On page 145, Moalem talks about B-cells, which are the most basic building blocks for antibodies. When the body needs to create a certain antibody, it is the B-cells that carryout the instructions in their DNA. Through a certain process, the B-cell creates a V(D)J recombination, a somatic recombination. Scientists have never seen this type of recombination in jumping genes before, until the jumping gene called Hermes was discovered. Hermes, although a jumping gene, "behaves more like the process used by immune system to recognize a million different proteins". Also, Moalem stats that diversity could have been evolved form the activity of jumping genes that acts similarly to Hermes. This connects to Big Idea 1 (a process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life) in that Hermes has a little "loop" effect not common in jumping genes; this variation of genes alters gene expression.
Describe the function and characteristics of a B-celll. What is V(D)J recombination? Discuss and explain the process in which a B-cell creates a V(D)J recombination. How does this compare to the process done by jumping genes? Research how this variation in jumping gene creates variation in organisms. Do you think the variation is beneficial? In what way? How do you think jumping gene activity create diversity in organisms?
Crystal Chang (cchang3@students.d125.org)
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