Modul

e 2
THE SCIENTIFIC SELF
Mandal Ralph Justin C. Ma’am Soriano

CEIT-37-101P

` Understanding the Self

Note: The answers are located at the bottom part of this module, Thank you

Genetics is where we come from. It's deeply natural to want to know.

Ellen Ullman

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In this module, you will be able to:
• discover and understand the process of reproduction;
• explain the mechanics of heredity and how it affects the self;
• have a basic knowledge on sex determination; and
• be aware on the scientific explanations on the differences between male and
female.

Understanding the Self

Scanned with CamScanner

 14 +

JUMP OFF
Film Showing: "In the Womb" at https://topdocumentaryfilrns.com/nationalgeographic-in-
the-Ivornl)/. The link is a fill)) depicting the development of a child in the wonlb of its mother.
You will have to watch it, and reflect on it,
As shown at the start of this module, it is
but natural for people to try to understand
where We come from. And this sense of
understanding can be had by looking into
the basis of how we came to be, from the
lens of science and heredity. All this will
start by looking into how each of us begun
our existence in this world.
The union of the male sperm and female
egg cell signals the beginning of human
life. This results to a fertilized egg called
the zygote that contains equal number of
chromosomes from each parent.
Fertilization: The union of the sperm
Human fertilization begins with a and egg cells, woman's menstrual cycle. This cycle
prepares a woman's body for fertilization. About half way through this cycle, the
woman's body is ready to begin the process of human fertilization. It is at this point
that an egg cell is released, or ovulated, into the Fallopian tube. Inside this
Fallopian tube, fertilization will take place.
During intercourse, a man can ejaculate, or release semen into a women's vagina.
There are up to 150 million sperm in the semen in a single ejaculation. The sperm
travel to the Fallopian tube to meet the egg; however, the sperm have some big
challenges ahead to complete this journey. For instance, the sperm have to complete
this journey within 12-48 hours of the egg being ovulated, or else they will die.
About 85% of the sperm are not properly structured for travel. This leaves only
about 15% of the sperm to complete the journey to the egg. The remaining sperm will
follow chemical signals given by the vagina and cervix, the opening of the uterus. The
chemical signals will guide the sperm through the cervical mucus and up the lining of
the uterus. The uterus is also known as the womb and is where the baby will develop
after fertilization.
Only about 1,000 sperm are left. After the sperm make it through the uterus, they
face the challenge of picking the correct Fallopian tube. There are two Fallopian tubes,
and only one contains the egg. The sperm that choose the correct Fallopian tube will
finally reach the egg.

15 + Understanding the Self

Scanned with CamScanner

 Understanding the Self + 15

This process, from ejaculation to the remaining sperm reaching the egg,
tak about 20 minutes. At this point, there are only a few dozen sperm left that
actually make it to the egg. The remaining sperm begin to surround the egg' and
they race to be the first and only sperm to actually fertilize the egg.
The chromosomes contain chemical packets called genes which are regarded
the carriers of hereditary traits. The cell body undergoes two major stages: mitosis
and meiosis. In mitosis, the cell divides by duplicating a chemically-thought
genes known as the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) forming new cells, each of
which has 23 pairs of chromosomes. In meiosis, each of 1/2 sets of the 23 pairs
Of chromosomes
one member of each pair from the mother and the other from the father
With
total of 46 chromosomes contribute to the mixture of hereditary traits.
Chromosome abnormalities happen when in the process, a pair of chromosomes
exchange places causing individual differences and biologic variations among the
Off springs Of given parents.

MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS

Microscopic views ofcells undergoing
division through meiosis and mitosis
BIOLOGY OF SEX
Development of humans occur through a
series of cell divisions. There are two ways
cell division can happen in humans and most
other animals, called mitosis and meiosis.
When a cell divides by way of mitosis, it
produces two clones of itself, each with the
same number of chromosomes. When a cell
divides by way of meiosis, it produces four
cells, called gametes. Gametes are more
commonly called sperm in males and eggs in
females. Unlike in mitosis, the gametes
produced by meiosis are not clones of the
original cell, because each gamete has
exactly half as many chromosomes as the
original cell.

Scanned with CamScanner

In the process of reproduction, both the mother and the father contributes equal
number of chromosomes. Thus, every normal individual has 23 pairs, a total of
46 chromosomes.

