RNA and mesoderm segmentation

There were two different lectures today; one regarding the pathway of RNA in the cell and the other regarding mesoderm formation.

I found them really interesting, the degree of detail and complexity was fascinating! One can't help but wonder how this strict organisation within the body is achieved and how is it conserved in so many people.

The lectures were okay. In the RNA lecture, I felt that he could have had someone volunteer to demonstrate the super-coiling. Also it would have been useful if there was an animation when explaining how the RNA is spliced. The good aspect about it is that the information was covered last year. I didn't ask any questions for this lecture, even though I had some. I felt nervous getting up and asking a question. I still don't understand myself; why do I feel this way. Another skill to develop. The second lecture, was delivered really well. There were some videos that could have been slower to help us grasp the concept but nonetheless it was understandable. It still astounds me how the clockwork mechanism works and the interaction between the clockwork and dividing front (need to recheck the terminology.

RNA: it helps understand viruses, potential areas for anti-bacterial drug development

Mesoderm segmentation: the disease that affects vertebrae symmetry, will it help in regeneration when one understands the molecules involved?

Next time:
I would have helped to read the material beforehand. Read the lecture slides and understand how the molecules interact with each other. It was interesting that the lecturer stated the clockwork formation as a story, it help stick in my mind, the background of its discovery.