GENEWS APRIL 2018 ISSUE

BIO 30 Week... [p.2] Genetics Camp 2018...[p.3] GeneSoc members...[p.4] Embracing the Community... [p.5]

The DNA Rainbow...[p.6] Earning the Nobel Prize...[p.8]

Why Genetics is Important to Your Major [p.9]

Batch Genophore [p.10] Batch Cybrid [p.11]

2 BIO 3O Week: Plunging Into a Continuum of Gender Dimensions

By Regina G. Lapuz (Replichore) For more than 34 years, The UPLB Genetics Society has been actively promoting the creative appreciation of the science of Genetics in the Philippines. With the span of time, the organization has innovated several activities in order to do so. One of which is by conducting a week-long activity, the BIO 30 Week, to deepen the understanding of students for the science of Genetics.

During the past years, BIO 30 Week’s audience has been the Bio 30 students and the invited high school students. This year, the organization is taking a bold move to expand its reach and involve all students who are taking Genetics courses, who are interested to deepen their knowledge in Genetics and who are yet to discover the field.

With the theme, “Beyond Binary: Exploring the Genetic Realm of the Gender Spectrum”, BIO 30 Week will feature the genetics behind our sexuality to expound beyond the dichotomy and reveal the spectral puzzle that defines us, as it aims to raise awareness regarding sexual and reproductive health which has been included in the recent advocacies of health agencies in the Philippines and in the world. It will be held on April 9-13 at the Institute of Biological Sciences.

Human Sexuality and Genetics According to a study by Hamer and Pattatuci, ‘gayness’ may be inherited and linked to the maternal X chromosome.

The study reported that a section on the X chromosome found at the tip of the long arm, called Xq28, was statistically related

to ‘gayness’. A genetic test was conducted to detect a ‘gay gene’ on X chromosome and out of 40 pair brothers, 33 shared the Xq28 section of chromosome X and 7 did not, signifying that the result was intermediate but statistically significant for it explains that the gene may influence gayness in males. Nevertheless, genes don’t solely influence human sexuality since there are environmental factors that can affect the expression of genes.

are taking other genetics courses. Genetics Quiz Contest will cover a wider scale of topics including: Molecular Genetics, Population Genetics, Qualitative Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, Cytogenetics, Developmental Genetics, Human Genetics and Microbial Genetics. The event will aim to continuously promote the science of genetics and to deepen the appreciation of UPLB students, especially those who are taking Genetics as their major. The contest newest addition involves a x2 Multiplier About the Exhibit in the Replication round, the presence of Every BIO 30 Week is highly anticipated a Uracil molecule in Transcription round since it not only conducts thought-provok- and the occurrence of the initiation and ing activities but also showcases a diversi- stop codons for Translation round. ty of designs which is quite a spectacle to look at. In this year’s exhibit, the hallway Print-All-You-Can. Handouts, reviewers, will be filled with bursting rainbow colors and other printed materials are a must alongside a unicorn as these represent the have item for every student which is why core symbols of LGBTQ+ together with its the organization held a Print All You Can different gender symbols. Other elements activity on April 12 (Thu) at the IBS Wing such as clouds, cubes, and pinwheels were C to allow the students print for free. added to make the exhibit look more aesthetic and attention grabbing.

BIO 30 Tutorials. As part of this year’s BIO 30 Week, the organization will offer the Below is a glimpse of the line-up of activi- 3rd BIO 30 Tutorials to current BIO 30 ties to watch out for: students. Similar to previous tutorials, the 3rd BIO 30 Tutorials aims to help the stuExhibit Opening and GENEWS Launching. The dents grasp the coverage of the exam. The inaugural of the exhibit includes the intro- topics to be covered include: Epigenetics, duction of exhibit design and concept, its Mutations, Delayed Chromosomal & Exconcept and the launching of the organiza- tra-Chromosomal Inheritance and Quantition’s GENEWS on April 10 (Tuesday) at tative Inheritance. It will be held on April IBS Wing C. 12 (Thu), 7pm at Room C-105. Cyrelle Brosoto (Cyclosome), a 4th Year BS BioloGenetics Quiz Contest. This year, the orga- gy-Major in Genetics student and the Offinization will hold Genetics Quiz Contest cer-in-Charge of the Documentation Comon April 11 (Wednesday) 7-10pm at the mittee of GeneSoc, will be the lecturer for IBLSH Main to cater the event not only the 3rd BIO 30 Tutorials. to Bio 30 students but also to those who

