[zakrah (OP)]

Hiya Chris, I just got around to listening to your Feb 9 show on my iPod. I have a problem with how you answered the caller who was wondering about how active transport occurs in plant root cells. Initially you misunderstood and discussed xylem and phloem, but even after the caller clarified his question you did not give a correct answer.

Plant cells do indeed set up an electro-chemical potential across their plasma membranes to drive uptake of nutrients against a concentration gradient (similar to animal cells). However, plant cells do NOT posess a sodium-postassium ATPase, which you described in detail while answering the question. In fact, plants use a plasma membrane proton ATPase as the primary pump which generates the elecrto-chemical potential.

Because on that particular show you were going to remove an article of clothing with each wrong answer, it would be appropriate if you posted a picture of yourself without a shirt on in the image gallery here on your website. If one such picture does not appear before the next show, I will be forced to exercise my photoshop skills.

Take it off baby! Show us that sexy pasty science-geek physique!



Sarah Swanson, Postdoc
Penn State Biology Dept.

[chris]

Dear Sarah

thanks for highlighting this. Actually it was more in the interests of time that I truncated ('scuse the plant-pun) the answer and just used K/Na transport analogous with human physiology (I'd already spent about 5 mimutes on the answer and it was getting complicated). In hindsight, you're right, I probably should have mentioned it.Anyway, the principal - that electrochemical gradients established across the cell membrane can do work - is a sound explanation which I think the caller was happy with. I was trying to put in into a human context too.

Regarding getting our kit off - will this do ?



C

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

[neilep]

Chris ...that's a very impressive ' CLOCK ' you've got. I like the T Appparel below !!!!!!![]

Men are the same as women.... just inside out !!

[Connie]

you guys produce in the nude? interesting..

powered by tofu (c)

[Connie]

oh... yea that would kinda explain the naked scientists part of it. I'm not too bright. That's why I'm listening to you guys!

powered by tofu (c)

[MayoFlyFarmer]

Hey chris,

I can't help but notice that sweet t-shirt hanging in the background.  how does one go about purchasing naked-scientist swag?  

or is it something one has to earn?  (ie contest winners and such)

just curious.  I would love the oppertunity to show off my naked geekyness!!

Are YOUR mice nude? []

[Hadrian]

I can't bare to look

What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.

[MayoFlyFarmer]

oh, to be a FLY on the wall of that studio!  

Are YOUR mice nude? []