Transcript of chaperones and dancingmolecules: the power of metaphors

OF CHAPERONES AND DANCING
MOLECULES:
THE POWER OF METAPHORS
Article by: Maura Flannery
Presentation by Lucy E. Ngale
WHAT IS A METAPHOR ?
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A figure of speech that compares unlike things
by saying that one thing is the other.
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“The act of giving a thing a name that belongs to
something else.” (Aristotle).
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Figure of speech that adds richness to language
and thought by likening two seemingly dissimilar
things.
Metaphors…
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Metaphors becomes so familiar and overused that they are hardly thought of as a
metaphors.
Such as :
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“A child needs room to grow.”
“She followed in her mothers' footsteps.”
The article…
The article talks about how metaphors in the
health field have been used to create war
images against diseases.
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“Killing the virus”, bacteria: agents of disease etc
Metaphors help us to understand complex
ideas by pointing out the similarities between
the complex ideas and familiar everyday
concepts. For example, Cellular proteins that ensure
proper folding of Polypeptides are likened to be
Chaperones because they aid in the introduction and
proper interaction of histones. (flannery)
The article: problems with Metaphors…
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Misleading
“In science, as in other disciplines, the
use of metaphors bridges the gap
between arts and science.” (Flannery)
Not productive,
Don’t lead to clear understanding
The article: Advantages of metaphors…
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Simplify certain complex situation and
make it easier to understand.
Metaphors may not only illustrate a
scientific concept, but may even provide
a model for the direction that research
takes. (flannery)
Examples of Metaphors
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Life in the fast lane.
A blanket of snow fell through the night.
Education is a gateway to success.
Tolerance is the window to peace.
His head was spinning with excitement.
On the road to peace.
Cited…
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Citations come from the article:
“of chaperones and dancing molecule”
by flannery.
www.mason.gmu.edu
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THE END….
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