GENEWS October 2019 Issue

GENEWS The Official Publication of The UPLB Genetics Society | October 2019 NEWS Unearthing Ori-genes... (pg. 2) Genews EIC is top grad... (pg. 3) Medi-genes...(pg. 4) BIO 30 tutorials...(pg. 5) GeneSoc participates in welcoming freshmen... (pg. 6) GeneSoc takes part in Loyalty Day...(pg.6) Programmed chromosome fission and fusion...(pg. 7) No such thing as a singular gay gene...(pg.

8) Gene Loci for hand dominance...(pg. 9)

FEATURE Pluripotency and the Origin of animal multicellularity...(pg. 10) Evolutionary Genetics... (pg. 11) The UPLB Genetics Society and the VYLH Philippines...(page 12)

EDITORIAL Why Genetics is important to your degree program...(pg.

13) Beyond Words...(pg. 14)

NEW MEMBERS Batch Isochore: United at the Core...(pg. 15) Batch Allosyndesis: Crossing over all challenges...(pg. 16) Batch Helraiser: Raising the standard...(pg. 17) Batch Zisupton: From the blues into the blue... (pg. 17) Batch Polyplex: Bounded and Diving as One...(pg.

18) Batch Retron: “I shall Retron!”...(pg. 20)

Org News

Genews EIC is IBS top grad, CAS-UPLB Salutatorian See next page

BIO 30 conducted for Medi-genes: 9 alumni the first semester strived for excellence in See page 5 September 2019 PLE GeneSoc participates in welcoming UPLB See page 4 freshmen See page 6

Unearthing Ori-Genes:

Re-discovering Genetic Modifications Across Ages of Evolution

By ALJON GARCIA (Polyplex)

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OS BAÑOS, LAGUNA—This October 14-18, 2019, The UPLB Genetics Society will conduct its annual Genetics Week at the Institute of Biological Sciences Building, University of the Philippines Los Baños. “Unearthing Ori-Genes: Re-discovering Genetic Modifications Across Ages of Evolution” is the theme of this year’s said event. This year’s Genetics Week will focus on Evolutionary Genetics and present how different genes affect and change the genetic build-up of an organism as time passes by.

About the Theme: Evolution Evolution is the change in the characteristics of a species over several generations and relies on the process of natural selection.

Evolution is affected by different factors such as environment, eating habit,mode of survival, and such.

Evolution relies on the genetic variation of an organism that affects the physical appearance (phenotype) of the said organism.

About the Exhibit: Museum For this year’s GeneticsWeek, The UPLB Genetics Society has chosen the theme of museum. The exhibit

will feature unique designs for the poles, ceiling, floors, board, and front of Wing C of Institute of Biological Sciences.

The front area of Wing C will have a podium-like craft that will resemble the designs of modern-day museums. The poles are designed as Greek columns and church window-like designs are put in between the gaps of the columns.

For the ceiling, a papier-mâché of a fossil of a Pterodactyl will be displayed to radiatea museum-like vibe as onestrollsdown the hall. The Pterodactyl is carefully and patiently hand-crafted by different members

of the organization.

A Sandbox will be put for the Genews launching and an avenue for information dissemination. The board is a cladogram containing the resident members, officers, and activities of the organization.

The designs and decorations are products of the monthlong workshops by the members of the organization and created with pure passion and creativity to deliver the informations in an entertaining manner.

Activities The following are the activities to be held by the organization during Genetics Week:

HOPE Intervention: One Gene, One Child.

As a way of giving back to the community, the organization will do an Outreach program to provide smile and joys to children with genetic disorders at the HOPE Intervention Center in Calamba.

Thanksgiving Mass.

Before starting the week, this ceremony will be conducted to formally start the exhibit.

Exhibit Opening and GENEWS Launching.

The exhibit is officially started and the theme is explained. The official publication of the organization will also start its launching at the event.

Minor Orientation.

The Minor Orientation will be done by the organization. In this way,the organization can show their achievements, members, and other information to students who are interested to know the organization better.

IQLYMPICS.A quiz contest where students all around UPLB have a chance to show and prove how theirtheir mental prowess regarding general topics and issues.

Open Tambayan.A way of giving back to the people. The organization will provide free food and drinks to the students,

This year’s Genetics Week will focus on Evolutionary Genetics faculty members, and non-faculty members of the University.

Print-All-You-Can. This event will provide free printing services to the students. Used paper will be utilized in order to be cost-friendly and cost-friendly.

Genews EIC is IBS top grad, CAS-UPLB Salutatorian: Challenges biologist to bring country back to life

by JICKERSON LADO (Integrons)

that he either helps us, or find someone else to write os Baños, Laguna | “Be the doctor who will go to barrios and public hospitals to the article because, as a provide healthcare for the poor. Be the company owner who will make biomedical student himself, he worries about our academics,” services more affordable and accessible to the public. Be the teacher who will educate students about the beauty of life and nature. Be the biologist who will bring the country back said Louise Jan Lopez (Replichore), one of the to life.”

Genews staff during Sean’s term. Understanding These were the words active officer of The UPLB described his first year here proper time management of Sean Lemuel L. Santos, Genetics Society (GeneSoc) in UPLB to be a routine and tasking that is rooted BS Biology Major in since his official affiliation and a struggle. He felt on one’s strength and Genetics after delivering his in June 2016. He held “insignificant and without weakness enabled him to valedictory speech during several positions in the a purpose”, and a cycle of lead and mentor his staff. the Institute of Biological organization both as an school-dorm-school-dorm “Sean Santos is Sciences (IBS) testimonials officer and committee was all his daily life. All that consummate as he reads and awarding ceremony head to various projects changed when he joined an and edits each draft several held last June 21, 2019 at and activities. This balance organization – GeneSoc. times until he’s satisfied, the NCAS Auditorium. He earned him nominations Indeed, he transformed. and at the end of the was the top BS Biology to several prestigious GeneSoc environment semester, he treats us with graduate and the 2019 Class leadership and service was ambient for the food as a gesture of his Salutatorian for both the awards namely: UPLB 2019 development of his skills heartfelt appreciation,” College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Student Leader, and attitude he never Lopez added.

(CAS) and the University of Jose Rizal Model Student thought he would have.

After college, Sean will the Philippines Los Baños of the Philippines (JRMSP), That vicious cycle turned (UPLB). and Ten Outstanding “The lessons I learned Students of the Philippines outside the classrooms (TOSP - Regional Level). made me realize that In 2018, he was named character is as valuable as as the CAS Outstanding knowledge,” said Santos on Student, a testament to his inspiration in writing his holistic character, time and delivering his speech. management, and good Many were also impressed habits. with the salient points and Santos was one of the 22 challenges he articulated. It GeneSoc graduates of Class earned him loud applause, 2019. He was one of the five jubilation, and for some, Genes with latin honors. heartfelt tears. Others Notably, the four BS Biology expressed on social media genetics major with honors their admiration to his are all members of GeneSoc, valedictory remark on including Sean. behalf of the IBS graduating class.

The Birth of a Genius and --- “Yas nice speech Genews EIC to work-life balance, be taking the MD-PhD naman ng salu ng Graduating with a marveling people at the program at UP Manila.

Graduating Class of 2019 General Weighted Average sight of his ‘cool’ side He was one of the few #IBSBornThisWay” - @ (GWA) of 1.23, Sean and meaningful character individuals selected Lundgren_Reyes was 0.03 away from the leap. He changed some, yet annually to be part of --- “Inform ko lang kayo scl Latin honor. This maintained his core values this fully funded 8-year na ang ganda ng speech ni GWA alone is more than intact – honesty, humility, course. This is his gateway Sean Lemuel Santos, IBS enough proof that he is and adaptability. With these to achieving his dream of Class Valedictorian! Serve academically excellent – a that he had been assigned becoming both a medical the people!” genius. All throughout his to various roles, the biggest doctor and a research -@nirosangasingha undergraduate days, he of which was his stint as the scientist, another journey Santos ranked second to was a consistent recipient lead person of Genews. to his genius, and more Herbert A. Paat, BS Applied of academic distinction.

Santos served as Editor- importantly a path to Mathematics and the lone He received the following in-Chief (EIC) of Genews, paying it forward. summa cum laude (scl) of awards: 2016 Outstanding the official publication of the class. Together, they led Freshman, 2017 Outstanding GeneSoc for two consecutive The Impressions and the 2419 undergraduates Sophomore, and 2018 terms (AY 2017-2018 and Expressions of the Class and 358 post-baccalaureate Outstanding Junior from AY 2018-2019).

“Genews Salutatorian graduates, with 224 honor IBS, UPLB. Add on this list was really a daunting More than the ATCGs graduates (201 cum laude, was his consistent inclusion challenge for me,” reflected making Sean’s blueprints, 22 magna cum laude, as one of the Top CAS now let’s get to know him and 1 scl) during the 47th Students from 2016 to 2018. by Santos who was never part of any school paper nor more with these Q&As: Commencement Exercises Yet most would be in given proper training on Genews: Who is Sean of the university held on awe to know that he was journalism. However, during Santos?

June 22, 2019. a transferee. Prior to his Sean: Sean Santos is a BS As a genetics major, program, he was a Bachelor his tenure, he successfully led the production of four Biology graduate of UPLB he worked on the of Medical Laboratory Genews volumes released who is very passionate diversity analysis of Science student in the during the Genetics and BIO in joining videokes. He onion armyworms. His Adventist University of 30 Week celebrations of the served as Editor-In-Chief research hopes to assist in the Philippines. The first organization . of Genews and the official providing baseline genetic learning institutions Such feats demonstrated road trip driver of GeneSoc information on the nature that molded Santos were Santos’ ability to adapt and for two terms. Sean likes of this pest and its possible Wondrous Works Speed learn new skills. Moreover, to read science books and management. With this Learning Center and he was able to manage watch sci-fi films such as work, he qualified as one of Santa Rosa Science and effectively an editorial staff the MCU and Star Wars. He the Top 30 finalists of the Technology High School for by being a good example plans to become a medical BPI-DOST Science Award. his primary and secondary and by providing the team doctor and dreams to travel He was also a recipient education. From then on, individual tasks and room around the world someday. of the UP Presidential his brilliance, passion, and for independent work.