SEX DETERMINATION
A normal female has XX sex cells while a normal malc has XY sex cells. The
combination of both XX chromosomes from the malc and female will result to a girl
baby. If XY chromosomes pairs, the result is a baby boy.
A normal individual has 23 pairs of chromosomes + XX or X Y. There are common
causes of birth defects that can affect the brain and other parts of the body caused by
chromosomal abnormalities. These occur when part of a chromosome is missing,
switches in pairing with another chromosome or an extra chromosome is added. The
changes of the chromosomes called mutation may lead to death of the embryo or
characteristic disease syndrome. Mongoloid idiocy or Down syndrome may be the effect
of nondisjunction, the chromatids fail to separate during meiosis, one chromosome has a
pair the other, none (chromosomes: 2 x 22 + 1 + XX or XY). In translocation,
chromosomes pair by twos in the center during meiosis. When a chromosome is broken
and gets lost, deletion occurs. Inversion occurs when chromosomes align and reverse
their usual positions.

Gregor Mendel: Father of Genetics (1022-1064)

The idea of particulate inheritance of genes can be
attributed to the Moravian monk Gregor Mendel who
published his work on pea plants in 1865. However, his
work was not widely known and was rediscovered in
1901. It was initially assumed that Mendelian inheritance
only accounted for large (qualitative) differences, such as
those seen by Mendel in his pea plants—and the idea of
additive effect of (quantitative) genes was not realised
until Ronald Aylmer Fisher's (1918) paper, "The
Correlation
Between Relatives on the Supposition of Mendelian
Inheritance" Mendel's overall contribution gave scientists a useful overview that traits
were inheritable. His pea plant demonstration became the foundation of the study of
Mendelian Traits. These traits can be traced on a single locus.

17 + Understanding the Self

Scanned with CamScanner

 MECHANICS OF HEREDITY
Heredity is defined as the transmission of genetic
traits or characteristics from parents up to the third line
of ancestry. The process begins from the moment of
conception. Within the chromosomes are genes which
are the carriers of the traits manifested by an individual.
Traits can either be dominant or recessive. Dominant traits
are those that are phenotypically observable or
which can be seen. Recessive traits are expressed less The DNA: The blueprint
frequently. Each individual receives a pair of each trait ofheredity
Understanding the Self + 17
inherited frotn his/her parents, one froni the her and the other from the father wherein
one can be an(l the 0t her recessive, 'J'he gene which tnore powerful will be seen while
the recessive gene which is characterized weak although it is present will only be hidden.
'l'hc rcccssivc traits maybe displayed if the offspring inherits recessive traits front both
parents.
Initially, parents would know which traits arc inherited by thcir offspring only after
birth. Unravelling of other traits and characteristics continue (luring the later stages of the
childis development.

Tablo 2.1. Samples of Dominant and Recessive Traits

Dominant
Unattached earlobe Attached earlobe
Rollinp of tongue Left-handedness
Cleft chin Straight hair

Dimples Color blindness

Freckles Blue eyes
Curly hair

Factors that May Affect the Unborn Child

1. Maternal size, weight and nutritional state. Underweight mothers increase the risk
of having a smaller baby. A mother's diet during pregnancy definitely affects her
baby's health and, in some situations, can determine baby's weight. A baby's
immune system programming is also affected by maternal diet which determines
the overall immune function over the course of his/her lifetime. An expectant
mother should not double her food intake although she has a baby on board
especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Instead she should make good,
healthy nutritional choices and remain active. The food the mother eats can have

Scanned with CamScanner

 some impact not only the baby's size, but also affect its metabolism and health —
even into adulthood.
2. Anemia (iron deficiency). Anemia does not affect the baby unless it becomes more
severe during the first three months of pregnancy. This could affect the baby's
development that may increase the risk of a baby being preterm or born with low
birth weight.
3. Cigarette smoking and substance abuse. Smoking and substance abuse can
endanger the life of the expectant mother and the unborn baby. Cigarettes contain
dangerous chemicals that significantly increase the risk of pregnancy complications
such as:
a. Early miscarriage and stillbirth. Miscarriages typically occur in the first three
months of pregnancy. It is called as stillbirth if it happens after 20 weeks Of
gestation.

