BIO 102: Unit 3 Specialized Cells and Cell Signaling Exam Study Guide

What is the function of RNA?

To carry the genetic information for protein synthesis

Which of the following nitrogenous bases is only found in DNA?

Adenine (A)

How many rings are present in pyrimidines?

One

Which part of a nucleotide is the portion without any phosphate groups?

Nucleoside Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of DNA?

Carrying the genetic information for protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the stages in mitosis?

Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the cell cycle comes after DNA replication?

G2 phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA polymerase?

Adding nucleotides to the 3' end of a DNA strand during replication Signup and view all the answers

Where is RNA usually found and stays in the cell?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nucleic acid has one fewer hydroxyl group than ribose?

Deoxyribose Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of primase at a replication fork?

Synthesizes RNA primers using the parental DNA as a template Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is involved in breaking, swiveling, and rejoining the parental DNA ahead of the replication fork?

Topoisomerase Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of G2 phase checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Prevents cells from entering mitosis with damaged DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence if cell division goes awry?

The end of continuity of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the leading and lagging strands in DNA replication?

Leading strand forms short fragments discontinuously Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of helicase during DNA replication?

Unwinding DNA at the origins of replication Signup and view all the answers

Which protein is responsible for stabilizing unpaired DNA strands during replication?

Single-stranded binding proteins (SSBs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA ligase in DNA replication?

Sealing DNA fragments together Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme adds complementary bases to the leading strand during DNA replication?

DNA Polymerase III Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of an operator in a bacterial operon?

Inhibiting gene transcription Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a control element in gene regulation?

Regulate transcription by binding to a transcription factor Signup and view all the answers

In inducible operons, like the Lac operon, when does the repressor leave the operator?

When lactose is present Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a tumor suppressor gene?

Inhibit cell growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tryptophan in repressible operons like the Trp operon?

Acts as a corepressor to stop production Signup and view all the answers

What is the common feature among paracrine, synaptic, and endocrine signaling?

Release of ligands to reach target cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a ligand-gated ion channel?

Allowing or blocking the flow of specific ions Signup and view all the answers

In cell signaling, what is the role of a second messenger?

Relays a signal to a cell's interior Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of negative feedback loops in physiology?

Primary mechanism of homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of endocrine (hormonal) signaling?

Sends hormones through body fluids to affect distant target cells Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the process where a signal molecule binds to a receptor protein in a lock-and-key fashion?

Reception Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a second messenger in cellular signaling?

Transmits a signal to the cell's interior Signup and view all the answers

Where are intracellular receptors typically located?

In the cytoplasm or nucleus Signup and view all the answers

How does an autocrine signaling mechanism work?

Affects the same cell that produces the signaling molecule Signup and view all the answers

What type of signaling involves physical contact between cells?

Juxtacrine Signup and view all the answers

Which type of receptors respond to the binding of a signaling molecule by activating G proteins?

G protein-coupled receptors Signup and view all the answers

In which type of signaling, hormones typically travel through the circulatory system?

Endocrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

Coordinates the endocrine and nervous systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of negative feedback in physiological regulation?

Maintains homeostasis by counteracting changes Signup and view all the answers

Which gland secretes hormones directly into interstitial fluid?

Pituitary gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which an end product of a physiological process speeds up that process?

Positive feedback Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a second messenger in cellular signaling?