In my laboratory I study miRNAs, which are molecules that alter gene expression.
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Question
In my laboratory I study miRNAs, which are molecules that alter gene expression. miRNAs were discovered in 1993 and since have been shown by multiple groups to exert their function by halting protein synthesis. In my lab a former Ph.D. student showed that in heart failure, miRNA levels (like miR-652) are increased and ion channels in the heart are decreased.I believe that miR-652 expression will decrease certain ion channels and will test this first by doing a luciferase assay, followed by several other experiments. Discuss the differences between scientific theory and scientific hypothesis. Identify which part of this description is a theory and which is a hypothesis, if any. Furthermore, describe the scientific method and include specific examples from the prompt (40 points)Explanation / Answer
The difference between scientific theory and scientific hypothesis is that :Scientific theory is a very well defined and tested explanation that indicates what actually happens in reality or in nature and is the hypothesis is valid.It stands on scientific evidence or support and always accepted as true while scientific hypothesis is actually an estimate or it could be am educated guess of what can happen.It might or might not be true.
Scientific hypothesis:The fact that you believe miR-652 will decrease certain ion channels is a scientific hypothesis as you dont know if it actally happens in that way or not.Perhaps, you will come to know only when you test your hypothesis by luciferase assay and other experiments.
Scientific theory:The fact that in heart failure,the miR652 level is increased and ion channels in heart is decreased as shown by the pHD student is scientific theory as he has already tested it to be so.
The scientific method would be to study the gene expression levels in response to an increased miR-652 levels.This can be done by luciferase assay that helps in the study of gene expression at the level of transcription.Luciferase assay helps to investigate the activity of the promoter by measuring the light given out from the luciferase enzyme that in turn is expressed under the control of the promoter of the gene of interest.
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