3 Genetics Camp 2018: Leading the Fight against Antibiotic Resistance Philippine Science High School–Central Luzon Campus (PSHS-CLC) was hailed as the Overall Champion followed by Philippine Science High School–Bicol Region Campus (PSHS-BRC), the 1st Runner-Up and Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus (PSHS-WVC), the 2nd Runner-Up of Genetics Camp 2018. And this year, Maxinne Louise Dominique Co from Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus was officially selected to be the Young Genetics Ambassador of The UPLB Genetics Society.

READY FOR BATTLE | Genetics Camp 2018 participants together with GeneSoc members pose for a photo during the closing ceremony of the said event.

By Blaire de Borja (Helitron)

LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA – Hosted by The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc), in partnership with the Genetics & Molecular Biology Division (GMBD) and Microbiology Division (MCBD) of IBS-UPLB, Genetics Camp 2018 was held last March 9-11, 2018 at the Institute of Biological Sciences of the University of the Philippines, Los Banos.

With the theme “Conquering PathoGENES: Battle Against Antibiotic Resistance for Health and Immunity”, GeneSoc once again gathered young scientists, geneticists and innovators for the 13th installment of Genetics Camp. For this year, GeneSoc advanced its objectives by focusing on the applications of Genetics in combating antibiotic resistance. This would enrich the awareness of students on the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and would inspire them to explore the scientific researches that focus on combating antibiotic resistance for the improvement of public health.

Informative and socially-relevant talks were conducted by experts that delve on the science of antimicrobial resistance. One of the speakers during the 3-day camp is Dr. Walter Laviña of the MCBDIBS who talked about the, "Genetics of Antimicrobial Resistance" and Dr. Mark Kristoffer Pasayan, a medical specialist from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), who discussed about the current status of antimicrobial resistance in our country and in the globe.

Fourteen different schools from various parts of the Philippines competed under individual and group competitions namely: the Debate Contest, Search for the Young Genetics Ambassador, Essay-Writing Contest, Poster-and-Slogan Making Contest, Inter-High School Genetics Quiz Contest and Extemporaneous Speaking Contest.

Aside from the competitions, the students from different schools were able to interact with one another and unleash their inner geneticist and microbiologist through the three laboratory activities which focused on: (1) The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, (2) Basic Microbiology Laboratory Techniques and (3) Microbial Genetics.

During the Socials Night, students showcased their fashionista side by dressing up a 70’s outfit in relation to the event theme, “Groove into the 70’s in a Flashback to the Rise of Antibiotics”. Each school was also able to showcase their own school gimmicks and their talented representatives for Mr. and Ms. Genetics Camp 2018.

Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus (PSHS-WVC) won in the School Gimmick Competition while Mr. Adel Tantay from St. Joseph College and Ms. Blaise Therese Bellosillo from University of Sto. Tomas–Senior High School won the Mr. and Ms. Genetics Camp 2018, respectively.

Students also took part in the UPLB Campus Tour and in the most-awaited Amazing Race. For the teachers, the Effective Teaching Seminar was conducted by Prof. Jickerson P. Lado (GMBD-IBS) who trained the educators on how to explain the principles in Genetics to students in a more effective way.

The UPLB Genetics Society would like to thank the following sponsors: Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), Monsanto, DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), ClickTheCity.com, YouthForce PH, Diamed, Pocari Sweat, DOST-National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (DOST-NCBP), Mongol and Leads Agricultural Products Corporation.

