Introduction to Biology

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Questions and Answers

If cellular respiration were to be completely inhibited within a cell, which of the following processes would be most immediately affected?

  • The replication of DNA during cell division
  • The synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water
  • The transport of molecules across the cell membrane
  • The production of ATP to power cellular activities (correct)

The law of independent assortment states that alleles of different genes always assort together during gamete formation if situated on the same chromosome.

False (B)

Describe how the central dogma of molecular biology explains the flow of genetic information within a biological system. What are the key steps and molecules involved?

The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. First, DNA is transcribed into RNA, particularly mRNA. Then, mRNA is translated into protein, which carries out various functions in the cell.

In eukaryotic cells, the process of ______ involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template and occurs in the nucleus.

<p>transcription</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each evolutionary mechanism with its primary effect on genetic variation within a population:

<p>Mutation = Introduces new alleles, increasing genetic variation. Gene flow = Transfers alleles between populations, homogenizing genetic variation. Genetic drift = Randomly removes alleles, reducing genetic variation. Natural selection = Favors certain alleles, potentially reducing genetic variation for non-adaptive traits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations would be most beneficial for plants living in a hot, arid environment?

<p>Thick cuticles on leaves to reduce water loss (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anabolic pathways release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of the Golgi apparatus in processing and packaging proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum. What are the main steps involved?

<p>The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins into vesicles for transport to other parts of the cell or secretion. Proteins from the ER enter the Golgi, are modified (e.g., glycosylation), sorted based on their destination, and packaged into vesicles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen, is known as ______.

<p>photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each phase of the cell cycle with its primary activity:

<p>G1 phase = Cell growth and normal metabolic functions S phase = DNA replication G2 phase = Preparation for cell division Mitosis = Nuclear division</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the role of tRNA in translation?

<p>To transport amino acids to the ribosome and match them to the correct codon (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All mutations are harmful and lead to a decrease in an organism's fitness.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of allopatric speciation and describe the conditions under which it is most likely to occur.

<p>Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is divided by a geographic barrier, preventing gene flow between the groups. Over time, the isolated populations diverge genetically, leading to the formation of new species. This is more likely in large, geographically diverse areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The enzyme responsible for unwinding and separating the DNA strands during replication is called ______.

<p>helicase</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each component of an ecosystem with its primary role:

<p>Producers = Convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis Consumers = Obtain energy by feeding on other organisms Decomposers = Break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients Abiotic factors = Non-living components, such as sunlight, water, and minerals, that support life</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of lysosomes within a cell?

<p>Breaking down cellular waste and debris (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Mendelian genetics, a recessive allele is expressed in the phenotype only when one copy of it is present in the genotype.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with specific reference to their structural components and complexity.

<p>Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and various organelles. Eukaryotic cells are generally larger and more complex in structure and function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of copying DNA, which occurs during cell division and results in two identical DNA molecules, is called ______.

<p>DNA replication</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of RNA with its primary function in gene expression:

<p>mRNA = Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis. tRNA = Transports amino acids to the ribosome during translation. rRNA = Forms part of the ribosome structure and catalyzes protein synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Biology?

The scientific study of life, exploring structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms.

Cell Theory

All living organisms are composed of cells.

Gene Theory

Hereditary information is encoded in DNA and passed from parents to offspring.

Evolution

Explains the unity and diversity of life through descent with modification.

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Atoms

Basic units of matter.

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Molecules

Two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

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Organelles

Structures within cells that perform specific functions.

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Cells

The basic unit of life, the fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms.

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Tissues

Groups of similar cells performing a specific function.

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Organs

Structures composed of different tissues working together.

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Organ Systems

Groups of organs working together.

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Organisms

Individual living beings.

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Populations

Groups of individuals of the same species in a defined area.

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Communities

Populations of different species interacting with each other.

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Ecosystems

Communities plus the nonliving environment.

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Biosphere

All ecosystems on Earth.

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Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

Describes the flow of genetic information: DNA -> RNA -> Protein.

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Cell theory

Cells are the fundamental structural and functional units of life.

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Prokaryotic Cells

Lacking a nucleus; DNA located in the nucleoid region.

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Eukaryotic Cells

Having a nucleus containing DNA and membrane-bound organelles.