G: What enables you to Undergraduate Scholarship. determination continuously “As the EIC, Sean would achieve your current Aside from his academic developed, and with the inform us from the start distinction? excellence, Santos shined in right environment at the of the semester about the S: It really comes down to extra-curricular activities right time, his potentials articles he would want us to passion. I love studying, as well. He graduated became fully realized. write. He would genuinely and serving the community as a proud member and A line in his speech ask us if we could do it so

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that I pour all my energy in doing these things. And I do these not and never because of the awards but because I want to be a contributor in the transformation of my community and our country.

G: When did you join GeneSoc? S: I dove into the Gene Pool during the midyear of my sophomore year.

Immediately joined GeneSoc in 2nd year because my feelings of boredom, depression and anxiety were very excruciating during my 1st year. I knew in 1st year that joining an org would ease those feelings but I can’t do much that time since freshmen were strictly banned from joining orgs in UPLB. G: What other plans in the future do you have aside from MD-PhD? S: I am looking forward to conducting medical researches on aging, cancer and the brain. I also want to specialize and practice neurosurgery. I am also planning to serve as a barrio doctor in Laguna where I was born and raised. Lastly, I want to teach medical courses in UP. G: What is your message for GENEWS? GeneSoc? S: Dear GENEWS and GeneSoc, I have always been in your arms and you in my heart for a long time now. Thank you for molding me in becoming a more skillful person and for giving me an opportunity to serve the academic and rural communities. I hope that you would continue to become a source of light and a beacon of hope for this country through the science of genetics.

G: How did GENEWS affect you?

S: When I was first elected as its EIC, I felt very incompetent because I was never an EIC of my school publications, much less a contributor.

However, GENEWS drove me to self-study and selfpractice everything about news writing. It actually encouraged me to read newspapers, study writing books and research about news writing. GENEWS really taught me that there are things in life that I have to learn on my own the hard way.

G: What GeneSoc experience was very memorable to you?

S: That would be our Medical Mission 2017. What was very memorable at that time is that even if I was very tired in my work, I was still very passionate to serve the community together with my orgmates. In that instance, I saw how awful the healthcare accesses of rural communities are and how important our collective efforts are in solving this problem. For me, it was a very memorable GeneSoc experience that would forever open my eyes

...continued on page 4

Medi-genes: 9 alumni strived for excellence in September 2019 PLE examinees, 4,006 successfully passed the examination. The results were released last September 19,

By HANNAH CUETO (Polyplex) 2019, 4 days after the last examination day. ine GeneSoc alumni passed the Philippine Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) which was conducted last September 7, 8, 14, and The Board of Medicine who gave the licensure 15 in testing centers at Manila, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao. examination were Chairman Dr. Eleanor Our fellow Genes (Batch Indel), Zyra Dimaunahan, M.D., Almoro, Dr. Edgardo who passed the PLE Joie Del Rosario, M.D. (Batch Emergenesis), Fernando, Dr. Eleanor are Malereine Joi (Batch Amplicons), Rene Amadore Jr., M.D., Galvez, Dr. Ma. Graciela Moran, M.D. (Batch Gelina Rose Bambalan, (Batch Emergenesis), Garayblas-Gonzaga, and Enhanceosome), Mariel M.D. (Batch Haplotype), and Jean Reni De Dr. Clarita Maaño.

Valdez, M.D. (Batch Sittie Haynnah Monte, Guzman, M.D. (Batch Heteroduplex), Nicole M.D. (Batch Haplotype), Editosome).

The PLE is Mariel Romero, M.D. Ma. Alexandria Out of 4,716 administered twice a year by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). It is the only professional licensure examination for physicians in the Philippines. Further, it is implemented under the Republic Act No. 2382 or The Medical Act of 1959.

The examination assesses the skills and knowledge of the examinees regarding medical practice.

The examination covered topics such as biochemistry, anatomy and histology, microbiology,

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TRIUMPH the nine GeneSoc alumni who passed the 2019 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE)

...continued from page 3

Genews EIC is IBS top grad, CAS-UPLB Salutatorian to the country’s medical problems and enable myself to serve the people.

G: If Sean were a type of GENEWS article, what is it?

S: If I were an article, I would be an editorial article. This article would tell readers that our nation is under numerous crises that worsen the lives of the poor. It would call on young biologists to serve the nation through their different fields and

professions. Reading it would help you realize that the country is dying and that it needs our united effort to resurrect it back to life.

G: As a former EIC of GENEWS, what is your message to other journalists/writers of the country?

S: To other journalists/ writers out there, I hope that you would continue to use words to bring truth to the people and that you

would serve as a voice for the oppressed and a lens for the blinded.

also works with passion and is eager to teach his Genews staff.” – Ms. Michelia Merrill Linne D. Malabrigo The Raised Praises for Sean’s (Hybrizyme), GeneSoc Aces President AY 2018-2019 With such character, “I can still vividly recall people cannot help but how he worked patiently to voice out their high regard complete all the stages of towards Sean Santos. Below meiosis in our Cytogenetics are some compliments from lab class – proving he’d go his former professors and the extra mile. Sean shows peers: respect to his teachers, “Sean is one of the most and not an ounce of selfefficient, punctual and entitlement. I hope he’ll organized persons I know continue to have that humble – both in academics and and teachable heart in his in org work. He complies future endeavors.” – Prof. and exceeds what needs to Riaflor M. Alcabedos, BIO 131 be done, and delivers even Cytogenetics Lecturer and before the deadline. Aside Lab Instructor from being a good and “Sean as a student is focused editor-in-chief, he exemplary. I know he will

parasitology, physiology, legal medicine, ethics and medical jurisprudence, pathology, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, and public health.

To be a doctor is a lifelong journey towards continuous learning and a duty to the people.

Every sweat dropped

Every sweat dropped and every tear shed in the process is rewarded with newfound hope and inspiring smiles. and every tear shed in the process is rewarded with newfound hope and inspiring smiles.

Congratulations on your well-deserved success! Your GeneSoc family is proud of you.

May you continue to serve the people with your mind and heart, and continue to transcend passion and excellence in your every action. reach greater heights after BS and still be grounded.

A man of humility, truly an inspiration.” – Prof.

Evangeline D. Pascual, BIO 130a Advanced Genetics Lecturer “From polished and independent research work, to academic excellence and respectful attitude to all individuals immaterial of rank, Sean is the combination of good grades, good habits, and more importantly good character – and that is rare.

I must say, he has earned my respect.” – Dr. Ma. Carmina C. Manuel, head of the Genetics and Molecular Biology Division, IBS and Sean’s thesis adviser

BIO30 Tutorials conducted for the first semester

By ANGELO HERNANDEZ (Polyplex)

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n line with The UPLB Genetics Society’s (GeneSoc) commitment to serve the students of the university, the organization has been conducting tutorials for students taking up BIO30the introductory course to Genetics. Last September 11 and October 2, they sponsored the much-awaited tutorials for the first and second departmental exams, respectively, of BIO30.

GRATITUDE Awarding of certificates and tokens to Prof. Galang (leftmost) and Prof. Lado (left) after the first and second BIO30 tutorials

For the first exam, Prof.

Emmanuel Galang, a faculty member of Genetics and Molecular Biology Division of the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) served as the tutor for the first exam. For the

Those who attended the tutorial were found out to have performed excellently on their exams.

second exam, Prof.

Jickerson Lado, the Junior Faculty adviser and an alumnus of the organization served as the tutor for the second exam.

Handouts and review materials were prepared and distributed to the participants in order for them to be acquainted more in learning genetics.

Chocolate cakes were given out since it consists of sugars that arebelieved to be a food for the brain.

The tutorials lasted for about two hours.

After the tutorials, evaluation sheets were given to the attendees, and the instructors

GEARING UP First and Second BIO 30 tutorials led by Sir Emman Galang (left) and Sir Jickerson Lado (lower left) respectively

were awarded tokens and certificates as symbols of gratitude from GeneSoc. Those who attended the tutorial were found out to have performed excellently on their exams.

GeneSocis thankful for the heartwarming responses they’ve received which makes them more inspired to serve the students even more

GeneSoc participates Genesoc takes part in 101st in welcoming UPLB loyalty day freshmen parade

By JOHN NICOLAS OLITIN (Isochore)

By JOHN NICOLAS OLITIN (Isochore)

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long with the start of a new academic year and semester is the entry of a new batch of freshmen studentsin UPLB. For most of them, it will be like starting over in a new environment full of strange faces places everywhere. In order to make the freshmen feel comfortable and at home, UPLB, together with several student organizations held various activities aimed at welcoming the incoming students. Among these organizations is The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc).

AlmOSAlan 2019 by participating student For the first day organizations. For its menu, GeneSoc of classes, it is not yet knowledge prepared a light that will fill these combination of egg sandwiches and students’ minds, chocolate drinks. but rather meals and drinks in IBS Freshman order to fill their Orientation tummies. Early in the morning, The following students gather day, the Institute at the Copeland of Biological Gymnasium Sciences (IBS), to browse and led by Dr. Merlyn pick from the S. Mendioro, the wide array of IBS Director, and food and drink Prof. Ivan Marcelo items prepared Duka, the College along UPLB, together Secretary, with multiple other with several professors, held an orientation for BS student Biology students organizations at the IBS Lecture Hall (IBSLH) which held various seeks to welcome activities the students to aimed at their home and educate them about welcoming university and the incoming college policies, as well as explain students.

IBS Freshman Tour Immediately after the orientation, the BS Biology freshman students, grouped into their bloc sections, were toured by volunteer members from IBS student organizations.

The students were toured at various places within the College of Arts and Science (CAS) where they would be conducting most of their classes, like IBS, CAS Annex 2, PhySci Bldg., and more.Throughout the tour were stations where the students were asked to perform various tasks, and take several photos together in order to bring the students together.

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PLB, LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA – October 10, 2019 marks 101 years since October 10, 1918, during the rage of World War I, when 193 out of 300 students and 27 out of 32 faculty members from the UP College of Agriculture (UPCA) volunteered to serve in the Philippine National Guard to fight for the country and be part of one of the world’s historical conflicts. Even though the war was mainly centered in Europe, The Allies, including the USA, needed to obtain more manpower wherever they could, and so a call for volunteers was issued by the Philippine government.