4 GeneSoc Members in the Limelight of Preeminence

By: Andrea Kariza Formantes (Cyclosome) For the past 33 years, The UPLB Genetics Society has been embodying excellence through its members’ unyielding passion in their fields of interest and chosen careers. As they continue to express passion and excellence, the members have garnered countless achievements and awards along the way.

And now, as the organization embarks on its 34th year, GeneSoc still continues on bringing home the bacon as new achievements and awards have been received by outstanding Genesoc members.

tion for Registered Microbiologists. In the field of agriculture, Ms. Shaira F. Bañega (Polylinker) passed in the November 2017 Agriculturist Licensure Exam. In the field of education, Ms. Kristine Ann G. Gomez (Euchromatin) became a newly-licensed teacher when she passed the November 2017 Licensure Examination for Teachers. Lastly, in the field of medicine, Dr. Ma. Gia Ana Gazmez (Euchromatin) and Dr. Jonathan Emmanuel Cancio (Cosmids) recently passed the September 2017 Physician’s Licensure Examination.

Our GeneSoc alumni not only excel in their careers as professionals but also in civil service and leadership. Last year, one of our alumnus, Mr. Neri O. Camitan (Nucleosome) was recognized by the Civil Service Commission as one of the 2017 Presidential Lingkod ng Bayan Awardee.

Honorary Members Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, an honorary member of the organization, was recently conferred the 5th R. Rodney Howell Award for Excellence in Newborn Health at Minneapolis Minnesota, USA in 2017.

She was also reappointed as the Chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Manila. She currently Resident Members serves as the National Adviser of VYLH Philippines. GeneSoc residents have also shown excellence in their academics. Last year, Mr. Sean Lemuel SanAnother honorary member who garnered an award tos (Hybrizyme) and Ms. Anlene Jane Rocha of is Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria. She was recently (Genophore) were awarded as the Top 3 and Top recognized by the Civil Service Commission as one 7 CAS Students (Junior Level), respectively. In of the 2017 Dangal ng Bayan Awardees. She is cur- addition to that, during the 1st semester of A.Y. rently the Head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory, 2017-2018, 8 GeneSoc residents were recognized Natural Sciences Research Institute at the Univer- as University Scholars, 7 were College Scholars and 5 were Honor Rolls. sity of the Philippines Diliman.

Alumni Members GeneSoc alumni members were also able to showcase their passion and excellence in their respective fields by passing the 2017 licensure and certification examinations. Just recently, Ms. Lara Melissa G. Luis (Allozyme) and Mr. Melvin Rebarter (Phagemids) recently passed the December 2017 Certifica-

With all these awards and recognitions added on the long list of the organization’s achievements, we commend our outstanding members for always being an inspiration to achieve more and be one of the top by transcribing relentless passion and excellence in the service of people. The organization will always be proud of its members’ achievements.

5 Embracing the Community: A Year-in-Review of GeneSoc’s Outreach Program

PASSION FOR SERVICE | Outreach Committee Head Michelia Malabrigo (Hybrizyme) (3rd from left) poses for a photo together with GeneSoc alumni members (left to right) Renz Roxas (Riboswitch), Merc Emil Matienzo (Riboswitch) and Gabrielle Cortez (Riboswitch) during the Book-Giving Activity at Mo. Barbara Micarelli School, Sto. Tomas,

By James Raphael Medrano (Replichore) LOS BANOS, LAGUNA--For years now, GeneSoc has not only focused on spreading the science of genetics throughout the nation but also on giving back to the people. This year, the Outreach Committee Head, Michelia Merill Linne Malabrigo (Hybrizyme), spearheaded numerous activities that aimed to enrich the people within and beyond the campus. Here’s a list of the outreach activities that were done in this school year.

As the new semester dawned, the activities of the Outreach Committee also started. Last August 2, 2017, the new freshmen students were oriented regarding proper waste disposal. The following week, Adopt-A-Wing Program was conducted. In here, the laboratory rooms of Wing C were checked and the clocks were renewed.

