in reality, at any given moment an entire crop could die. Plants, often thought of as such simple organisms, hold far more power over us than we would like to admit.

Works Cited

Apples. Photography. Britannica ImageQuest, Encyclopædia Britannica, 25 May 2016.
quest.eb.com/search/139_1962098/1/139_1962098/cite. Accessed 25 Mar 2020.

Marijuana plants, Cannabis sativa. Photograph. Britannica ImageQuest, Encyclopædia Britannica, 25 May 2016.
quest.eb.com/search/132_1208991/1/132_1208991/cite. Accessed 25 Mar 2020.

“Potato.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Mar. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato.

Botany of Desire

Over the past week, my AP Biology teammates and I have been watching the documentary The Botany of Desire. This documentary, based on the book The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan, provides an interesting perspective on four plants and their relationships with humans. The organisms discussed in the documentary are apples, tulips, cannabis, and potatoes. Each of these organisms has had a massive impact on culture and economy, mirroring innate human desires that have shaped the ways we grow and breed these organisms. I found this movie interesting because it speaks from the plants’ perspective, rather than the human perspective we are so used to. Humans often regard themselves as the top of the food chain, believing they are the dictators of relationships with other organisms. However, it is much more complicated than that. Even the smallest of organisms can impact us and, as seen in the documentary, present themselves in ways that entice humans to continue their reproduction. This opens the question of who is really in control – plants or humans? 

The first organism that the movie covered was the apple, which has an interesting history. Apples first originated in Kazakhstan and were able to spread when organisms ate the apples and excreted the seeds as they moved. John Chapman, who was later nicknamed Johnny Appleseed, traversed America to plant many different types of apples across the country. People first used apples to make cider as a substitute for water that they believed was contaminated but turned against hard cider when people started exhibiting bad behavior. Instead, people began eating apples. The apple was loved for its sweetness, so people began breeding the types of apples that were the sweetest. This artificial selection has decreased the amount of biodiversity among apples. We concluded that humans are in control of our relationship with apples because we chose which types to breed and which types would die off.

The next plant in the movie were tulips. Tulips have been highly coveted throughout history for their beauty. Humans are attracted to their various bright colors, which are made possible by mutations within the tulip population. Tulips eventually became a symbol of wealth because they were so expensive and valued. At one point in history, Sultan Ahmed III spent so much on tulip festivals that he was removed from the throne. It was very interesting to see how widespread the cultural and economic impact of tulips has been across many cultures. I think that tulips are in control of the relationship with humans because they have enticed humans throughout history with their different appearances, which means they have adapted to make us grow them. Tulips are not a necessity, but they have proven to be so captivating that people can’t help but grow them. I actually visited a tulip festival in Washington last year and it was very beautiful!

The third plant in the documentary was cannabis. This section was interesting because it explained that cannabis produces a molecule called THC, which fits perfectly into anandamide receptors in the brain. This is what allows cannabis to alter consciousness. The documentary explained that humans have an innate desire to experience other forms of consciousness, which can be seen by young children spinning or people visiting amusement parks. This is why people choose to use cannabis and I believe that cannabis is in control of its relationship with humans. Despite federal law, many people continue ingesting cannabis for its effects. Cannabis is a very tedious and tricky plant to grow, but people spend countless time producing it because there is such a demand. Unlike the apple, which is a nutritious part of our diet, cannabis has no place in our diet and serves us no necessary purpose, but people still produce and ingest it because its effects have a hold on them. 

The final plant discussed in the documentary was the potato. Potatoes first originated in Peru and are now part of every fast food menu. The potato is designed to represent the desire for control because potatoes have been genetically modified and bred to fit our tastes. Historically, potatoes have been grown in a monoculture, they can be killed off by a single type of infestation or fungus. To combat this, a company called Monsanto genetically altered potatoes to be resistant to insects that pose a threat to the crop. McDonald’s began using these potatoes for their french fries, which caused backlash when people realized they had been eating GMOs without their knowledge as McDonald’s had not labeled the fries. I believe that humans are in control of our relationship with potatoes because we have chosen which strains to reproduce in order to fit our tastes. Additionally, we have been able to genetically alter potatoes and the traits they exhibit, which exhibits the human desire for control.

I really enjoyed watching this documentary and learning from the plants’ perspective. It is so easy to believe we are in control of these organisms, but we do not recognize the work these organisms have put in to make us reproduce them. It can take many generations, adaptations, and mutations to create something that humans will "approve of", notice, or value, but each of the organisms in this documentary has been successful. From now on I will be much more aware of how plants have impacted our culture and fulfilled our desires. 

Works Cited:

Arnarson, Atli. “Apples 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 May 2019, http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/apples.

Schwellenbach, Ashley. “Washington State Legislators Finally Create a Cannabis Equity Program.” Leafly, 13 Mar. 2020, http://www.leafly.com/news/politics/washington-state-legislators-finally-create-a-cannabis-equity-program.

Cutolo, Morgan. “6 Facts You Might Not Know About McDonald’s French Fries.” Reader’s Digest, http://www.rd.com/food/fun/mcdonalds-fries-facts/.