The bravery and honor of these young men and women is remembered and recognized through the celebration of Loyalty Day. Every year, UPLB celebrates the Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming in order to honor the spirit of volunteerism within students, through a host of activities such as the famous Loyalty Day Parade. The spirit of volunteerism may be celebrated during this day, but it is practiced

by UPLB constituents throughout the whole academic year. For this year, the members of The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) were able to take part in the parade.

The Loyalty Day also functions as a

platform for the current UPLB administration and its constituents to reconnect with the alumni.

Last year, 2018, marks a century since then, and so the celebration was more special than others. The theme was “100 years of Uplifting People’s Lives and Beyond”.

Class 1968, the Golden Jubilarians, along with other jubilarians and alumni were present at the event.

The bravery and honor of these young men and women is remembered and recognized through Loyalty Day

Genetics News

Gene loci responsible for hand dominance, relation to brain activity and mental disorders

No such thing as a singular “gay gene�

See next page

See page 8

Programmed chromosome fission and fusion enable precise large-scale genome rearrangement and assembly

By LORIEJOICE ANNE MANALO (Polyplex)

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study conducted on August 30, 2019 explored the application of chromosome fission and fusion on Escherichia coli for creating synthetic genomes. There are already existing methods for synthetic genome design of E. coli such as iterative replacement of genomic DNA with synthetic DNA, deletion of genomic DNA, translocation and inversion of large genomic sections, and combining large genome sections from distinct strains, or the convergent assembly of synthetic genomes.

However, these methods have certain limitations because they require large regions of homology, and since the crossover site between the two genomes is not precisely specified, undesired chimeras may occur.

Chromosome fission and fusion occurs in natural evolution and may even have helped in accelerating evolution itself. In this study, it was demonstrated that the E. coli genome can be efficiently split by single-step programmed fission into pairs of synthetic chromosomes.

This resulted to chromosomes that enable precise programmed fusions, genomic inversions, and translocations. It also provided a route to assemble new genomes through the precise, convergent assembly of large genomic

fragments from distinct fission resulted to strains. streptomycin-resistant and selectively sucroseThe researchers sensitive cells. It designed and was then enriched synthesized a system to generate two that will precisely split chromosomes through the unmodified genome growth on streptomycin of E. coli into two and chloramphenicol. user-defined, circular This selects for both chromosomes. The E. loss of rpsL and coli genome was split maintenance of CmR in into two chromosomes the SacB-CmR double and was further cut selection cassette and into fragments and therefore kills cells linker sequences by containing the fission introducing Cas9 BAC but allows growth with appropriate of cells that have spacers, lambdaundergone programmed red recombination genome fission. machinery, and fission bacterial artificial Fission had only chromosomes (BAC) modest effects on the into cells. growth of cells. Genome Successful fissions were present

E. coli genome can be efficiently split by single-step programmed fission into pairs of synthetic chromosomes.

after approximately 105 generations of continuous growth based from the researchers’ observations.

Programmed fusion of synthetic chromosomes, generated by FISSION, demonstrated that it enables the generation of precisely rearranged genomes.

of the unmodified E. coli genome into diverse megabasescale chromosomes.

Chromosomes in a single cell can be fused into a single genome to effect precise genomic translocations or precise and scarless inversions.

The realization of reorganized genome designs and the The study did not exploration of modular, only use fission and synthetic syntenies fusion. The researchers may have applications also utilized conjugative to engineering. The transplantation to processes done enable precisely combine the new genomes to defined sections of precisely converge. Also, distinct genomes. This their work provides the resulted to successful necessary set of precise, attempts for all genome rapid, large-scale assemblies. They also genome-engineering demonstrated the operations for creating efficiently programmed, diverse synthetic single-step fission genomes.

No such thing as a singular “gay gene”

By DREW KYLA BAYSA (Polyplex)

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ach gene carries a piece of specific information that carries an individual’s traits. With an estimation of 20,000-25,000 genes in the human body, we would be clueless as to what gene carries a specific trait. Careful experimental design and appropriate genetic models are critical requirements for genetic analysis of behavioral differences among humans. The teasing part of genetic and environmental influences as factors for determining behavior became an ideal part of genetic analysis.

When things are taken independently, genetics alone partly has something to do with same-sex behavior according to twin and family studies in the past.

With the help of close consultations with advocacy and outreach groups, and with the brilliance of science, an international group of researchers was able to provide better evidence that pins same-sex sexual behavior. A large scale GWAS (genomewide association study) revealed five genomic variants that are associated with samesex behavior while also establishing that there is no marker that would show how a person will behave sexually. From

a 1993 study linking homosexuality to a specific region of the X chromosome, the study “Large-scale GWAS reveals insights into the genetic architecture of same-sex sexual

A genetic basis proves that gender is not a choice.

behavior” sets the idea of Dean Harmer’s popular idea of “gay gene”.

Data were gathered from a total of 492,678 genotyped individuals who provided self reportedinformation about having to have sex with a same-sex partner from interviews and surveys including questions about sexual identity, sexual experience, sexual

attraction, etc. The primary phenotype examined was whether a person had sex with someone of the same sex and from then, the team analyzed other phenotypes including the proportion of samesex and oppositesex partners which is significant for it shows support for the evidence that there is no single specific single gay gene but a lot of genomic variants with individually small effects contributing to individual differences in the tendency of samesex sexual behavior.

The team notes that

The teasing part of genetic and environmental influences as factors for determining behavior became an ideal part of genetic analysis.

the five genetic variants together account for less than one percent of the variation. And only 8-25% of variation in same-sex behavior was the scope of all genetic variants tested. These numbers are describing the population itself and not individuals, showing the variability in the population that we see in genetics and connecting it to the variability we see in same-sex sexual behavior.

A genetic basis proves that gender is not a choice. However, this study is not credible enough to prove otherwise. Despite the limitations of the study such as lack of diversity and difference in culture, it did not disappoint the fact that science can help us learn more about ourselves, and to answer more questions about our behavior, which is the primary focus of the paper, and not about identity or orientation.

Gene loci responsible for hand dominance: relation to brain activity and mental disorders

By ALYSSA AUSA (Polyplex)

DOMINANCE activities such as writing, eating, and using tools or instruments require people to use their dominant hand in order to carry out the activity effectively.

What is “Handedness”?

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pproximately 90% of the human population identify their right hand as their dominant hand.

Numerous activities such as writing, eating, and using tools or instruments require people to use their dominant hand in order to carry out the activity effectively. But how do we identify which hand is dominant?

Does genetics have anything to do with the population bias in handedness?

Handedness is typically described as the hand which one prefers to use for unimanual tasks (Scharoun and Bryden, 2014). Hand preference for physical action develops early, specifically, before birth. Throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence, an individual’s handedness becomes evident and is inclined to be constant all throughout his/ her life. Handedness, particularly lefthandedness, is thought to be caused by many different factors, and has been found to be linked to other conditions in humans, like mental disorders.

Genetics in Handedness, Language and Mental Diseases Most people believe that the reason for the majority of people being right-handed is due to the localization of language in the left hemisphere of the brain, since the left hemisphere of the brain controls the movement on the right side of the body.

Handedness tends to be apparent at the same time when language is

developed. According to Goldman (2014), the specialization of the left hemisphere of the brain for language is common, and suggests that as the left hemisphere evolved, the preference for the right hand may have intensified as a side effect.

Neuroanatomical studies of human handedness have been equivocal, most likely owing to small- to medium-sized study populations (Hatta, 2007; Guadalupe et al., 2014). This means that very little is known about the connection of mental disorders to handedness and language. According to Brandler and Parachchini (2014), however, there are wellestablished associations between lefthandedness and several neurodevelopmental disorders. A metaanalysis of different studies concluded that left-handedness was significantly more common in participants with schizophrenia.

In the past, there have been three reasonable genetic models of handedness, two of which are singlegene models, where it was proposed that one allele codes for righthandedness (and left

and an indirect relationship between left-handedness and Parkinson’s disease. In particular, rs199512 was directly associated with structural connectivity measures in white matter tracts connecting language-related brain areas. White matter is composed of millions hemisphere language non-right-handers of bundles of axons dominance), while a and right-handers (nerve fibers) that second allele leaves uncovered one further connect neurons in the determination locus. These loci – different brain regions of lateralization to rs199512, rs45608532, into functional circuits fluctuating asymmetry. rs13017199, and (Fields, 2010). This On the other hand, rs3094128 have been one of the models found to be significantly locus, rs199512, has biological credibility was polygenic in involved in brain in contributing nature, in which it development and to differences in stated that both leftpatterning genes. neurodevelopmental handedness and strong According to Wiberg right-handedness et al. (2019), genes that connectivity of language areas. Therefore, the are deviations from are strongly involved lateralization of brain the norm, which in brain development language function is is moderate rightand patterning are the handedness. Although, MAP2, TUBB/MICB, and strongly related to handedness. this model has no WNT3/MAPT genes.

Handedness, similar specific details on There is a common with other traits, is the genetic aspect of genetic influence not influenced by one handedness itself, other on handedness, factor only. Other Parkinson’s disease, studies suggest that Left handedness and many mental other factors may health phenotypes like is thought to be also contribute to neuroticism through caused by many handedness such as single nucleotide environmental and different factors, polymorphisms (SNP) cultural factors. But in the locus that is and has been knowing that genetics found to be linked most associated with has a role in it, helps us handedness, which to other conditions is rs199512. SNPs better understand that there is a possibility of in humans, like are a type of genetic having certain mental variation among mental disorders. diseases related with people that represent handedness. It also a difference in a single than left-handedness suggests that treatment DNA building block. and strong rightof some mental diseases Also, it has been noted handedness being for left-handers and that there is a strong largely descended from right-handers are indirect relationship left-handed parentals different and knowing between the allele (Bryden, 1997). its genetic basis predisposing to leftIn this study, handedness at rs199512, helps in identifying however, researchers better treatments which is at the MAPT have discovered needed. Although, the gene, and Parkinson’s three genome-wide disease. The associated researchers point out significant loci, or being left-handed does loci show a direct positions, by comparing not necessarily lead to relationship between left- handers and rightbeing diagnosed with left-handedness handers. Comparing these mental disorders. and schizophrenia,

Pluripotency and the origin of animal multicellularity:

The study that changes what we know about animal evolution

By NIKKI MATTA (Helraiser)

O

ne of the important points that evolution highlights is that all organisms come from a common ancestor. Phylogenetic trees are developed in order to show the relationships of organisms.