The HOPE Intervention Program: One Gene One Child aimed to nurture the well-being of children with autism. The resident members visited the kids of the HOPE Intervention Center in Calamba, Laguna wherein they, with the kids, participated in story-telling, painting of drawstring bags, and several other activities that lit up the smiles on their faces. Several school materials, books, and toys were also donated to the center.

Just in time for the Christmas season, the GeneSoc members, together with the alumni, practiced the act of giving on Christmas to those who are in need. A Book and Christmas Gift Giving activity was done on two separate locations, in Paslit Learning House in Los Baños, Laguna, and in Barbara Micarelli School in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Upcoming Medical Mission 2018 On April 21, 2018, there will be an upcoming Medical Mission in Gawad Kalinga Village, Brgy. Tuntungin-Putho, Los Baños, Laguna.

Dental and General Check-ups, Circumcision Operation, and a seminar regarding the effects of folic acid will be conducted.

For Michelia, every activity is an act of kindness and willingness. The willingness to give, should always have a space in people’s hearts, no matter how small. It is in these activities that we find the unforgettable and priceless fulfillment of helping other people. She hopes that the next outreach committee head, the current and incoming resident members, and all the people will also find the willingness in their hearts to give to other people. That is, without having to expect anything in return—like what she had found.

6 The DNA Rainbow: GeneSoc to feature the Genetic Realm of the Gender Spectrum adrenal hyperplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome and 5-alpha reductase deficiency cause a person to be intersex.

RAINBOW IN THE DNA | An artist's sketch of the DNA--the molecule which holds the secrets to the genetic basis of gender and human sexuality.

Image taken from: Getty Images

By Sean Lemuel Santos (Hybrizyme)

The UPLB Genetics Society will illuminate the minds of the youth as they feature the genetic basis of gender through a rainbow-filled exhibit and week-long activities on April 9-13, with the theme, “Beyond Binary: Exploring the Genetic Realm of the Gender Spectrum”.

---Gender, defined as “the socially constructed characteristics of men and women” by the World Health Organization, is a fundamental aspect of an individual. It affects how a person thinks, acts, would establish relationships, would express one’s self, and many others. As revealed by findings in genetics, gender is now understood as something that is influenced by our genes, as well as by the environment which could be sociological, psychological or physiological. This understanding provides us an additional, scientific perspective in viewing gender as an essential facet that defines us as a human.

Here, we will be exploring the genetic links to the categories associated with gender such as

biological sex, gender identity and gender expression, as well as sexual orientation. These categories are based on “The Genderbread Person” which provides us a clear illustration of the gender spectrum.

Biological Sex Biological sex is based on a person’s chromosomes, specific genes, hormones and sex organs.

Generally, in humans, females have two X chromosomes while males have an X and a Y chromosome. The two X’s in a female are inherited both from her parents.

But in the case of the male, only the father can give the Y chromosome while the mother gives the X. In the Y chromosome, there is a gene called SRY (referring to sex-determining region in Y) which codes for hormones that activate the formation of male sex organs. In contrast, females do not have a Y and therefore lacks SRY gene which leads to the formation, instead, of female sex organs. However, there are cases when a person is considered as an intersex, wherein his/ her internal and external genitalia are inconsistent (i.e. male-internal, female-external). Medical disorders such as congenital

Gender Identity Gender identity is how you view your own gender. Several researches have suggested possible links to genetics and gender identity. In a 2003 study conducted by researchers in the University of California at Los Angeles involving mice embryos, it was found out that there are a total of 54 genes which have different activity levels in the mice brain depending on gender. In the 10-day old embryonic mice (days prior to the emergence of sex organs), they discovered that 18 genes were more active in the male embryonic brains while 36 genes showed higher activity in the female embryonic brains. In another study conducted by Hare and other researchers in 2009, it was shown that there is a considerable link between transsexualism (having a gender identity of the opposite sex) and the AR (Androgen Receptor) allele. The results showed that transsexual males have a longer AR repeat lengths than non-transsexual males. The researchers explained that a longer repeat in the AR allele lessens the binding of the AR protein to its-coactivator which reduces testosterone signaling.

