The Eukaryotic Cell

The cell is the basic functional unit of an organism, and is generally divided in to two major groups: the eukaryotic cells and the prokaryotic cells. This article will give focus on the former since this group of cells can be found in majority of all known organisms, particulary those under the Kingdoms Animalia, Plantae, Fungi and Protista. 

The term “eukaryotic” came from the greek words “eu,” which means true, and “karyon,” which means nucleus. Thus, the popular definition of eukaryotic cells: those with “true” or distinct nucleus.  

Here are some General Characteristics of the Eukaryotic Cell:

An Overview of the Human Organ Systems

The Human Body is very complex. It involves numerous organs working closely together to carry out a specific task. This functional association of organs are called organ systems or, in some references, body systems or biological systems. The main function of the organ systems is to maintain the homeostatic environment or internal condition of the human body. Thus, making humans work with great efficiency and flexibility. Disruption of this internal balance may lead to certain diseases, complications, and worst, even death.

In this article, I will discuss the different organ systems and their role in maintaining the internal balance of the human body.

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO GIVE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS EFFECTIVELY

The student’s knowledge acquisition and skills development should not be limited in the four corners of the classroom where lessons and activities are time-constrained, and most of the time, teacher-centered. For that reason, it is important for teachers to employ mechanisms which will help their students to speed up the learning process, and at the same time, train their students to study independently. One of the many mechanisms that can be used to achieve these goals is to give Homework Assignments.
 

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined Homework as “an assignment given to a student to be completed outside the regular class period.”  Example of Homework Assignments includes book reports, research projects, term papers, practice exercises, the popular “question and answer” about the upcoming lessons, etc. But, regardless of the type of homework assignment to be given, it is imperative for teachers to follow a general guideline in order for the homework assignments to be effective in the learning experience of their students. 

Here are some practical suggestions on how to give homework assignments effectively: 

The Philippines' Large Population is an ASSET, never a Liability

The people are the greatest asset of every Nation. They cannot be replaced, in most cases, with the latest technologies we have around. That is why; investing in our people, in terms of education and skills development, should very much be in the focus of our Government. After all, the more educated and skilled our populace is, the more economic gains we will have and the more we can uplift the condition of our poor countrymen.

There is a common notion that “our country is poor because we are too many” and that one way to realize progress is through population control. On the contrary, I do not subscribe to that idea. We are poor, not because we are many, but because our Government Leaders kept on imposing abuses on our money which are meant for Social Services and Development. The President, Benigno Aquino III, sums it all: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”

   

Therefore, trying to control our population in the name of progress is quite ironic. Look at countries like Singapore, Germany and others who have successful population control programs, they are now regretting what they have done. They are coming to realize that the best resource they can have is its people.   

Air Pollution and Solar Panels

The Earth’s atmosphere, particularly in Metropolitan Areas, is very much polluted with harmful gases and particulates. While I agree that such conditions of the atmosphere are sure sign of progress, I do not, however, agree that it should be that way. We must realize the great danger that might come our way if the continuous pollution of our atmosphere will not stop and the persistent inaction of government leaders to strictly implement environmental laws would prevail.      

One adverse effect of atmospheric or air pollution is the depletion of our ozone layer. We know for a fact that ozone layer is very much important in protecting the earth from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultra violet rays. Scientific studies suggest that the emissions of certain chemical gases, brought by the burning of fossil fuels, are major contributors to the current ozone crisis that we are facing. And so, the call of environmental groups to end the use of fossil fuels or, to a greater extent, minimize it, is a serious proposal that the government must carefully study and consider in its environment-related policies.

Biological Factors of Social Change

Organisms such as Plants, Animals and Bacteria are also capable of initiating change in our society. In this short article, I will focus on two (2), out of the many social problems, that involve Biological Organisms as the main culprit: the spread of diseases and food security. 

Spread of Diseases

In the Philippines, the spread of dengue virus has been an epidemic. Many lives have been lost and many have been impaired because of the viruses carried by a certain type of mosquito. The spread of this specific disease have, in one way or another changed the attitude of people towards their surroundings. It is common knowledge that the mosquito-carrying virus is thriving in stagnant waters found in homes and the neighborhood. Coupled with the laudable information drive of the Department of Health regarding the dengue mosquito, people are now aware and are well-equipped on how to eliminate or lessen the said vector.