Lecture (03/18)

<aside> <img src="/icons/slide_green.svg" alt="/icons/slide_green.svg" width="40px" /> Lecture slides will be shared here after the class!

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<aside> <img src="/icons/video-camera_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/video-camera_yellow.svg" width="40px" /> Class Recording

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Recitation (03/19)

<aside> <img src="/icons/slide_green.svg" alt="/icons/slide_green.svg" width="40px" /> Recitation slides will be shared here after the class!

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<aside> <img src="/icons/video-camera_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/video-camera_yellow.svg" width="40px" /> Recitation Recording

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Homework

<aside> <img src="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" alt="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" width="40px" /> This homework is based off of the Week 7 Lab. This is a good week to start honing in final projects and focusing on developing / researching protocol.

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<aside> <img src="/icons/push-pin_green.svg" alt="/icons/push-pin_green.svg" width="40px" /> Key Links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DwQ7I2By4BIKbnY48m6iQ_081TFI-C4xmoVOrPgcNVQ/edit?tab=t.0

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Questions 1-3 are mandatory for all students.

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1. How do endoribonucleases (ERNs) work to decrease protein levels? Name 2 differences between how ERNs work and how proteases work.
2. How does lipofectamine 3000 work? How does DNA get into human cells and how is it expressed?
3. Explain what poly-transfection is and why it’s useful when building neuromorphic circuits.

<aside> <img src="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" alt="/icons/exclamation-mark_orange.svg" width="40px" /> Questions 4-6 have been added on March 19.

Questions 4-6 are optional for but highly encouraged for MIT/Harvard Students and mandatory for **Committed Listeners.

**Responses should be no more than 1 paragraph each, and hand drawn diagrams (iPad, digital or paper) are HIGHLY encouraged

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1. Genetic Toggle Switches:
   • Provide a detailed explanation of the mechanism behind genetic toggle switches, including how bi-stability is established and maintained.
   • Describe at least one induction method used to switch states, including molecular signals or environmental factors involved.
   • Are there any limitations? How many ‘switches’ can we potentially chain? Is there a metabolic cost?
2. Natural Genetic Circuit Example:
   • Identify and describe in detail a naturally occurring genetic circuit, emphasizing its biological function, components, and regulatory interactions.
3. Synthetic Genetic Circuit:
   • Select and critically analyze a synthetic genetic circuit previously engineered by researchers (e.g., pDAWN). Provide details about its construction, components, intended function, and performance.
   • Discuss potential limitations or improvements suggested in subsequent literature or experimental data.