This then leads to incomplete brain masculinization and the manifestation of a female gender identity in transsexual males.

Gender Expression Gender expression is how you show your gender through your manners, actions, clothing style, etc. Toy-preference tests involving children are commonly done in genetic studies to examine gender expression. Accordingly, the toy a child prefers would indicate his/her gender expression. Playing with a car would

7 show maleness and playing with a doll would exhibit femaleness. It is believed that there are more boys than girls who prefer cars and more girls than boys who prefer dolls because they were parentally guided to play with those toys. However, a 2002 paper published in Evolution and Human Behavior reveals that the same toy preference is exhibited in monkeys – that is, without parental influence.

The researchers have observed that male monkeys tend to prefer toys that exhibit movement while females play with toys that exhibit ‘nurturance’.

They explained that toy-preference among male and female primates may have been a consequence of evolution and is therefore influenced by genes which were favored in different sexes. The study, however, pointed out that gender socialization can also steer object preference.

Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation is based on whom you are attracted to. It can be broken down into two sub-categories: sexual attraction (the want for a sexual relationship) and romantic attraction (the want for an emotional relationship). In 1993, Dean Hamer and his colleagues pointed out that in the majority of male individuals, a locus in the q28 region of the X chromosome could be influencing male sexual orientation. How did they arrive at this conclusion? First, they found out in their study that a homosexual male had more homosexual relatives in the mother side than in the father side. This means that the locus they are looking for is more likely in the X-chromosome. Then, they noticed that the sharing of Xq28 allele is higher homosexual male siblings. This led them to associate the Xq28 allele with male sexual orientation.

While aspects in gender can be understood in the genetic perspective, it is important to realize that gender is not influenced solely by genetics. There are other environmental factors that could influence gender such as the individual’s sociocultural atmosphere, hormones, brain wiring, and many others. Furthermore, research findings linking genetics and gender ought not to be ascertained as settled facts. Genetic research about gender is still in its infancy and the knowledge about its genetic basis is still expanding. Nonetheless, these researches are shedding new light and are widening our understanding on how our genes influence our gender and sexuality. These emerging studies truly attest that gender is beyond binary as revealed by the genes that we possess.

---The BIO 30 Week will have the following activities: Exhibit Opening and GENEWS Launching, Genetics Quiz Contest, Print-All-You-Can and 3rd BIO 30 Tutorials.

BIO 30 WEEK 2018 ACTIVITIES

GENEWS TEAM a.y. 2017-2018

Editor-in-Chief Sean Lemuel L. Santos (Hybrizyme)

Lay-out Editors:

Emil Louise Santos (Aptamers) John Paolo Janiola (Replichore)

GENEWS Staff:

Joana Marie Cruz (Cyclosome)

Andrea Kariza Formantes (Cyclosome) Regina Lapuz (Replichore) Katrina Dela Peña (Casposons) Lady Rose Montano (Helitron) Blaire de Borja (Helitron) Sean Gacutan (Helitron) Uriah Pancho (Replichore) Niña Avena (Hybrizyme) Allyzzia Irish Montifar (Hybrizyme) Louise Jan Lopez (Replichore) Louise Nicole Dizon (Proteasome) James Raphael Medrano (Replichore) Renald James Legaspi (Polintons)

8 Earning the Nobel Prize: A Trio’s Molecular Sketch of the Body Clock

Left to right) Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young, the American scientists who were awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries on the molecular mechanism of our biological clock. Image taken from: Nobelprize.org

By Renald James Legaspi (Polintons) "People used to think that biological clocks were not only mysterious, they were seen almost as miracles. This is no longer the case”- Jeffrey Hall, 2017 Nobel laureate for Physiology or Medicine Every day, most of us start our lives early, probably as early as six in the morning. Some even wake up before the sun rises. We are so used to this routine that even in weekends wherein we anticipate to get few doses of extra sleep, our own body clock fails us. And in the night, even with the presence of the heavy workload that force us to stay awake, our eyes discreetly close before the lamp of our desk. These get us to conclusion that our physical bodies follow a well-coordinated regular pattern, commonly known as circadian rhythm. But how does this “body clock” actually work?