b. Placental abruption. This is a condition in which the placenta separates

from the uterus before childbirth that can cause severe bleeding and
threaten the life of both the mother and the baby. The placenta provides the
fetus with nutrients and oxygen. Early medical attention may still result to
healthy birth despite placental abruption.
c. Placenta previa. This occurs when the placenta stays in the lower part of the
uterus, partially or fully covering the cervix. The placenta often tears, causing
excessive bleeding and depriving the fetus of vital nutrients and oxygen.
d. Preterit birth. Smoking during pregnancy can cause preterm birth or when a
baby is born too early. Some health risks associated with a preterm birth
include visual and hearing impairments, mental disability, learning and
behavioral problems and complications that could result in death
e. Low birth weight. Low birth rate caused by smoking is not limited to
delivering a small baby. It can lead to other health problems and disabilities
of the baby such as developmental delay, cerebral palsy, hearing or vision
ailments. In extreme cases, low birth weight can cause the death of the
newborn.
4. Uterine blood flow. A pregnant woman experiencing an abnormal uterine blood
flow has high risk for eclampsia. This is a threatening complication that can
endanger the life of the expectant mother that can cause seizures or coma.
Prolonged high level of maternal stress may cause health problems such as
high blood pressure and heart disease, depression. The most common birth
defects are heart defects, cleft lip and palate. Mother's age (before 15 years and

19 + Understanding the Self

Scanned with CamScanner

 after 35 years is riskier) can increase the chances of having a premature baby
(born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or low-birthweight baby (weighing less
than 5.5 pounds). Mothers over 35 are more at risk for a larger baby, probably
due to medical conditions which are more common as we age, rather than just
the mother's age. Teens are more at risk for smaller babies. All these factors
during pregnancy raises the risk of having a baby born with birth defects (Hart,
1999).

Heredity and Behavior

Biology affects behavior also through mechanisms of heredity regulated by
genetic principles. The nature versus nurture controversy—that is, how much of
our behavior is due to inherited factors and how much to environmental factors—
is a question that has plagued scientists for years and is still unresolved (Tucker,
2014).
Researchers in the field called behavioral genetics study, through both family
and twin studies, the way in which genetic factors affect behavioral traits. In
family studies, the focus is on the investigation of blood relatives to see how
similar they are with respect to some trait (for example, the occurrence of a mental
disorder such as schizophrenia). studies compare identical twins and fraternal
twins for various

Understanding the Self + 19

Scanned with CamScanner

similarities in appearance and behavior to sec which traits/bchaviors arc affected by genetic
Inakeup. In sotne cases when twins havc bccn adopted into separate families it is possible to
expand the information and (Ictcrminc which traits arc affected by environment rather than
heredity.

CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES
Almost every cell in our body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46
chromosomes. Half of the chronwsomcs come from our mother, and the other half conie froth
our father. The first 22 pairs are called autosomes. The 23rd pair consists of the sex
chromosomes, X and Y. Females usually have two X chromosomes, and males usually have one
X and one Y chromosome in each cell. All of the information that the body needs to grow and
develop comes from the chromosomes. Each Chromosome contains thousands of genes, which
make proteins that direct the body's development growth, and chemical reactions (Genetic
Alliance, 2009).
Many types of chromosomal abnormalities exist, but they can be categorized as either
numerical or structural. Numerical abnormalities are whole chromosomes either missing from
or extra to the normal pair. Structural abnormalities are when part of an individual chromosome
is missing, extra, switched to another chromosome, or turned upside down (Genetic Alliance,
2009).
Chromosomal abnormalities can occur as an accident when the egg or the sperm is formed
or during the early developmental stages of the fetus. The age of the mother and certain
environmental factors may play a role in the occurrence of genetic errors. Prenatal screening
and testing can be performed to examine the chromosomes of the fetus and detect some, but
not all, types of chromosomal
abnormalities (Genetic Alliance, 2009).
Chromosomal abnormalities can
have many different effects, depending
on the specific abnormality. For
example, an extra copy of chromosome
21 causes Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
Chromosomal abnormalities can also
cause miscarriage, disease, or problems
in growth or development (Genetic
Alliance, 2009).
The most common type of
chromosomal abnormality is known as
aneuploidy, an

Physical presentation ofDown Syndrome

21 + Understanding the Self

 Scanned with CamScanner
abnormal chromosome number (Itte to an extra or missing chromosome. Most people with
aneuploidy have trisomy (three copies of a chromosome) instead of monosomy (single copy of a
chromosome). Down syndrome is probably the most well-known example of a chromosomal
aneuploidy. Besides trisomy 21, the major chromosomal aneuploidies seen in live-born babies are:
trisomy 18; trisomy "13; 45, X (Turner syndrome); 47, XXY (Klinefelter syndrome); 47, X Y Y;
and 47, X XX (Genetic Alliance, 2009).
Structural chromosomal abnormalities result from breakage and incorrect rejoining of
chromosomal segments. A range of structural chromosomal abnormalities result in disease.
Structural rearrangements are defined as balanced if the complete chromosomal set is still
present, though rearranged, and unbalanced if information is additional or missing. Unbalanced
rearrangements include deletions, duplications, or insertions of a chromosomal segment. Ring
chromosomes can result when a chromosome undergoes two breaks and the broken ends fuse
into a circular chromosome. An isochromosome can form when an arm of the chromosome is
missing and the remaining arm duplicates (Genetic Alliance, 2009).
Balanced rearrangements include inverted or translocated chromosomal regions. Since the
full complement of DNA material is still present, balanced chromosomal rearrangements may go
undetected because they may not result in disease. A disease can arise as a result of a balanced
rearrangement if the breaks in the chromosomes occur in a gene, resulting in an absent or
nonfunctional protein, or if the fusion of chromosomal segments results in a hybrid of two
genes, producing a new protein product whose function is damaging to the cell (Genetic
Alliance, 2009).