These trees are continually challenged and analyzed so that a more comprehensive representation of the relationship between organisms can be created. In examining how different organisms are related, different methods are used so that they can be surveyed at different levels. One would be surprised at how the most complex animals can be related to the simplest microorganisms.

An established hypothesis about animal evolution is that animals are descended from a unicellular ancestor. This unicellular organism has the same structure to that of modern sponge choanocytes and choanoflagellates.

However, in a recent study entitled Pluripotency and the origin of animal multicellularity conducted by scientists at The University of Queensland, it was reported that the earliest multicellular animals can be classified more as a collection of convertible cells that are similar to a stem cell – somatic cells that can divide and differentiate, and can have further specializations. Since sponges are known to only be an aggregate of cells with no ability to differentiate further, this raises a question as to how close the relationship between animals and choanoflagellates is.

mitochondrial genes, etc.) have supported the hypothesized relationship. Through genome sequencing, it was also revealed that choanoflagellates are the most closely related living thing to animals.

The sponge choanocytes, more commonly known as “collared cells”, comprise similar primary structures to that of choanoflagellates.

They are also found in animal groups such as ribbon worms.

This is why it was suggested that the last common ancestor of sponge choanocytes, choanoflagellates, and animals may have the same morphology.

organism that undergoes an ontogenetic life cycle.

Due to this discovery, it was recommended that early stem metazoans are more complex than previously thought.

Different methods were used to find out if choanocytes and choanoflagellates accurately represent the ancestral animal cell type. The first method is through comparison of cell-type specific transcriptomes, and then phylostratigraphy – where they find out the evolutionary age of all protein-coding genes, and lastly, the investigation of the cell types in development.

Cell-type specific transcriptomes were Pluripotency and compared from a specific the origin of animal sponge species against multicellularity: A transcriptomes found Summary in a choanoflagellate, The last common a filasterean, and ancestor of animals an ichthyosporean, has an ontogenetic protists that are closelylife cycle, but it also related to animals. possesses the smallest The three somatic cell amount of epithelial types of sponges are and mesenchymal then chosen because cell types, or cells they are hypothesized How are that can differentiate to be homologous in Choanoflagellates and into different types. structure to that of the Sponge Choanocytes An organism that has last common ancestor Closely Related to an ontogenetic life of modern metazoans, Animals? cycle should be able choanozoans, or In 1841, a French to regulate spatial holozoans. biologist named Félix and temporal gene Analysis shows Dujardin was able to expression, and have that the three somatic report and propose that a diversified set of cell types of sponges choanoflagellates and signaling pathways, are unique; the most sponge choanocytes transcription factors, unrelated being may have a close enhancers, promoters the choanocytes. It relationship due to the and non-coding RNAs. also showed that similarities between Unicellular holozoans are archaeocytes display their structures. Many the closest single-celled an important role in independent studies that relatives of animals, and gene upregulation used multiple unlinked from recent analyses, that controls cell sequence analyses they appear to have the proliferation, (18S rDNA, nuclear same gene regulatory transcription, protein-coding genes, mechanisms of an and translation –

indicating that they act as pluripotent stem cells. Choanocyte and pinacocyte transcriptomes show genes that have roles in cell adhesion, signalling, and polarity, and are able to act like epithelial cells.

For the phylostratigraphic aging of the three cell types, results show that there is no significant difference in their ages – suggesting that its gene regulatory networks have the same evolutionary age.

When the expression profiles of transcription factor genes of unicellular holozoans were compared with the specific sponge species used in the study, there was no proof of a conserved and co-expressed gene regulatory network.

However, the role of Myc, a protooncogene with partner Max, is present in the archaeocytes of the sponge species for the study, the same with other metazoan stem cells. This protooncogene is also present in choanoflagellates, filastereans, and ichthyosporeans.

The role of Myc therefore provides a recommendation that it was a possible cardinal feature of the first metazoan cell.

The results of investigating the development of the different cell types show that archaeocytes are the most important in the development and maintenance

of body plan of the sponge species used in the study, as well as other sponge species.

Choanocytes appear in the later part of development and exist in metastable state. In times, choanocytes only last a few hours and they differentiate back to archaeocytes.

The results from the analyses mentioned show that the ancestral metazoan cell type has the ability to change between multiple cell states, resembling the behavior of modern stem cells capable of transdifferentiation.

This does not support the long-established hypothesis that animal cells came from nondifferentiating cells that are seen in modern choanocytes and choanoflagellates.

Why is this important?

The study shows us that there is yet to investigate in the evolution of living things. The presence of genomic innovations allow new methods to be introduced so that more extensive analyses can be developed. With technology always leaning towards advancement, more tools are allowed to be generated for research, making way for breakthroughs in the various fields of science, especially in the field of evolution and genetics – thus helping humans continually understand what we really are, and where we really come from

How genetics filled in darwin’s explanation of evolution

Evolutionary Genetics

By NELIEZA TUBEZA (Polyplex)

E The Birth of NeoDarwinism Not a decade later, Mendel’s work Experiment on Plant Hybridization was eventually published in 1866 in the Proceedings of the Natural Science Society of Bruno, where he established that traits do not mix or blend, but segregate in the formation of the gametes. Contrary to the widely known and accepted theory at that time – the blending theory which predicted that sexual reproduction will result in a homogenization of a population that may result to rapid loss of variations within populations.

Many years after Mendel’s publication, his theory of genetics as the basis for biological inheritance, and mathematical population genetics was integrated in Darwin’s concept of

evolution.

Hence, NeoDarwinism was born – backed up with concepts in genetics to further help us understand how and why organisms have undergone evolution.

Genetic Explanation of Evolution Evolutionary genetics is the study of how genetic variation leads to evolutionary change.

This field of study has modified the definition of “selection” which previously referred to the survival of superior traits (traits necessary for organism’s survival), while other traits are disposed. By now, we know that this, indeed, is not true.

Although superior traits are more visible in nature since they have helped organisms adapt and survive in everchanging environments, other traits are still present, variations are still observable,

volution has been in action since the presence of life here on Earth, but it was not until 1859 when Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection that the concept of evolution was known by us, humans.

Darwin has collected data and evidences that evolution was caused primarily by natural selection, but he never arrived at a clear, unambiguous interpretation of the phenomena of inheritance and variation.

and certain diseases (inherited or not) still exist.

The “superior” trait is redefined as the “fit” trait. A trait can either be dominant or recessive and its fitness is dependent on the inheritance of the recessive trait to the next generations.

Fitness is relative to the environment where selection happens.

Consider a grasshopper species with brown and green variants: in a grassland environment, green grasshoppers have an advantage to camouflage on the green grasses and be less visible to its predators. In contrast, the brown grasshoppers are more visible, which increases the risk of being seen and eaten by their predators.

Consequently, more green grasshoppers will survive and continue their life cycle to produce more offspring with the

inherited trait of being greencolored. In this case, the trait for the green-colored grasshopper is more fit than the trait for brown color. The varying fitness of traits fuels the change in gene frequencies of populations which can cause more variations in the population.

Branches of genetics such as molecular, developmental, and population genetics have been great contributors to the science of genetics and evolutionary biology, and according to Lewontin, it has done so through three paths: 1. Population and biometrical genetics have shown that there is considerable heritable variation in virtually any population, on which selection may act, which also proved that selection has not

exhausted variation.

2. Molecular and developmental genetics have elucidated how new heritable variation can arise and provide the basis for genetic novelties beyond the limits of variation that already exists.

3. Developmental and population genetics have vastly enriched our knowledge, so we know now that there are other evolutionary forces other than simple selection which can explain the diversity and continued diversification of organisms.

Evolutionary genetics gave us knowledge on how and why organisms have evolved. Aside from knowing our past through studying our ancestors and the changes they have gone through, evolutionary genetics can also give us insights about the fate of different organisms in the future.

The UPLB Genetics Society and VYLH-Philippines:

10 Years of service by advocating for a healthier country

By KIM CAMACHO (Allosyndesis)

F

or over 10 years, The UPLB Genetics Society has been one with Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Philippines (VYLH-Philippines) in promoting a healthy society through its advocacies such as folic acid supplementation, rare disease prevention, and newborn screening awareness. VYLH-Philippines, together with The UPLB Genetics Society, were able to reach the lives of different families through community and university-based programs like K4Health, Project Kabilin Kalusugan for LB Nanays, Run for Rare, and more.

On 2009, an exhibit was held on the Wing C of the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) with the theme “Care for Rare: Beyond the Gene, Orphan Disorders and Birth Defects” in line with the celebration of the 26th Genetics Week. Symposiums were also conducted during the same week of the exhibit emphasizing on the importance of the supplementation of folic acid on the diet of women within the reproductive age.

residents of Southville 7 in Calauan, Laguna regarding the advocacies of VYLHPhilippines. Mr. Ryan John Pascual, an alumnus of The UPLB Genetics Society and VYLH-Philippines National President, and Ms. Monaliza Miras, a former vice president of The UPLB Genetics Society, were the key speakers for this activity.

Also, on the same year, 60 mothers were reached by the seminar held in participation of the event organized by UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps.

flyers were given out with the purpose of introducing the importance of folic acid and newborn screening in combatting the development of metabolic and endocrine disorders.