Later, in 1984, Hall and Rosbash working at Brandeis University, and Young at Rockefeller University, first isolated and sequenced the period gene to which the discovery of its product, PER protein, a protein that accumulates during the night and is “degraded” during the day.

At this point, the body clock "puzzle" is slowly forming a complete picture.

With this discovery, it is now their job to relate this to the sustenance and generation of circadian oscillations.

They hypothesized that inhibitory feedback loop is present wherein the PER protein inhibits its own synthesis by blocking the activity of the period gene.

A perplexity, however, concerning some details of the model arise from the question of how the PER protein,produced in the cytoplasm, could actually be able to block the activity of the per gene in the DNA which This was answered by a trio of American scientists who, safely lodged inside the nucleus. in 2017, bagged the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their elucidation of the molecular basis for the In 1994, Young brings the second clock gene, timeless, in the picture. Timeless codes for TIM protein which binds circadian rhythm of fruit flies. to PER protein enabling the entry of the two molecules These men in the names of Jeffrey Hall, Michael Ros- into the nucleus wherein the inhibition of per gene hapbash and Michael Young took their prize money totaling pen. Overall, these explain the oscillations in circadian $367,000 during the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska rhythm; however, there is the requirement to understand Institute in Stockholm for their discovery which revealed what controls the frequency of these oscillations. the very intricate molecular basis of our body clock.

Yet again, Michael Young discovered another gene, douBiological clock plays an important role in many fac- bletime, which produces DBT protein. This protein deets of our physiology that its mechanism has been a vi- lays the accumulation of the PER protein. This discovery tal discourse and at the same time, a lingering mystery finally provided the last missing traces of a good sketch among scientists throughout history. Notably, during of the molecular mechanism of our biological clock.

1970s, Seymour Benzer, a behavioral geneticist, with his student Ronald Konopka experimented on fruit flies By providing the answers to the most elusive questions to possibly identify the genes controlling the circadian concerning our biological clock, these scientists, in no rhythm. During their work, they discovered the period doubt, deserve the Nobel Prize. As James Rothman said, gene, which is located in the X chromosome of Drosoph- “It is fabulous to see the foundational discoveries of this ila, by inducing mutations on previously unknown gene trio recognized in this richly deserved and long overdue and looking in the disruptive effects of mutagenesis on Nobel Prize.” circadian rhythm.

9 Why Genetics is Important to Your Major tributed to the science of genetics. Determining specific genes in the microbe and plasmid study are applications of genetics in microbiolgy to name a few."

- Sean Timothy Gacutan, BS Biology ’15, Major in Microbiology

An image of the DNA. (Image taken from: vasianscientist.com)

Zoology "As a zoology major, I consider genetics as an integral part of my major. Without knowledge on genetics, we would not be able to explain how animals diversify and gain new characteristics. Also, genetics is an integral part in deciphering a species' evolutionary lineage and ancestry."

focusing only on the smallest of details, it is at the same time, dealing the biggest of - Micko Alojado, BS Biology ’15, Major in Genetics is a branch in Biology that seeks issues on greater scales.”