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Study Notes

  • Biology is the scientific study of life
  • Explores the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms

Core Principles of Biology

  • All living organisms are composed of cells, according to cell theory
  • Hereditary information is encoded in DNA and passed from parents to offspring according to gene theory
  • Evolution explains the unity and diversity of life

Levels of Biological Organization

  • Atoms are the basic units of matter
  • Molecules are two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds
  • Organelles are structures within cells that perform specific functions
  • Cells are the basic units of life
  • Tissues are groups of similar cells performing a specific function
  • Organs are structures composed of different tissues working together
  • Organ systems are groups of organs working together
  • Organisms are individual living beings
  • Populations are groups of individuals of the same species in a defined area
  • Communities are populations of different species interacting with each other
  • Ecosystems are communities plus the nonliving environment
  • The biosphere is all ecosystems on Earth

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

  • Describes the flow of genetic information as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) -> RNA (Ribonucleic acid) -> Protein

Cell Structure and Function

  • Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life
  • There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic

Prokaryotic Cells

  • Lack a nucleus
  • DNA is located in the nucleoid region
  • Generally smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells
  • Examples: bacteria and archaea

Eukaryotic Cells

  • Have a nucleus containing DNA
  • Possess membrane-bound organelles with specific functions
  • Examples: animal cells, plant cells, fungi, and protists

Key Organelles in Eukaryotic Cells

  • Nucleus: Contains DNA and controls cellular activities
  • Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): Involved in protein and lipid synthesis
  • Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids
  • Mitochondria: Site of cellular respiration, generates ATP
  • Chloroplasts (in plant cells): Site of photosynthesis
  • Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for breaking down cellular waste

Cell Membrane

  • A selectively permeable barrier
  • Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins
  • Regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell

Cell Communication

  • Cells communicate through chemical signals via reception, transduction, and response stages

Metabolism

  • The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism
  • Anabolism: Building complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy
  • Catabolism: Breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy

Enzymes

  • Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions
  • Highly specific to their substrates
  • They are not consumed or changed in the reaction

Cellular Respiration

  • Process that converts the energy stored in glucose into ATP
  • Occurs in mitochondria
  • Involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain

Photosynthesis

  • Process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy
  • Occurs in chloroplasts
  • Uses carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen

Genetics

  • The study of heredity and variation
  • Genes are the units of heredity

DNA Structure

  • Double helix composed of nucleotides
  • Nucleotides consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base
  • Four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)
  • A pairs with T, and C pairs with G

DNA Replication

  • Process of copying DNA
  • Occurs during cell division
  • Results in two identical DNA molecules

RNA Structure

  • Single-stranded
  • Contains ribose sugar instead of deoxyribose
  • Uracil (U) replaces thymine (T)
  • Types of RNA: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA

Transcription

  • Process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template
  • Occurs in the nucleus
  • Produces mRNA

Translation

  • Process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template
  • Occurs in ribosomes
  • Involves tRNA carrying amino acids to the ribosome

The Genetic Code

  • Set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA) is translated into proteins
  • Codons: Three-nucleotide sequences that specify particular amino acids

Mutations

  • Changes in the DNA sequence
  • Can be spontaneous or induced by mutagens
  • Can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral

Gene Expression

  • The process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product (protein or RNA)
  • Can be regulated at various stages

Cell Cycle

  • The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication of its DNA
  • Includes interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis

Interphase

  • Cell grows and prepares for division
  • DNA replicates
  • Consists of G1, S, and G2 phases

Mitosis

  • Nuclear division
  • Results in two identical daughter cells
  • Includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase

Cytokinesis

  • Division of the cytoplasm
  • Results in two separate daughter cells

Meiosis

  • Cell division that produces gametes (sex cells)
  • Results in four genetically different daughter cells
  • Two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II

Mendelian Genetics

  • Gregor Mendel's laws of inheritance

Law of Segregation

  • Each individual has two alleles for each gene, and these alleles separate during gamete formation

Law of Independent Assortment

  • Alleles of different genes assort independently of one another during gamete formation

Genotype and Phenotype

  • Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism
  • Phenotype: The observable characteristics of an organism

Alleles

  • Different forms of a gene
  • Dominant allele: Expressed when present
  • Recessive allele: Only expressed when two copies are present

Evolution

  • The change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations

Natural Selection

  • Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
  • Leads to adaptation

Evidence for Evolution

  • Fossil record
  • Comparative anatomy
  • Embryology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biogeography

Mechanisms of Evolution

  • Mutation
  • Gene flow
  • Genetic drift
  • Natural selection

Speciation

  • The process by which new species arise
  • Allopatric speciation: Geographic isolation
  • Sympatric speciation: Reproductive isolation within the same geographic area

Ecology

  • The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment

Population Ecology

  • Study of population size, density, distribution, and dynamics

Community Ecology

  • Study of interactions between different species in a community

Ecosystem Ecology

  • Study of energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems

Biomes

  • Large-scale ecological communities characterized by specific climate conditions and vegetation

Biodiversity

  • The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem

Conservation Biology

  • The study of the conservation of nature and of Earth's biodiversity with the goal of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction and the erosion of biotic interactions

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