On the 22nd day of February 2015, a run-fora-cause was organized by the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD), and RunManiaPH, where The UPLB Genetics Society participated in this “Run for Rare” event. On the same year, the VYLHPhilippines Los Baños The year 2012 was participated in the 3rd focused in conducting Buntis Congress in Los On the following year, university-based activities Baños. Additionally, Mr. The UPLB Genetics Society and promoting the VYLH- Patrick Cuenca, a Los conducted signature Philippines’ advocacies Baños coordinator and campaigns, specifically at to different schools. A an alumnus of The UPLB the 2010 UP Rural High symposium was held Genetics Society, delivered School (UPRHS) Science during the 7th Genetics his talk on the 6th Fair. This continued until Camp focusing on National Intercollegiate 2011, involving different newborn screening, folic Genetics Quiz Contest communities in order to acid supplementation, and (NIGQC) on 2015, a legislate the Republic Act rare diseases. On the 20th quiz contest held by the 10747 or the Rare Disease day of February 2012, an organization for tertiary Act that aims to address invitation from De La level students from all the needs of people with Salle Lipa in Batangas, over the country. rare diseases. The Rare in celebration of their Disease Act was signed biology week, was readily The Project #TROPA: on the 3rd day of March accepted to promote the Teens are Responsible 2016. In line with this, advocacies of VYLHOver Pregnancy advocacy patients with rare diseases Philippines. While on was conducted on June were able to access February 23-29, activities 24, 2016 which catered adequate medical care, such as: “SchoolsGrade 7 students at information, and products for-rare”, signature the Los Baños National to treat their condition. campaigns, Adopt-AHighschool. This activity School, and distribution was held in coordination The UPLB Genetics of flyers were conducted, with Master’s in Public Society supports the and VYLH-UPLB took part Health (MPh) students VYLH-Philippines’ in making these things from UP Manila and the cause to promote happen. And to celebrate Los Baños Laguna Rural newborn screening for the folic acid awareness Health Unit. On the same a healthier country. week, a symposium with year, a talk about maternal In relation to this, a the theme “Folic Acid: health was conducted and door-to-door newborn A Vitamin for Life” was brochures were distributed screening campaign at organized by The UPLB containing information the neighborhood of Sitio Genetics Society. about he VYLHMolawin, Batong Malake, Philippines’ advocacies.

Los Baños, Laguna was The UPLB Genetics done on 2011, where Society conducts an Project Kabilin pamphlets containing annual medical mission Kalusugan para sa LB essential information at different communities, Nanays, a youth-led about newborn screening not just in Los Baños, initiative conducted by were provided to the Laguna, but also in the Proactive Kabilin residents. On the same neighboring communities. and VYLH-Philippines, year, a seminar was During these medical together with The conducted among the missions, special talks and

The UPLB Genetics Society during the 2011 UPRHS Science Fair

UPLB Genetics Society, that seeks to promote and educate women of reproductive age about the importance of preconception health was done last July 20, 2017. Another activity led by the organization is the K4Health, which stands for Kabataang Kabalikat ng Komunidad para sa Kalusugan. This activity focuses on the mobilization of youth volunteers towards

the promotion of folic acid supplementation, newborn screening, and birth defects prevention.

Throughout the years, The UPLB Genetics Society has always been a pioneer for VYLH-Philippines advocacies, together with other core organizations that made the existence of this youth-led and advocacy-oriented organization possible.

Why genetics is important to your degree program

Hydrophibic reactions in the DNA See next page

Editorial

Why genetics is important to your degree program Agnes Gwyneth Gutierrez (Allosyndesis)

Batch 2018, BS Biology “Genetics has helped me fully grasp the basics I need for my nutrition majors. This course will help me as I continue my nutrition studies: the importance of knowing the similarities and differences between GENEWS Team: “How humans in order to is genetics important develop a well-balanced to you and your degree diet. Furthermore, this program?” course has helped me “Genetics allows to be able to explore for us agricultural the benefits of genetic biotechnologists to engineering for the understand the crops we enhancement of the grow and the animals nutritional intake of a we raise to better feed patient.” the growing population - Allen Gabor, Batch of the world. Advances 2019, BS Nutrition in the study of genetics “Nutrition deals enable us to engineer with humans and the products that people metabolic pathways need, produce more that occur inside a with less, and hopefully, human’s body. In order reach food security.” to fully understand - Charlene the process of these Niebres, Batch 2018, pathways, we must BS Agricultural first learn the small Biotechnology details like studying the “Genetics answered genes responsible for a lot of questions for certain traits. Learning me. “Why am I like genetics will help this?”, “Why do I seem us in explaining and different?”, and a lot analyzing the steps in more. It helped me each process, and how understand myself on they affect the individual a molecular level, and and the community the since then, I was able individual belongs to.” to appreciate and love - Ayra Catapang, Batch myself. By studying 2019, BS Nutrition genetics, I’ve learned “It helps us that every organism has understand why there a unique chromosome are variations among us. structure. It explains How certain diseases, the functions and conditions, or traits roles of genes. From are inherited by the the molecular level, it infants from their helped me understand parents. Genetics is very organisms in the macro essential, especially in level as well – which is my course, because it is what Biology is about. a prerequisite for other From the molecular to subjects, and a great the macro level, we are branch of science that able to comprehend life will be helpful for my .” future when I’m in med - Drew Kyla Baysa, school.”

Now, we seek to broaden the horizon in which genetics is considered essential by asking students from different degree programs who are currently taking Bio 30 the following question:

I

n an earlier edition of Genews, we asked BS Biology students from different majors the following question: “Why is genetics important to your major field?”, in order to know how genetics serves as a key element in understanding other life sciences and how it links with other major fields like Microbiology, Zoology, Wildlife, Ecology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, and Systematics.

- Jay Harold Odon, Batch 2019, BS Nutrition “Genetics is important to me, personally, because it has helped me understand how my parents were able to pass on their traits to me. It also helped me understand the presence of different conditions among certain individuals. It is also important in my degree program, BS Nutrition, because each and everyone’s diet is influenced by a lot of factors and one of them is their genes. Hence, studying genetics for my degree program is truly important.”

- Ann Jullian Mendoza, Batch 2019, BS Nutrition “Me, being a statistics student, genetics may seem not really connected [to my degree program]. But as everyone says, math is a language of science. The idea of genetics cannot

get SCO (single crossover) I and II. That formula looks very similar to conditional probability. And actually it was! The distances we computed in linkage maps are not discrete numbers of distance but more likely the chance that is logically represented as distance.

It was great to observe a connection between statistics and genetics as I enjoy both subjects.”

- He Rim Kang, Batch 2016, BS Statistics “Genetics is important to me since I acquire more knowledge about life and understand my health even more. Genetics is also important to my chosen degree program, which is BS Statistics, because I could come up with data statistics about human beings that can be a vital study not only for me, but also for everyone.”

- Aubrey Aseron, Batch 2019, BS Statistics “I was taught Genetics that genetics is the answered most interesting and fascinating in the field a lot of of Biology. Also, it can questions for explain many things. me. “Why am Genetics is important to me since it can I like this?” explain where I came from and how am I be fully understood different to others. without statistics. For Understanding genetics instance, during the can help me detect discussion in the lab genetic disorders which we had a question on can help and improve the formula of getting the quality of life of the CC (crossing-over the sufferer. Statistics coincidence). Being is a cornerstone for a statistics major, I research, and researches observed that there is are vital to our growth an overlapping event and development as occurring at DCO (double human beings and cross-over) which is as occupants of the used in the formula to earth. This can be said

for countless of areas including agriculture, economy, health, medicine, and much more. Studying the statistics behind genetic mutation and lethal genes are just [a few examples as to why genetics is important] to my chosen degree program that would help humanity become aware of the existence of such cases, and further serve as a medium of prevention, which, ultimately, can serve my purpose in my chosen degree program.

“Statistics also work hand in hand in one of sub-field of genetics which is Statistical Genetics, a scientific field concerned with the development of statistical methods for drawing inferences from genetic data. Outcomes in this field help people generate theories that can help in explaining evolution and how the composition changes over time.”

- Wilmar Mangapot, Batch 2019, BS Statistics The study of genetics is not limited to Biology and its group of sciences, but is also useful in other related fields. While genetics can be considered as an important branch of Biology, its scope does not end here. As there are many concepts that are helpful in understanding genetics, from chemistry to statistics, so does the opposite hold true, wherein other fields can be understood better with the help of genetics.

studied abroad do not have the appropriate facilities and resources here in the Philippines, and so they opt to stay abroad to pursue their research – showing that our country is not

By JOHN NICOLAS OLITIN (Isochore) prepared for their return.

Furthermore, despite the ecently, the topic of research has been a controversial issue in the Philippines, when Sen. Cynthia Villar criticized the Department of Agriculture vast number of research (DA) for concentrating too much on research. During the hearing of the DA’s works being published each year by academic budget, Sen. Villar gave the following remark in Filipino: “Bakit parang lahat and research institutions, ng inyong budget puro research? Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin ninyo only a few are really ba ‘yung research? Ako, matalino akong tao, pero hindi ko maintindihan ‘yang given the chance to research niyo, lalo na ‘yung farmer. Gusto ba ng farmer ang research? Hindi ba be applied in real life gusto nila tulungan niyo sila?”.

(Nolasco, 2014).

Such a pompous and development projects in terms of technology uninformed remark (Desjardins, 2018). advancements, and so a Yet, not all is bleak for is unbecoming of an In the last Global country with rich fields the future of research individual of high Competitiveness Report and seas such as ours in the Philippines. position, but not released last August cannot take advantage of Currently, some entirely expected from 8, 2019 by the World the resources that we are government institutions someone with no Economic Forum, the blessed with.

– especially the academic background on Philippines dropped to Some of the possible Department of Science agriculture. the rank of 64th overall reasons why R&D has had and Technology (DOST) What exactly is the in terms of global little impact in improving – and private companies purpose of research and competitiveness, from the various sectors is the in the Philippines alike why is it important to our 56th in 2018 (Schwab, fact that our government have proposed grants country?

2019). In Southeast from then up to now has and sponsorships for Asia, the Philippines’ provided little support researchers in various The value of research spending on scientific and insufficient funding fields.

