Biology Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement of a successful Oxbridge Biology Applicant.
I both fear and admire the power of genetics. While genome editing has the potential to treat currently incurable congenital diseases, the prospect of using this technology for biological enhancement could lead to unforeseen impacts on society. I would love to pursue my interest in such controversial topics at University. Doudna’s ‘A Crack in Creation’ spoke on the development of CRISPR gene editing, which employs the Cas9 enzyme to bind to and cut the targeted DNA region using synthetic guide RNA. Alarmingly, this could allow for humans to direct advantageous mutations and control evolution.
Analysing scientific papers on this topic inspired me to present on CRISPR at Science Society and shaped my EPQ question. I researched the ethical and practical risks of treating genetic diseases with CRISPR, as well as the non-therapeutic applications. I concluded that risks such as mosaicism, off-target mutations and increased chance of cancer, currently outweigh the therapeutic benefits. However, with further research, these risks can be managed. This introduced me to ideas of bioethics and gerontology. I discovered how the shortening of telomeres plays a crucial role in ageing, and how the production of nanobots and use of telomerase might lead to human immortality. This enzyme adds guanine-rich repetitive sequences to telomeres, thus preserving a cell’s function.
Neurone death in the brain is also a major contributor to ageing, as a result of subsequent alterations in brain chemistry. I spent a week in Neurology and Neurosurgery departments, and saw patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. I learnt that the specific genetic mutations that cause such diseases can possibly be treated with CRISPR. When I spent a week in a Veterinary clinic in Spain, I was able to apply my fascination for immunology to daily practices. I observed the process of blood analysis to identify possible abnormalities, leading to the animals’ prognoses. I thoroughly enjoyed the practical aspect of this experience, and I look forward to tackling similar projects at university.
Inspired by studying plant transport at A level, I visited the Chelsea Physic Garden. I discovered how taxanes, drugs derived from the bark of Yew trees, have been increasingly used to tackle cases of breast cancer. I was astounded to learn that nature is better at synthesising the required optical isomer of this chiral drug than chemists in a lab. This highlighted to me the importance of Biology in overcoming many of the key challenges that humans will face, such as antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
The study of mechanisms in A Level Chemistry has given me insight into how biological reactions occur. In particular, how theoretical rate equations affect multi-step cell signalling cascades in cells. Unexpectedly, I have found ways to link Biology to my Spanish A Level studies. Reading about the immense biodiversity in Colombia, where one square mile of rainforest harbours more biodiversity than the whole of England, has shown me how important it is to preserve these species. Of the ten most biodiverse countries in the world, seven are in Latin America, yet there are currently fewer Protected Areas there than in Europe.
I have come to realise how Ecology, Conservation, Pharmacology and Physiology are interlinked and am excited to unlock the potential these topics have to offer the world. Whether leading my D of E group, captaining my netball team or setting a course record in a national rowing regatta, I always strive towards achieving my goals. I have enjoyed tutoring sciences to students from varying age groups and delivering talks at Science Society, and I am excited to further my passion for the Biological Sciences at university.