Family Coping Techniques for Genetic and Birth Abnormalities

Below are listed some of the simple tips for parents and families to help cope up with the child
born with birth defect:
• Acknowledge yourself: It is quite natural to feel devastated and sad but you have to
move forward. Express your emotions of shock, fear, guilt, anger. Few days of sadness
will give vent to your feelings and will help you in accepting the truth. If you like, you
can seek the help of friends or even a counselor
• Talk to yourself: Talk to yourself and accept what is bestowed on you by the Almighty
above. Speaking to oneself often helps in accepting the situation and it gives the strength
and courage to cope with the difficult circumstances.
• Do some research: It is advisable to do some research. Take the help of the Internet and
learn more about the various available methods and techniques in coping with the
predicament. Confirm the collected information from some reliable source such as your
doctor or his recommended medical books
• Talk to your partner: Your partner is the only person in the entire world who can relate
to your condition. So talk to your spouse at length on various topics such

Understanding the Self + 21

 as what all you expect frorn one another, how you arc feeling aboUt the special
child, the difficulties that you will have to face, promise to stand by each other
and work in unison in taking care of your littlc special baby
• Knoll' aboutyour baby's condition: Knowing your baby's condition is very important for
the parents. birth defect is not permanent somC are quitc curable With surgeries. Sonle
defects arc forever and the child has to Jcarn to live with them hot,vever therw• are
therapies. Many people often (10 not understand the truth behind cleft palate or lip.
They feel that this is duc to eclipses or using knife during pregnancy. Be scientific and
teach your family members about birth defects Try to get local support: Coping with
congenital defects can be very annoying and stressful. The correct way to handle the
changes in your aspirations and expectations is to learn with other parents facing similar
or like Circtlmstances You can also find gratification in volunteering groups concerned
with birth defect awareness. Working with other children with birth defects will give
You a sense of fulfillment and will enhance the level of patience in you. DO not confine
yourself to one option, instead augment all possible alternatives and Weave a good
support network to help you and your baby in coming times
• Discuss freely about the birth defects with your family members and friends: Prepare
yourself mentally to live with birth defect in a child. This will not only enable you but
also prepare you to deal with the baby's defect emphatically and will provide you and
your baby a better and healthy life. Expressing your emotions will ease your burdened
heart and will also help you in the struggle of coping with the situation

• Prepare yourself financially: Having a child with birth defects is quite Challenging both
psychologically as well as financially. Health insurance benefits, lifestyle daily routine,
etc all are affected.
• Ask the doctor about the helping aids your child might need in order to be safe and
healthy, for example prosthetic limbs, heart stent or a wheel chair. Some children need
few alterations in the house specially clothes for the easy access of equipment. So start
saving for larger expenses
22 +

Scanned with CamScanner

ANALYSIS

My Look-Alike. The students arc asked to identify his/her dominant and

recessive traits and to whorn he/she closely resembles.
Form a group of at tnost five students (or as the Instructor may determine) and discuss your
answers with each other. After determining the most common ideas that came up with your
group, discuss your results in class.

META-COGNITIVE REPORT
To help you be more effective in your readings, make a report that includes the following:
1. two new concepts that you did not know about before;
2. two new concepts and/or theories that you do not understand well;
3. two new insights you had after reading the chapter; and
4. two discussions questions you have about the lesson.

The new insights (see 1) should reflect a change in some previous knowledge or belief you had.
It should not just reflect a new definition or an understanding of a new concept (that would be
part of 1); instead, it should express a transformation in your knowledge. Use the format below
to complete your meta-cognitive report.
1. Two new concepts that I did not know before:

a.
b.