Research is the and technological to our nation’s scientists Here are some of the catalyst in the pursuit of investments is and research institutions, things we need to work improving the quality of considered as the lowest, not even for basic on (based on Dar, 2018): human life, protecting as compared to our research – the lifeblood the environment, and neighbors like Thailand, of all researches, wherein Innovations developing a nation’s Vietnam, and Indonesia, funding is mostly given In the current economy. It is the all of which invest to applied research. state of R&D in the product of man’s around 2% of their GDP. Corruption persists country, creativity curiosity and desire for Sahin (2015) studied at different levels of and entrepreneurship knowledge. Without 15 countries from 1990government; politicians skills are sorely research, society will not 2013 and established in positions of power, lacking. Innovations be able thrive and keep a positive correlation ignorant of the benefits in technology are up with the demands of between R&D expenditure that research can needed to improve the people. It is observable and economic growth. provide to the country, quality of products, that the more developed, In another study unwittingly neglect these and thus, are also wealthier countries seeking to establish a institutions in favor of needed to penetrate the allocate more resources relationship between more flashy projects international market in and budget to the field of R&D expenditure and like infrastructure order to become globally research. economic development construction and military competitive. For this to The expenditure conducted by Gumus improvement, among be achieved, scientists on Research and and Celikay (2015), others. This can be seen and institutions need Development (R&D) of data gathered from 52 in how the government to assess and prioritize a nation reflects the countries from 1996 to allocates funds in the market potential. That is growth of its economy, 2010 discovered similarly different departments. to say, research outputs both for developed and that R&D expenditure has For Agriculture, 56.8 should be commercially developing countries. a positive and significant Billion Pesos has been applicable from Nations that are impact on the economy of allotted to the DA, while small-scale farms and leaders in terms of the countries involved in just 8.4 Billion Pesos fisheries up to the larger technologically advanced the long term. However, for the Department companies. products can compete in in developing countries, of Agrarian Reform. the international market, the effect was observed Meanwhile, the budget Focus Areas and show progress in to be weak in the short for the Department of R&D should be focused terms of production term, but stronger in the National Defense (DND) on fields that can have levels and quality. For long run. and the Department of a positive impact on the year 2018, in the Why then is our country the Interior and Local poverty reduction and United States of America, not investing more on Government (DILG) wealth creation. Without for example, 2.7% of R&D? First, we must combined constitute such, no real change or their national GDP, or investigate the current almost 400 Billion Pesos improvement will ever 476.5 Billion USD, was situation of R&D in the in funding. be felt by the country. allotted for research. In Philippines.

This in turn contributes In order for this to be Japan, they allotted 3.4% to the reality that a achieved, institutions of their national GDP, Research in the number of scientists that can lead R&D or 170.5 Billion USD for Philippines and researchers in the efforts are needed, and research. Meanwhile, In the Philippines, Philippines choose to these are the Bureau of in the Philippines, much of the R&D work abroad where Agricultural Research approximately only 0.1% efforts have not been their academic intellect (BAR) and the Philippine of the national GDP, or sufficient, especially in will be utilized for the Council for Agriculture, around 16 Billion Pesos the field of agriculture advancement and welfare Aquatic and Natural (330 Million USD), was and fishery, causing our of foreign nations and Resources Research and allotted for research and country to lag behind people. Scientists who

Beyond words:

Research – A vital element in a nation’s progress

R

Development (PCAARRD).

These serve to properly control investments in research, particularly in agriculture, in order to improve efforts in research.

Technology Upscaling This is a method which “incorporates all relevant technologies to create packaged and customized solutions”. It is a complex process that brings with it challenges, and is beyond the traditional set-up of R&D in the Philippines, but it can be developed further by research institutions.

Indigenous Knowledge There is low morale on indigenous knowledge, a cultural mindset that knowledge could only come from scientists of university institutions, neglecting local knowledge, and that grass root peoples may have some of the best ideas too. Academics and politicians alike should pay greater heed to these valuable systems of knowledge, lest it become extinct. If we are to move forward technologically, we may have to learn a thing or two from the local village experts (Senanayake, 2006).

Lessons learned from past researches In 1961, UPLB’s very own Dr. Ricardo M. Lantican, a National Scientist, was part of a study that focused on a fungal disease called the Southern corn leaf blight and how they could make corn less susceptible to this particular disease.

For the most part, the results of their research went unnoticed, until a decade later when this very same disease spread and damaged the corn industry in the United States. Ultimately, this negligence has wrought billions of dollars in losses, even though it could have been avoided from the very beginning, had the world been paying attention.

Hopefully, we do not commit now the mistake the world did then.

Hopefully, we will give due hearing and credit to those who work, day in, day out, in order to improve the quality of life and the standard of living in our country.

Batch Zisupton

New Members

Batch Isochore, Allosyndesis, and Helraiser

Batch Isochore: United at the core

See page 17 Compiled by RANI FABROS (Isochore), AIMEE MONTES (Isochore), CAMILLE FAITH DURAN (Polyplex), and JOHN JOSEPH MARALLAG (Retron)

Batch Polyplex

See page 18

Batch Retron See page 20

Varias is a force to be reckoned with. Dan is the type of person who wears his heart on his sleeve and is very unabashed about it. His overflowing passion is an inspiration to his friends and to anyone who has ever encountered him.

Some of his hobbies are reading, watching movies and TV series, walking, and listening to music. But most of all, he is good in writing. His overflowing words are always inked with sincerity and substance, true to who he is as a person. In the future, he wants to be a vector of change and innovation in healthcare. He wants to be a physician who serves the underserved.

her know her different sides. One minute a soft and fluffy piece of cuteness, the next a cold and harsh critique using her words to strike. Unpredictable she may be, always she is diligent and capable, never failing to step up and accomplish what is required of her.

Her goal in life is to become a scientist and pursue research in the fields of neuroscience, biotechnology, and microbiology. On her free time, she likes to party and enjoy life to its fullest.

Jan Emmanuel Samson There are many different sides to this n isochore is a large segment in a DNA strand that is person, and very few characterized by high degree of uniformity in G-C content. people get a glimpse of Similarly, the members of this batch are alike in passion and more than one. Complex dedication, united by their goal to immerse themselves in the field of and charming as he is, genetics and promote its awareness.

ChabelitaAviquivil Samson is a great friend her love to anyone who Chabelita is a and an introspective This batch is Being around her is deserves it freely and magnanimous person. thinker.He loves reading composed of students like interacting with a without conditions.

Hers is a heart that’s books, especially those from BS Nutrition: living, breathing meme both gentle and sturdy, within the creative nonAimee Montes and page. She also has a John Nicolas Olitin untarnished by the fiction genre. He also Carmela Maloles, love for cooking, and Quiet and somewhat harsh waves of life. plays the piano,and his both of which are she is interested in reserved, Nico is the She has a penchant other hobbies involve Batch 2018. While the anything that is related very definition of there for the arts, carefully sports, such as playing others from BS Biology to food and its study. being more than what and creatively weaving basketball and tennis. are: John Nicolas Ultimately, she dreams meets the eye. He is works of art into He dreams of becoming Olitin, Daniel Varias, of becoming a doctor very profound and life.She is also very a doctor. Eventually, he ChabelitaAviquivil, Rani someday. doesn’t back down from consistent, capable of also envisions becoming Fabros, Jan Emmanuel whatever challenge is accomplishing the tasks a teacher after retiring Samson, and Francis Carmela Maloles thrown at him. His love given to her with grace. from medicine, and Dagatan, all of which Her intimidating for cats and cat memes Painting, sketching, possibly starting a are Batch ‘18 students, aura and immaculately can only be matched by playing instruments, business during his except for Francis, a arched eyebrows may his passion in working and singing are among peak years.

Batch ’15 student. scare you at first, but for what he believes in. her many talents. In make no mistake – He values consistency, her free time, she likes Francis Dagatan Aimee Montes Carmela is one of the evident in how he listening to music, Stellar and altruistic, Hailing from the warmest and most works. As an honest watching videos, Francis was the splendor between the genuine people you’ll and dependable person, reading, writing poetry, “kuya” that guided mountains and the sea, ever meet. Her sweet he is a good friend to and online shopping. his batchmates. His Aimee Montes is every personality and cordial those close to him.

She dreams of becoming exceptional intellect and bit as magnificent as words are enough to Some of his hobbies are a doctor in order to help charms captivate those her hometown. Not make anyone feel at sleeping and playing many people. She also around him.He is a only is she captivatingly home. In her free time, videogames. He is dreams of travelling the level-headed leader. His charming, but she is she enjoys watching unsure of hisfuture world. determination enables also endlessly witty Korean dramas. Aside plans, on whether he him to accomplish any and sharp. With a from this, she loves should pursue research Rani Fabros task with grace and personality as loud reading books, baking, or medicine. At the end Timid and shy at a excellence. Above all, and cheerful as hers, it and eating. The best of the day, he always glance, most are fooled he is also a great friend, is impossible to have thing about Carmela has your back. by her graceful beauty always compassionate a dull moment with is she doesn’t let the and quiet stare. But and willing to help this girl.Her hobbies harshness of the world Daniel Varias in reality, Rani is an those around him. include sharing memes take away her softness.

With intellect and adventurous and wild He plans to pursue on Facebook, and She is a very open determination as individual. Yet, only medicine in the future. making TikTok videos. person, and she gives powerful as his, Daniel those who are close to

A

Batch Allosyndesis: Crossing Over all Challenges

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llosyndesis refers to the crossing-over of two non-homologous chromosomes. Just like their batchname, the members of this batch are a cross-over of many diverse personalities and backgrounds. They are: Agnes Gutierrez, John Dane Valdez, Sophie Malagday, Kim Camacho, and Kenneth Tria, all of which are Batch ’18BS Biology students.

Agnes Gutierrez Driven and brimming with confidence, Agnes is not the type of person to do anything half-baked. Her determination allows her to excel in whatever task she puts her mind into, whether small or big. She is outspoken and doesn’t settle for anything substandard.

Her elegance and beauty are paralleled by her kindness and warmth.

Aside from this, there is also an innocence to her that is both endearing and unique. Meeting her, one would know that she is every bit as enchanting as her lovely singing voice.But most of all, she loves science and she dreams of becoming a doctor. In her path to becoming a doctor, she hopes that she canhelp people in

the same field achieve their goal as well.

John Dane Valdez With both wit and dedication, John Dane, or “JD”, is definitely one of the most hardworking people

The members of this batch are a crossover of many diverse personalities and backgrounds. you’ll encounter.His laidback personality allows him to accomplish any task

calmly and without much stress. But despite his seemingly chill composure, he doesn’t allow complacency. In fact, it is very important to him that he puts in as much effort as he can in whatever task is handed to him. With every activity he is in charge of, he makes sure that all technicalities are accounted for to ensure that the program runs smoothly. He is a great friend who may seem quiet at first, but is very talkative and funny once you get to know him.

Some of his hobbies are playing video games online or through console, playing guitar, and watching movies, TV series, or anime. Ultimately, his unwavering passion and warmth makes him incredibly reliable in

singing, sports and journalism. Among her many goals in life is to start a dog sanctuary, a testament to her love for dogs. She dreams of becoming a doctor someday. But at the same time, she also wishes to become a musician.

