Pleiotropy, is a terminology in the study of biology pertaining to one gene affecting many traits, as opposed to epistasis which is its counter part being one trait, that is influenced by many genes.
Today, I had one of three exams in BIO 1.
Exams for Biology back in highschool made up 30% of our final grade that quarter. These exams I am taking now, however, are 70% of my final grade this sem. Quite a big difference. Now, I’m not quite fond of biology. In fact, back in highschool, it was the lowest I had gotten in any of my science subjects (which is why I have no idea why I chose it as a GE in college).
Naturally, I studied. And I studied hard.
The exam’s coverage was what we took up for an entire year in highschool, and it’s been less than 2 months of college. This entire week and almost the whole of today, I kept reviewing the different things that our prof discussed in all her lectures. If I had reviewed that way back in second year, I would have gotten perfect in all my exams! Srsly.
TRIVIA: We use these books for exams in UP. (aka BLUE BOOK)
Finally, the day of the exam (today) came, and well, let’s just say that I finally understand why college people complain about the coverage of the exams being nothing that their profs have ever discussed. EVER.
My initial reaction was panic. I was unsure of my answers and felt awful because most of the things I had studied did not appear in the exam. At that very moment, instead of trying to decide what answers would look intelligent enough to put, Jesus started reminding me of verses,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, Tahnee,
and lean not on your own understanding.. (Proverbs 3:5)
Give all your worries and cares to Me, because I care about you.. (1 Peter 5:7)
For I know the plans I have for you, Tahns. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. And My peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.. (Philippians 4:7)”
I finished the exam in 38 minutes with the confidence that God has my back no matter what my score may be, it’s all part of His perfect plan for me. Pass or fail.
For those who have exams like these on a regular basis, it is most definitely hard to remember that all the time, but know that, the Lord’s love,
“reaches to the heavens, [and his] faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5).”
How many times has he proven himself faithful to you? You think He’d let you down over a big exam? Our senior pastor in church once asked us,
“Do you have big problems?” YES!
“Is God bigger than your problems?” Y-yes!
“Therefore, your problems are..?” *realization* …small.
OUR PROBLEMS ARE SMALL! Small financial problems, small exams, small stress factor, small everything compared to the BIG GOD that we have! Sometimes as a Christian, I forget how big my God is. I forget to stand out and to infect others with a “high-on-Jesus” spirit, because sometimes I don’t have it myself.
Pleiotropy, is a terminology in the study of biology pertaining to one gene affecting many traits, as opposed to epistasis which is its counter part being one trait, that is influenced by many genes.
I can choose to be a Christian who does her best to infect others with my attitude, or I can be a Christian who gets infected by all the lows in life. God’s word commands us to,
“…not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)”
Abstract (which is the word my prof uses for “summary”): The more you imitate Christ, the more you will see and experience His grace and what His will is for you.
NOW… Pleiotropy or Epistasis. Which are you?
Class dismissed.
HAHAHAHAHA
Dedicated to all of you who are taking the UPCAT tomorrow (Aug 6) and on Sunday (Aug 7)! :) MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
ordinarilyspecial 
Wonderful, God bless your heart Tahnee. In U.P. you will realize that a lot of the exams do not span what you’ve covered for the semester but will be based on what you know, what you don’t know, and what you are able to make sense of with regard to major topics in the syllabus. Some teachers just want to know what you’re made of, and we all know you’re made of gold :)
Beautifully written, Tahns. Alex, she’s taking the UPCAT tomorrow.
This is Tita Tata, by the way, mom’s friend and your new fan.
Very nice article, Tahnee! Loved reading it. By the way, the answer to your trivia is: BLUE BOOK. I don’t know if that is still called the blue book. We are not from Ateneo so I wonder why it was even colored blue instead of maroon. Anyway, I’ve been out of college for 28 years, but I will be back in school Aug. 22 for my Masters degree in Strategic Foresight, via online, I know…for a 50 year old, it is like studying Biology! Well, wish me well, as I believe you will do very well in UP…my alma mater. God bless you more, Tahnee! From Tita Kata
Tita Kata! Yes, it is still called a BLUE BOOK. Hahaha!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read everyone! May God bless you aaaaall! :)