Zoology to study genetic variation and heredity in living organisms. Genetics intersects with -Jestine Crhistia Gatdula, BS Biology ‘14, Cell and Molecular Biology other life sciences as an important element Major in Wildlife Biology "Any observation we gather from cells, may to understand some key concepts. It links it be morphological or physiological, is a with other fields like Microbiology, Zool- Plant Biology result of environmental and/or genetic facogy, Wildlife, Ecology, Cell and Molecular "In the field of Plant Biology, especially in tors. Hence, a complete and sound analysis Biology, Plant Biology, and Systematics. our line of research on Plant Natural Prod- regarding these observations can only be ucts, we employ Genetics to explain the done if we have the information regarding In order to stress the importance of Genet- variability (eg. presence, composition, con- the cell’s environment and the genetic baics, the Genews Team interviewed young centration) of phytochemicals in different sis of such observations" biologists in UPLB to give insights about taxa such as genera of a family, species in a the relevance of genetics to their major. In genus, or even varieties of a species. In this - Lance Lopez, BS Biology ’15, Major in Cell a brief response, they explained the role of manner, we can prevent overexploitation of and Molecular Biology Genetics in their major. a certain species known to have an import--ant phytochemical by looking at its relative --The study of genetics is a vital field that species as possible alternative sources."

GENEWS Team: "Why is genetics importinterconnects with other fields. It allows ant to your major field?" us to understand ideas that can be found - Anonymous in relation to other fields of the life sciSystematics ences. Genetics is also important since it Ecology "Genetics is a valuable discipline when be- "Genetics elucidates how phenotypes are helps students comprehend how a specifing used in systematics because classifica- developed which in turn offers an expla- ic method or phenomenon in their field tion mostly relies on ecology and morpho- nation on how organisms are able to fulfill would actually occur. Moreover, techniques metrics. With the addition of genetics and their role in an ecosystem. Since pheno- and different methods employed in studies molecular techniques, the study would types and niches are closely linked (espe- of other fields involves notions that could resolve many of the conflicts and the pres- cially in polymorphic species), genetics is only be explained through the study of geence of the gene banks could help greatly important in rationalizing how organisms netics. in taxonomy, biogeography and the study are able to fulfill the niches they fill in a of biodiversity; systematics."

The field of genetics could be considered as biological community." an important branch in Biology that eluci- Earl Caraga, BS Biology ’15, Major in - Uriah Z. Pancho, BS Biology ’14, Major in dates functions at the most basic level, of Systematics all other fields. It explains that no matter Ecology how different organisms are, we all share a Wildlife Biology kinship that is etched in our DNA. It gives Microbiology "Genetics play an important role in wildlife "Genetics is one of the auxiliary disci- us a sense of connection to all life around studies, especially in conservation issues, plines in Microbiology. Aside from using us—that we are not different from the trees in such a way that ensuring a high genet- morphological examination and biochem- that provide breathable air; from the miic diversity in a population contributes to ical tests in identifying certain microbes, crobes that live in our gut; from the fishes the assurance of their survival. That popu- gene sequencing can also be used; further- that swim in the ocean. We are one with lation will then ensure the survival of the more, this method confers more accuracy them. whole community, then the ecosystem - compared to using phenotypic methods. keeping its balance - allowing life to con- A plethora of discoveries in microbiology tinue as life itself depends on each other. besides microbial identification can be atWhile genetics is always thought to be

By Louise Jan Lopez (Replichore)

10 Batch Genophore: A New Geno-Power

Compiled by Noelle Mercado (Hybrizyme)

First coined by American cytologist Hans Ris, Genophore is basically the chromosome equivalent in prokaryotes, viruses, and some organelles. The term genophore means "gene-holder" which refers to its genetic behavior—to contain the DNA. With its significance in understanding genetic processes in prokaryotic systems, the 105th batch of GeneSoc was named after it.

Batch Genophore is a solo batch membered

by Anlene Jane Rocha, or simply AJ. She is a 3rd year BS Biology student majoring in Genetics. To know more about AJ, here is a short narrative where she talks about her interests, passion, as well as personal experiences.