Kim Camacho There are many layers to this quiet girl. She has hands that are as gentle as her voice, allowing her to carefully and precisely craft artworks that leave people in awe. Her antics and words are effortlessly endearing, enabling her to charm people despite her initially reserved personality.Some of her hobbies are watching Korean dramas and drawing. Ever since she was a child, she dreamed of becoming a doctor. Watching dramas related to medicine inspires her even more to fulfill this dream.

Kenneth Tria Tall and sturdy as he is, Kenneth is one of the most reliable people you’ll ever meet. His words are sharp, always filled with substance and wit. Behind his ALLOSYNDESIS (from straightforward left to right) Kenneth personality is a person Tria, Kim Camacho, who is incredibly Sophie Malagday, caring, empathetic, and steady. His humorous Agnes Gutierrez, John personality makes him Dane Valdez a happy pill to anyone who has ever had the every aspect. luck of being his friend.

During breaks, he Sophie Malagday enjoys watching anime, With a personality American series, and as striking as her hair, Korean dramas. He also and conviction as likes watching movies powerful as her voice, be it with friends or Sophie is not someone on his own. His other to be overlooked. hobbies include several She is profound and outdoor sports. Ever unyielding, and faces since he was about whatever is thrown four years old, he has her way headfirst. But had a love for playing within, she is also a girl badminton. Eventually, full of understanding he also learned to play and warmth, capable of basketball when he was making anyone feel at seven years old and ease.She is a jack of all has since enjoyed the trades when it comes sport. When given the to her talents, as she opportunity, he also has delved into many likes to play tennis. fields such as dancing,

Batch Helraiser:

Raising the Standard

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helraiser is an artificial copy of a helitron found in bats. Similar to how a helraiser is able to elucidate the mechanism of a helitron, the members of the batch –Abegail Luna and Nikki Matta, Batch ’18 BS Biology students – are able to shed a light on unseen potential within the organization She is talented in many ways, with singing and dancing among HELRAISER (from left the many things she to right) Nikki S. Matta is passionate about, and Abigail Luna and she is unafraid to share these talents to the world. She also does modelling. Her natural charisma is evident with every photo she Abegail Luna Abegail is a small girl takes. But aside from her undeniable charms with a big voice and and talent, it is the way an even bigger heart.

she greets the world with openness and joy that enthralls people towards her. She is a great friend to many, warm and genuine to anyone she meets. In the future, she wants want to become a doctor who isn’t hospitalbased. She aims to extend her help to farther places where people may not always

Batch Zisupton:

from the blues and into the blue

By AIMEE MONTES (Isochore)

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new addition to the superfamilies of DNA transposons, Zisuptons were found to be active in fish and could also be detected in various types of organisms. The term Zisupton is shorthand for “Zinc finger SUMO protease transposon”. It is from the class 2 of transposable elements that contain nucleic acid and protein-binding domains. With its ability to regulate gene expression, this transposon could potentially contribute to genomic diversity and evolution, not only in fish, but also in other organisms.

Jeriel Cabaluna Born on the 11th of August, 1999 in Caloocan City, Jeriel describes himself as someone who always tries to do his best in everything even if he already lost hope. He loves to watch various videos on Youtube; vlogs, informative ones, will surely entertain him. Back in high school, he was a choir member of Himig Scientia,

and his classification was Bass 2. He loves singing, but pop songs don’t usually fit his low-ranged voice. In the future, he wants to be a doctor, and a Youtuber as well. He wishes that he would be able to handle tough situations in life by being more mature.

Personally, he feels that it’s okay to cry sometimes, knowing that it’s just a phase and not a life sentence.

Maria Ylenna Notorio Enna was born and raised in Navotas City. She spent her primary and secondary education in a Catholic school just a few steps away from their home.

She describes herself as soft-hearted, funloving, and a ball of happiness that sees the good in everything and in everyone.

She has a ceaseless passion for dance and music; in fact, she is

be accounted for.

Nikki Matta Nikki’s sense of humor is like a breath of fresh air.

Her jokes and memes are injected with her cleverness and creativity. Cats and raccoons are among the many animals she feels strongly about.

But her enthusiasm

and insight goes beyond what is academic in nature. Anyone acquainted with Nikki would know that she is also very knowledgeable about films and television. As a true film critique by heart, her wit is evident with the way she is able to analyse the media she consumes critically.She dreams of pursuing a career in biotechnology and bioengineering.

currently a trainee of the University’s dance varsity, SJDC. She loves the sea and she always makes sure to try different water sports when she gets the chance to do so.

She aspires to become a medical doctor and a member of the Doctors to the Barrios in the future. Joining Genesoc made her realize that there are skills that she lacks still.

Grow with the organization; this is what the newest and youngest batch of GeneSoc aims to achieve. They aspire to be better by embodying the lessons and the essence of the organization, such as building closer relationships, educating people, and promoting excellence in everything--whenever and wherever.

ZISUPTON Maria Ylenna Notorio (uppermost) and Jeriel Cabaluna (top)

she wishes to be more responsible and mature in making decisions. Her dream is to be a doctor ever since she was a child.

During senior high school, she tried acting in school projects and she even joined a theater group.

Her favorite subject in school is mathematics, and she loves solving problems and feels a sense of accomplishment whenever she solves a problem. However, her passion is helping other people and she thinks that being a doctor will help her achieve that.

Nelieza Tubeza Nelieza’s personality is quite an interesting mix. She may seem loud, outgoing, and friendly, but in fact, she is an introvert. She’s awkward at times but when paired with someone who knows how to get a conversation going, she’ll surely spill the beans about herself and they might eventually become friends. Under her curly crown, her mind loves going places as she frequently zones out.

She is quite an observer - she loves learning new interesting things and loves to notice the Loriejoice Anne Manalo smallest unusual things.

Lorie is a timid and But just like any other quiet girl from Kawit, person with a goal in Cavite. Being a dog lover, mind, Nelieza’s not all she is the mother of three about the funny things. dogs. She likes watching She dreams to work in a

By CAMILLE FAITH DURAN (Polyplex) anime, and reading hospital even though she manga, webtoons, and will not pursue medicine. olyplex is a synthetic complex of protein polymers and nucleic books, mostly shounen, Her dream career is to acids used as a nonviral vector in gene delivery, a process involving mystery, and thriller save people’s lives inside the introduction of foreign material such as DNA and/or RNA genres. During her a laboratory to help into a host cell to induce gene expression. It is commonly used in highschool days, she doctors diagnose and treat gene therapies where it aims to treat diseases such as cancer, immune developed her interest and patients. With the goal to system-related diseases, blood diseases, and more. skill in video and photo serve the people, she is editing. It may not seem one who perseveres and 14 new individuals layout, to the point that they are. likely but she also likes aims to achieve. bound by the same goal doing so is no longer a playing games such as dived into the gene pool, job, but rather a hobby.

Alyssa Mae Ausa League of Legends, horror Faye Escobido similar to how new DNA is For her appreciation of Alyssa, or Aly, as her games, and especially Faye was born on May introduced into a host cell performance art, she friends call her, is known music games. Though she 18 in the hot summer of bounded by a Polyplex. learned to play the piano, to be a shy and timid is currently a sophomore 1998, coming a long way Camille, Aly, Lorie, Nel, guitar, and ukulele and girl. She looks quiet and student studying Biology, from Cagayan de Oro Kyle, Hannah, Jessi, Jona, even went on auditions reserved, but once you her favorite subject City in order to finish her Drew, Reese, Bryan, for various programs to get to know her better, is mathematics. One degree program in BS BS Biology students; express and hone her she can talk to you noninteresting fact about her Biology, major in Genetics and Aljon and Gelo, BS abilities, and experience stop. She likes to watch is that she has a collection in UPLB. However, she did Agriculture students. To new things. Camille also Korean dramas, American of eight different kinds not start out as a Biology know more about them, enjoys writing poems and British series, Filipino of Rubik’s cubes. She also student when she first here are statements about ever since she was in high movies, and many more. loves playing the piano entered the university their interests, dreams, school. She believes in However, she doesn’t like and uploads some covers and was initially taking and passions. what Anne Frank quotes scary genres. She also when she has the time. a degree in Computer that “people tend to think reads books, especially Being a music enthusiast, Science for about a year Camille Faith Duran a lot but they don’t say fiction with magic and Lorie also listens to a and a half before shifting Camille is an intuitive much”, and so she pours fairy tales. Her choice wide range of music to Biology, and eventually and perceptive thinker her ideas and feelings into of songs is random and genres from K-Pop to falling in love with her that likes to explore poems. She keeps a record depends on her mood, pop punk and rock songs, major. Faye describes things beyond her circle. of journals as a memento but she specifically although some people herself to be shy and She has a curious mind of her unspoken feelings, likes boybands such as say that her taste in rock awkward in a crowd she and her range of interests and as a shoulder to One Direction and BTS. music is misaligned with isn’t familiar with, but is wide as she’s fond of help her whenever she’s She participated in a her personality since to people who know her history, specifically the confused and pained. few school pageants she is always quiet. She well she can be very loud genealogy of the England Through her emotions, before and also joined compares herself to a and funny. Faye also has Royal Family; different she even wrote some workshops for modeling, piano, and the people a deep appreciation for music genres—from songs from her poems singing, dancing, and around her as the pianist. the arts, may it be visual, classical to jazz to pop and to express herself when playing the piano. She She is too shy to be the musical, or anything that rock; art—both classical words alone can’t contain loves to perform even one to approach people involves being creative. and modern; novels such it anymore. She likes though she is not an first. If you press the This explains why she as Murakami and Coelho, doing things and making excellent performer. keys lightly, the piano used to draw a lot as a and science. She’s also herself busy, for she During her 9th grade, she will only produce a soft kid and also sing in the ambitious in that she believes that keeping her was homeschooled and sound, just like her, choir if given the chance. tried not only academicmind busy with productive auditioned in PBB 737 as she may usually be Despite being in a choir, related things, but also things diverts her mind and some VTRs. Being awkward and overthinks she explores and listens to art and performance. from overthinking and the eldest of four girls, about how to keep up a different genres, including She likes to draw and being negative. She’s shy she loves playing with conversation when facing K-Pop and even rock. She paint anime, cartoons, at first, but whenever a children and taking care new people. However, she is also quite interested in realistic portraits, and situation calls, she’s ready of them, but she herself will eventually be louder if sports and plays a bit of even design characters, as to adjust herself and do is still a child at heart, as you press the keys harder volleyball and basketball well as write calligraphies her best to give her hand she still watches Barbie similar to a piano. She is whenever possible, as in different styles. She and take the challenge. movies and other cartoons a diligent student and is she used to play back in also does digital art She loves to appreciate in Disney and Cartoon aspiring to be a doctor. high school. Faye aspires such as design and things no matter how tiny Network. Although, to become a doctor, and,

Batch Polyplex:

bounded and diving as one

P

...continued from page 18

Batch Polyplex

might not be the kindest but she can be one of your truest friends.

