Biology Zero
This page explores the intersection of biology, technology, and planetary wellbeing, introducing foundational concepts in synthetic biology and its applications.
Last updated
This page explores the intersection of biology, technology, and planetary wellbeing, introducing foundational concepts in synthetic biology and its applications.
Last updated
We started the course by discussing how life can be described as information seeking perpetuation. This concept highlights how living organisms evolve and adapt by interacting with external information, leading to transformation or mutation, a process comparable to the evolution of language, which also perpetuates and transforms information over time.
We delved into synthetic biology, a field blending biology and engineering to design and construct new biological entities. Key topics included the ethical debates surrounding GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and CRISPR-Cas gene-editing technology. These tools hold transformative potential but require careful consideration of societal and environmental impacts.
Planetary wellbeing emphasizes distinguishing between diverse environmental issues, such as climate change and microplastic pollution. For example, while microplastics in the ocean are a significant ecological issue, they don’t directly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. This perspective broadens our understanding of the challenges requiring action, from extractivism to the globalization of local goods like avocados, which strain ecosystems like the Amazon.
We prepared our bacterial substrates and carried out hands-on experiments to grow Lactobacillus bacteria. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Substrate mixture
The mixture needs a balance of carbohydrates (e.g., tomato juice) and proteins (amino acids, provided by Bovril) in a slightly acidic environment to support bacterial growth. Agar is included as a neutral substrate to solidify the medium, providing a stable platform for bacteria to grow outside a liquid environment. Below is the recipe used for Lactobacillus:
Tomato Juice
20g
1.6g
Bovril
5g
0.4g
Agar
15g
1.2g
Sterilization The jars containing the prepared mixture are sterilized in a pressure cooker for 5–10 minutes after pressure begins to build. This process ensures the elimination of any preexisting microbes.
Pouring into Petri Dishes In a sterile environment, aided by an open flame to minimize contamination, the mixture is poured into Petri dishes in a normal position (lid on top). After pouring, the dishes are left to cool and solidify.
Contamination Once cooled, a sterile swab is used to introduce the sample for bacterial growth—in my case, a sample from my nose. The swab is lightly streaked across the surface of the agar.
Incubation The Petri dishes are placed upside down (lid on the bottom) in a warm environment to prevent condensation from dripping onto the agar. This positioning supports consistent bacterial growth and prevents disturbances.
Observations I inoculated a plate with a sample from my nose. After a few days, bacterial colonies visibly expanded across the agar, highlighting the rich microbial diversity of the human body.
We used microscopes to observe various bacterial samples, including fish food or human tongue cells. This exercise introduced us to sample preparation techniques and the mechanics of magnification, deepening our appreciation for the microscopic world.
We also discussed the commercialization of DNA, critiquing companies that offer frivolous services, such as personality analyses based on genetic data. This conversation emphasized the need for meaningful applications of biotechnological advancements to address societal challenges.
The session ended with a focus on cultivating kombucha and spirulina. Both are highly nutritious and requires significantly fewer resources to cultivate compared to other food sources, making it a sustainable dietary option that can be even grown at home:
Kombucha: Requires a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), tea, and sugar for fermentation.
Spirulina: Demands careful attention to sunlight, aeration, and nutrient balance to optimize growth. Fresh spirulina has superior nutritional value compared to dried forms but requires proper storage (up to 5 days fresh or frozen). We had the opportunity to taste in chocolates and bread.