Anlene Jane Rocha

AJ is an introspective, idealistic and theoretical thinker. She has a strong affinity to academic knowledge as she fancies reading books on science & technology, psychology, philosophy, science fiction and memoirs. She

likes to become a well-rounded student rather than angular and, likes to know a little of everything to become flexible in fields she may find herself in. Her amazement about quantum physics, black holes and multiple-worlds theory make her seem too theoretical rather than realistic, but it is in these ideas do she find comfort. She also appreciates experiential learning, for she believes that every person is a mentor and a sacrificial angel – a person who you learn from through his mistakes, preventing you to commit such mistakes firsthand days sooner. Besides reading, she ponders on prose and poetry writing and has completed writing seven journals since she first received one in 1st grade. She likes writing because words tune her spiritual and moral compass, journals are her safety valves for emotions and, writing is the most accessible tool towards self-discovery. Along with writing, she likes thinking; however, extreme introspection always leads her to overanalysis and that idealism cuts her off from reality. She delights the feelings of being a romantic herself, getting lost in a book, hearing old people’s laughter and receiving warm hugs whereas, she despises awkward meet-ups and mentally repeating failed scenarios. In later years, she aspires to become a neurosurgeon-geneticist as she likes to be adept at the combination of both fields.

AJ joined The UPLB Genetics Society, because it occurred to her that there are more to learn in being a part of a group than merely being wholly individualistic. Analogous to a genophore with its histone-like binding proteins, she will continue to work as efficient as a bacterial DNA with academic and social reinforcement from the organization and its members.

11 Batch Cybrid: A Fusion of Fresh Minds to instead, study science, and not the arts; although it manifests that she always carries with her her passion for both fields.

Compiled by Noelle Mercado (Hybrizyme),

Cybrid, or cytoplasmic hybrid are made by combining one cell from an organism and a cytoplast or an enucleated cell of another. Since cybrids are mixtures of nuclear genes of one organism and mitochondrial genes of another one, they are usually studied to dissociate the contribution of the said genes. Being the youngest batch of Genesoc, know more about how these gals contribute each of their own distinct and admiring personalities to the gene pool.

Saina Bondad People often have the misconception that she is a snob. On the contrary, she just has a shy personality. Behind her austere look is a sweet girl with a pure heart. Once you get to know her, she is a person who likes to spread positivity around her and always try to see the good in everything. Saina envelopes people with a blissful aura, which lasts longer than any human beauty.

Alexis Malagotnot The amount of effort she exerts for the things she love has always been the best attribute about her. Her interest in films and books have not always been orthodox, but even then, she finds a way to connect to the people who wafts in the same breeze as her. Alexis’s unfaltering fascination with the field of forensics have persuaded her

Rainshield Dalupirit With the sense of indifference her gleaming, unforgiving eyes seemed to convey, Rain is constantly mistaken for someone who is peevish.

But when you take time to know her, you will recognize not cruelty, but the passion stirring underneath her gleam. She is someone who is fond of novels, for she loved the idea of cliffhangers, leaving you full of doubts yet a promise of return hangs in the midair. Being the jovial person that she is, you may occasionally hear a bellow of laughter resounding from her lips, or see a bright smile spreading on her face. She loves going on adventures, making crafts, and taking photos of anything her mind perceives as beautiful. She is in love with the stories of the people around her, and she yearns to go beyond the horizon of conventionality.

Angelica Robles Angel, to her family, or Angge, to her friends, is a high-spirited and soft-hearted girl. She finds warmth and comfort in the company of her family and tiny circle of friends yet finds joy in meeting new people. This is why people do not believe that she really is a shy a person because she can be really chatty even at your first meeting. Behind her meek appearance is a valiant mind but when distress does come, introspection helps her to reorient and to keep herself sane. She is also a firm believer that everything and everyone in our life is a blessing from where or whom we can learn a thing or more.

As she joins The UPLB Genetics Society and steps out of her comfort zone, she had already expected that new doors of possibilities and responsibilities will open for her. She sure knows that it will not be an easy ride but, for her, with this group of people, every twists and turns can be made memorable and worth-remembering.