Angelo Collo Hernandez Angelo is a clever kind of person. He is passionate however cliche this may Hannah Lim Cueto in serving God and other sound, she has this vision Born on the 5th of people. He enjoys studying to be able to serve people February in Batangas, by being in the medical Hannah describes herself the physiology of both field. as someone timid and shy, animal and plant systems, but friendly and fun once which is why after his degree in Agriculture, Kyle Anikehn Francisco you get to know her. She he’s eager to pursue a As of now, Kyle is on loves to play volleyball degree in Medicine. He his second life. He was and enjoys spending her once hit by a bus when time watching K-dramas, spent his leisure time he was 11 years old and Netflix series, and luckily, he survived. His random dog videos on the perspective on life after Internet. As the first born that incident was forever of the family, hardwork altered. He now perceives and perseverance were life and its facets with already instilled in her at a deeper meaning and a young age. But as she understanding. He grew up, she realized that always wants to see the working hard with passion logical reason in all that is another thing. She is surrounds him. Kyle passionate about helping holds his principles and people, particularly, values on a pedestal and her dream is to become follows them religiously. a doctor someday and However, when you first serve the people through meet him you would not medicine. She lives with notice this aspect of his the principle, “do not do personality, rather, you unto others what you do would find standing in not want them to do to reading and watching front of you someone who you.” According to her, educational videos on cracks a lot of unexpected this keeps her grounded, YouTube. Also, he is an jokes because one of his humble, and kind to avid fan of One Republic. most valued principles in others.

Further, He believes on life is to enjoy it as much what Roy Bennet quoted as possible with the people Jessica Mae Cortezano that “Attitude is a choice. around him. He has a lot Jessie, born on May 1 Happiness is a choice. of different hobbies that at Sta. Cruz, Laguna is a Optimism is a choice. he does in order to pass goal-oriented person. She Kindness is a choice. the time. He knows how is passionate about her Giving is a choice. Respect to play basketball, play dreams, and becoming is a choice. Whatever the guitar and sing. He a doctor and serving choice you make makes is a proud and articulate rural areas for free is one you. Choose wisely.” He speaker, and he reads of them. Although her always strives to achieve novels dearly. Kyle is most parents are not a hundred greater excellence by definitely someone you’d percent in favor of this choosing what suits his want to hang out with. dream of hers, she still capabilities and skills.

His burning passion is to pursues it and still does become an outstanding Jonalyn Jame Catedrilla doctor in order to help Jona goes with her gut people, get rich, help his feeling most of the time, family and help more basing decisions on what people. He has his eyes she feels is the right thing locked in on the future to do. She loves to go with and will do all that he the flow to experience can to reach his goals no more in life. She is matter the obstacles. perceptive of other people that surround her and she Aljon Garcia helps them as long as she Aljon loves telling can. Jona is imaginative stories to different people and curious about a lot of about anything under the things under the sun. She sun. During his free time, is open to new learnings he searches for facts that and opinions that is in are unrelated in his field contrast to what she of study. He has his own already knows. It takes Avocado tree and loves her best. Furthermore, she time for her to open up plants in general. He to others, but is a fun loves watching youtube plays Ultimate Frisbee as person to be with once vlogs, sharing memes, a recreational sport and you are close with her. reading novels and is a player for UPLB. He She loves to joke around reacting to social issues. is an aspiring doctor and and can lighten the mood.

She might look tough on wants to immerse himself the outside due to her Watching movies, series, in remote areas where anime, and k-dramas, and features, but she has a doctors are few. reading manga, novels, soft heart and sees the short fiction stories are good in everything. She

As the batch name suggests, the batch is bounded to serve the people

entering the organization with transcending excellence and emanating passion

things that she does during her leisure time.

Jona recommends the short story, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, it is a good story that will make you question human morality, as well as your own. She rocks her head to classical music, particularly to Vivaldi: Winter like it’s heavy metal music. Acrylic painting and drawing are things she also does in her spare time. Organisms and their environment are topics that sparks her interest the most.

Drew Kyla Baysa Drew is not your typical student-athlete.

While she juggles being a varsity of the UPLB Women’s Basketball Team by night and being a BS Biology student by day, there’s more in between than what meets the eye. She’s the official photographer of the UPLB BL and a one-time social media manager.

She tried bartending at the age of 16 because of her interest in a specific organic compound in which the OH or the hydroxyl functional group is bound to carbon, or in other words, alcohol.

She’s also the official sous chef of the family, next to her dad. Technically, she likes knowing a lot of things. She loves to read autobiographies and philosophical books. Apart from being a reader, she was a previous editorin-chief/feature writer on their JHS school paper and would compile hard drafted poems for an open mic Spoken Word Poetry event. You can strike a conversation with her by using anime, science, philosophy and food recipes. As a previous BS Industrial Engineering student, her favorite subject is Calculus.

You can make her do everything on stage; sing, dance, act, host, and more as long as it doesn’t involve playing musical instruments.

Rosel Francheska de Grano Cheska is a shy girl from Batangas, which is why other people think that she is not approachable. But when you get to know her more, she can be so loud that you’ll regret you approached her. She

likes to listen to korean songs, specifically to EXO. During her free time, she watches videos of her idols if she isn’t already sleeping. But most of the time she sleeps during her vacant hours. She loves to sleep that even though her schoolwork is not yet finished, if she felt like she wants to sleep, she will sleep without hesitation. Even though she took up BS Biology as her degree program, her favorite subject is not science, but mathematics, which, according to her, is odd since many people dislike math.

Bryan Harold Vital Bryan is a free-spirited person who pursues everything that catches his interest. He is shy at first, but when you get to know him, he’s a really kind and fun person. He was raised in Marikina City, the shoe capital of the Philippines. He grew up seeing their shoe factory business everyday, which is why he knows the procedure and has the skills to make shoes and sandals. During his childhood, various sports like basketball, chess, table tennis, and badminton were taught to him. He doesn’t look like an athlete but he really enjoys playing sports.

In his vacant hours, he loves to watch western TV series as well as korean dramas. He also loves to read light novels and japanese manga. When it comes to movies, he loves to support the local independent film industry.

In the future, Bryan wants to be a doctor. He aims to start research to find cures to any “unfair” diseases like cancer. His love for the study of life led him to the degree program of BS Biology.

With this, he seeks to discover the secrets of life, literally.

As these new Genes grow closer with the organization, they aspire to be well-rounded individuals and better versions of themselves. As the batch name Polyplex suggests, the batch is bounded by a vector and together, they have entered the organization and the community, transcending excellence and emanating passion to serve the people

Batch Retron: “I shall Retron!”

By JOHN JOSEPH MARALLAG (Retron)

O

nce again, a new set of Genes has been added to the gene pool, carrying the name Retron. The date October 5, 2019 has been particularly memorable to the three members of the said batch: Mylvie Alexis Batican (BS Agricultural Biotechnology), John Lawrence Dionisio (BS Biology), and John Joseph Marallag (BS Biology) as this date starts their life-long journey with GeneSoc

Retron is an operon that was first found in Myxobacteria, and up to this date, this retroelement has only been discovered in some bacterial species. The ultimate role of this operon is to produce reverse transcriptase – an enzyme that generates complementary DNA (cDNA) from an RNA template through the mechanism of reverse transcription, and a multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) – a complex of DNA, RNA, and sometimes a protein whose function is still unknown. However, it is assumed that msDNA, by inserting itself, henceforth altering the original DNA sequence, contributes to the mutation occurring on its host.

A batch characterized by a typical millennial

personality – highspirited and driven to prove themselves.

A batch who likes to experiment on things and see for themselves the results of their leap of faith. Here’s how the new members describe themselves:

on publication materials and photoediting. She aspires to be an agricultural biotechnologist, and to serve the country by being involved in the advancements of genetics and agriculture.

She believes that nothing is impossible Mylvie Alexis Batican because the word itself On the 19th of March says “I’m-possible”.

1999, Mylvie was born in Iligan City. She’s the John Lawrence Dionisio eldest child along with John Lawrence, her three siblings and or better known as was raised in Purok 4 “JL”, was born on Tambo, Hinaplanon, the 23rd of October Iligan City. She finished 2000. He was raised her elementary studies in Sampaloc, Manila at the Iligan City East as the eldest brother.

Central School, and her Later, he moved to secondary education at Laguna without even the Philippine Science finishing his elementary High School - Central studies and there he Mindanao Campus. developed to be the She loves spending person he is today. He time alone, but at the loves his family more same time, she enjoys than anything else. He the company of her is the type of friend friends. She likes to who would be there for explore her artistic you through the storm, side by practicing willing to brace and

shoulder your problem.

He is fond of sports and is currently trying out for the UPLB Baseball Team. Dancing was his passion, and you can share the groove with him whenever you feel like it. But most importantly, he has a dream – to become a

high-spirited but a goal-driven individual who has interests in philosophy and entrepreneurship. Some of his long-term goals are to get out of the rat race, build his own clinic, and fight off antibiotic resistance.

“I shall Retron” shall be the mantra of each and every persistence member of the batch. and This mantra codes for two definitions: perseverance (1) “I shall return” will be the core meaning persistence and perseverance will values of the be the core values of batch the batch; and (2) “I doctor who will be able shall Retron” which refers to the evolution to tell himself that he made his parents proud. of each member into becoming a full-pledged He believes that it is important to prioritize Retron – a set of genes and achieve your goals that integrates a unique one at a time because no priming mechanism to create an environment one said that you have which encourages to get it all at once. evolution, and later, “to contribute to the John Joseph Marallag advancement of the Born on the 13th nation”. of May 2000, is a