2. Two new concepts and/or theories that I do not understand well:

a.

b.
3. Two new insights or things I Icarncd about "scientific self':
a. I used to think that

After reading the chapter on "scientific self," I now think that

'b. I used to think that

After reading the chapter on "scientific self," I now think that

4. Two questions I have for discussion regarding the concepts, theories, their applications
and /or applications.
a.

b.

chromosome genes recessive traits chromosomal

dominant traits heredity abnormalities

Scanned with CamScanner

Answers:

1. Two new concepts that I did not know before:

a. The Concept of Heredity
b. Chromosomal Abnormalities

2. Two new concepts and/or theories that I do not understand well:

a. Mitosis and Meiosis
b. Sex Determination

3. Two new insights or things I learned about "scientific self':

- I used to think that

o every traits that we have is from our parents, like for example my mom is tall and my
dad is tall, so it tells it shows a dominant trait, wherein both parent have the same trai
so therefore I have the possibility to have those trait, but it came out that I’m short, so
what does it explain, not all the time you can get what is your parents traits, there ar
some instances wherein you’ll inherit your ancestors trait. So, to sum it all when we
study about our heredity you will be able to discover new things that you have no
discover yet.

- After reading the chapter ‘Scientific Self, I now think that

o Not all the time you can inherit your parents’ traits, because there are some instance
that wherein you’ll inherit your ancestor’s trait. So, to sum it all when we study abou
our heredity you will be able to discover new things that you have not discover yet.

- I used to think that

o Whenever abnormalities occur to a specific baby, there is no connection with the
carrier itself, like let’s say your baby came out with a abnormalities lets say you
baby came out deaf, so came out naturally, but

- After reading the chapter ‘Scientific Self, I now think that

o After reading and understanding what may be the cost of those abnormalities, it came
out that it is all connected, like for example if you’re pregnant and let’s say tha
you’re into alcohols into smoking and so on, it affect your child inside your womb
not only those certain things, also if you got a let’s say a kind of disease like let’s say
German Missles, there is this possibility wherein your child might end up deaf o
with a cataract, so the main point is just like what I have said earlier everything i
connected and might due to natural causes.

4. Two questions I have for discussion regarding the concepts, theories, their applications and /o
applications.
o Why can't genetic tests predict all diseases?
o If they can predict what can be their disease in the future, is there a way how to
prevent it for happening?
Scanned with CamScanner
Scanned with CamScanner
 24 + Understanding the Self

QUIZ
NAME:

DAY/TIME:

Encircle the letter corresponding to the best answer.

1. What is heredity?
a. The process by which parents pass characteristics or traits on to their children.
b. Seen in plants, people and other organisms where thefe are parents and offspring. c. A
way that some diseases and disorders are passed from parents to offspring.
d. It is a process of sex determination
2. What are genes?
a. Something that you wear on your legs.
b. Segments of DNA that carry instructions for the traits of the offspring.
c. Carriers of diseases
d. Carriers of positive traits
3. What do you call the passing of traits from parents to spring?
a. hand me down c. purebred
b. heredity d. hybrid
4. What is an allele whose trait is masked in the presence of a dominant allele?

a. dominantc. purebred
b. recessive d. hybrid
5. What is a hidden trait?
a. recessive c. purebred

Scanned with CamScanner

 b. dominant d. polygenic inheritance
6.' What is a fertilized ovum?

a. blastocyst c. embryo
b. egg d. zygote

Understanding the Self + 25

7. What is a common characteristic Of babies born to women who smoke during their
pregnancy?
a. a missing arm or leg
b. facial deformities and below-average intelligence
c. restlessness and irritability
d. lower birthweights
8. How may maternal stress lead to birth defects?
a. reducing the amount of oxygen received by the embryo and fetus.
b. increasing the mother's susceptibility to viruses.
c. reducing the likelihood of a good placenta-to-uterus connection.
d. increasing the likelihood of an unusual chromosome split during meiosis.
9. Which of the following statements about fetal alcohol syndrome is most aCCUrate?
a. The infant is often physically deformed and below average in intelligence,
b. Fetal alcohol syndrome commonly results in miscarriages.
c. Fetal alcohol syndrome causes ectopic pregnancies.
d. Babies suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome are often born before term and with
low birthweight
10. Which statement about the influence on newborns of drugs used during birth is the most

accurate?
a. Experiments on the effects ofdrugs on childbirth raise few ethical questions,
b. Methodological problems complicate the results of studies of drug use during labor.

Scanned with CamScanner

 c. Drugs affect all infants in almost the same way.
d. Most mothers choose standard childbirth, so researchers are able to learn about how
drugs affect labor.

26 + Understanding the Self

Answers:
1. A

2. B.

3. B

4. A

5. A

6. D

7. D

8.

9. A

10.

Scanned with CamScanner