Genetics and Endocrine Systems Quiz

Definition: The study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Key Concepts:
- Genes: Basic units of heredity made up of DNA.
- Alleles: Different versions of a gene.
- Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism.
- Phenotype: Observable characteristics or traits.
- Mendelian inheritance: Principles of inheritance formulated by Gregor Mendel.
- Punnett squares: Tools for predicting genotypic outcomes of crosses.

Endocrine System: A collection of glands that produce hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
Key Glands:
- Pituitary gland: "Master gland" controlling other glands.
- Thyroid gland: Regulates metabolism.
- Adrenal glands: Produce hormones related to stress response.
- Pancreas: Regulates blood sugar levels.
Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment.
- Mechanisms:
  - Negative feedback: Reduces output or activity to stabilize physiological functions.
  - Positive feedback: Enhances change to increase response in processes like childbirth.

Structure: Double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Functions:
- Replication: DNA makes copies of itself before cell division.
- Transcription: DNA is transcribed to mRNA for protein synthesis.
- Translation: mRNA is translated into proteins at ribosomes.
Key Processes:
- Mutations: Changes in DNA sequence affecting genetic information.
- Gene expression: Process through which genes are activated to produce proteins.

Definition: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid cells.
Stages:
- Meiosis I: Homologous chromosomes separate (reduction division).
  - Prophase I: Crossing over occurs, increasing genetic diversity.
  - Metaphase I: Chromosomes align at the cell equator.
- Meiosis II: Similar to mitosis, sister chromatids separate.
Importance:
- Produces gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction.
- Increases genetic variation through recombination and independent assortment.

Function: Controls and coordinates body activities by transmitting signals between different parts of the body.
Components:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Includes all nerves outside the CNS.
Key Cells:
- Neurons: Specialized cells that transmit nerve impulses.
- Glial cells: Support and protect neurons.
Divisions:
- Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.
- Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions (sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions).
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Genes are the basic units of heredity composed of DNA.
Alleles are the different versions of a single gene.
Genotype refers to an organism's genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to its observable traits.
Mendelian inheritance principles were formulated by Gregor Mendel, outlining how traits are passed down.
Punnett squares are utilized to predict the genotypic outcomes of genetic crosses.

The endocrine system consists of glands that produce hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
The pituitary gland is known as the "master gland" because it controls hormonal functions of other glands.
The thyroid gland regulates the metabolic rate of the body.
The adrenal glands produce hormones that help manage the body's stress response.
The pancreas plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon.
Homeostasis is the process of maintaining a stable internal environment within the body.
Negative feedback mechanisms reduce activity or output to stabilize physiological functions.
Positive feedback enhances changes, commonly seen in processes like childbirth.

DNA has a double helix structure, made up of nucleotides, which include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
DNA replication ensures that genetic information is accurately copied before cell division.
During transcription, DNA is converted into messenger RNA (mRNA) for protein synthesis.
Translation occurs when ribosomes convert mRNA into proteins.
Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can affect genetic information and traits.
Gene expression is the process that activates genes to produce functional proteins.

Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces four haploid cells by reducing the chromosome number by half.
Meiosis I involves the separation of homologous chromosomes, referred to as reduction division.
Crossing over during Prophase I increases genetic diversity among gametes.
Chromosomes align at the cell equator during Metaphase I of meiosis.
Meiosis II resembles mitosis, where sister chromatids are separated.
Meiosis is crucial for producing gametes (sperm and eggs) necessary for sexual reproduction.
It enhances genetic variation through recombination and independent assortment of chromosomes.

The nervous system controls and coordinates body activities by transmitting signals throughout the body.
The Central Nervous System (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord, serving as the main control center.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all nerves outside the CNS, connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.
Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting nerve impulses and communication.
Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons.
The nervous system divides into the Somatic Nervous System, which governs voluntary movements, and the Autonomic Nervous System, which regulates involuntary functions and includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that facilitate communication across synapses between neurons.