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Computer Scientist at the Department of BioSciences, Rice University
 

Archive for August, 2013


Genetics – the basics just before the advanced stuff

August 28th, 2013 by Boanerges Aleman-Meza

Here are a few of my notes about genetics.

Mendelism: Mendel is second on my list of top scientists, just right after Darwin.

Vocabulary:

  • Gametes: they usually have only one copy of each chromosome (such as sex cells)
  • Zygote: single cell from female gametes and male gametes. “I’ve been using internet before you were a zygote” said Dave Winer, I think.
  • Monohybrid cross: a single trait is studied
  • Dihybrid cross: two traits are studied.
  • Haploid eukaryotic cells have one copy of each chromosome.
  • Diploid eukaryotic cells have two copies of each chromosome.

Worth remembering:

  • In substrate pathways, double mutant shows the upstream gene
  • In signaling pathways, double mutant shows the downstream gene
    • if A suppresses B and A is loss-of-function, then there will be too much B
  • mitosis: duplication into sister chromatids, everything is lined-up in the middle.
  • meiosis I: we have 2 cells, separate homologs, homologs are lined up
  • meiosis II sister chromatids separate
  • recombination: if 100% of tetrads have a crossover, the % of number of progeny showing recombinant types is 50

Where to eat when visiting Houston?

August 21st, 2013 by Boanerges Aleman-Meza

These are (some of) my favorite places to eat in Houston Texas. (In no particular order)

  • Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant, 9400 Richmond Ave
    • Skip this when having people that only like americanized food
  • Hibachi Grill and Buffet, 12183 Katy Freeway
    • Toddler friendly menu (which buffet is not toddler friendly?)
    • It has changing station only on women’s restroom
  • Nam Noodles and More, 2512 Rice Blvd
    • Toddler should be able to eat noodles or tofu, and the chocolate cake for sure
    • Some tables have a long sofa-like on one side, which is good for toddler to jump around
    • It has changing station in both men’s and women’s restroom
  • Torchy’s Tacos, 2400 Times Blvd
    • Toddler friendly menu, we like the dirty-chavez because of the egg although the carrots need to be eaten by adult (they are spicy)
    • It has changing station in both men’s and women’s restroom
  • Tofu Village, 9889 Bellaire Blvd #303
    • Toddler can eat rice, tofu (choose either not spicy or mild), pancake
    • It does not changing station in any restroom