Introduction to Life and Characteristics
123 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does biological evolution primarily involve?

Answer hidden

Which mechanism of evolution describes the survival and reproduction of organisms with advantageous traits?

Answer hidden

How are organisms classified in taxonomy?

Answer hidden

What role do phylogenetic trees play in biology?

Answer hidden

Which step is NOT part of the scientific method?

Answer hidden

Which characteristic best describes how organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations?

Answer hidden

What is the primary role of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Answer hidden

Which type of cell is characterized by the presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles?

Answer hidden

What is the process called that involves the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring?

Answer hidden

Which of the following biological molecules is primarily responsible for catalyzing chemical reactions?

Answer hidden

What distinguishes genes from the rest of the DNA sequence?

Answer hidden

What term is used to describe the changes in DNA sequence that can lead to variations within a species?

Answer hidden

Which characteristic of living organisms involves reacting to internal or external changes?

Answer hidden

What role do buffers play in biological systems?

Answer hidden

Which of the following correctly describes the function of enzymes in metabolic reactions?

Answer hidden

Which ions are particularly important for nerve impulse transmission?

Answer hidden

What is the primary consequence of imbalances in ion concentrations within biological systems?

Answer hidden

How does molecular recognition occur in biological interactions?

Answer hidden

What is the primary structural role of lipids in cells?

Answer hidden

Which of the following describes the primary structure of a protein?

Answer hidden

What type of organic molecule is primarily responsible for energy storage in organisms?

Answer hidden

What is the genetic material responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information?

Answer hidden

Which property of water is critical for regulating temperature in organisms?

Answer hidden

What type of carbohydrate is primarily responsible for energy storage in animal cells?

Answer hidden

Which of the following macromolecules is not a polymer?

Answer hidden

Which of the following is a function of steroids in the body?

Answer hidden

What is the primary function of cellulose in plants?

Answer hidden

Which component is crucial for forming the bilayer of cell membranes?

Answer hidden

What is the role of enzymes in biological processes?

Answer hidden

Which molecule acts as a messenger in protein synthesis?

Answer hidden

Which property allows proteins to perform specific functions?

Answer hidden

Which type of macromolecule primarily provides structural support in cells?

Answer hidden

Which function is NOT typical of lipids?

Answer hidden

What are nucleotides composed of?

Answer hidden

What is a characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells?

Answer hidden

Which organelle is responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells?

Answer hidden

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane?

Answer hidden

Which statement is true about eukaryotic cells in comparison to prokaryotic cells?

Answer hidden

Which of the following structures is involved in movement and adhesion in prokaryotic cells?

Answer hidden

What role do lysosomes play in a cell?

Answer hidden

What is the main component of the cell wall in plant cells?

Answer hidden

What process allows the movement of water across a cell membrane without energy input?

Answer hidden

What is the primary product produced during glycolysis?

Answer hidden

During pyruvate oxidation, what is released from each pyruvate molecule?

Answer hidden

In which stage of cellular respiration is ATP primarily produced through chemiosmosis?

Answer hidden

What molecule is considered the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain?

Answer hidden

How many ATP molecules are produced during the Krebs cycle for each Acetyl CoA?

Answer hidden

What main role does fermentation play in cellular respiration under anaerobic conditions?

Answer hidden

What is created by the electron transport chain during oxidative phosphorylation?

Answer hidden

Where does glycolysis occur within the cell?

Answer hidden

What is the main product of glycolysis?

Answer hidden

Which process occurs in the mitochondrial matrix?

Answer hidden

What is the main purpose of fermentation?

Answer hidden

In oxidative phosphorylation, what role does oxygen play?

Answer hidden

What is produced during the transition reaction of pyruvate oxidation?

Answer hidden

How does ATP release energy?

Answer hidden

Which of the following statements about the Krebs cycle is true?

Answer hidden

What is the primary regulatory mechanism of cellular respiration?

Answer hidden

What process involves the conversion of DNA into a protein?

Answer hidden

Which of the following best describes cellular respiration?

Answer hidden

What characteristic is unique to stem cells?

Answer hidden

What role do signaling molecules play in cell signaling?

Answer hidden

Which of the following processes is NOT part of metabolism?

Answer hidden

What is the main function of mitochondria within a cell?

Answer hidden

Which organelle is involved in synthesizing proteins within the cell?

Answer hidden

Which structure acts as a selective barrier that regulates entry and exit of substances in a cell?

Answer hidden

What is the role of lysosomes in a cell?

Answer hidden

What is the primary composition of the cytosol within cells?

Answer hidden

Which organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport?

Answer hidden

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in a cell?

Answer hidden

What is the primary role of the nucleus in a cell?

Answer hidden

What is the primary function of the light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis?

Answer hidden

Which enzyme is crucial for the carbon fixation process in the Calvin Cycle?

Answer hidden

In which part of the chloroplast do the light-independent reactions occur?

Answer hidden

What impact does an increase in carbon dioxide concentration have on photosynthesis?

Answer hidden

Which type of photosynthesis is best adapted to hot and dry environments?

Answer hidden

What is a byproduct of the photolysis of water during the light-dependent reactions?

Answer hidden

How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer hidden

Which of the following factors does NOT significantly limit photosynthesis?

Answer hidden

What is the primary purpose of meiosis in cellular reproduction?

Answer hidden

Which phase occurs first during mitosis?

Answer hidden

During which stage of meiosis does crossing over occur?

Answer hidden

What process converts DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA)?

Answer hidden

What is the role of DNA polymerase during DNA replication?

Answer hidden

What is the structural form of eukaryotic chromosomes?

Answer hidden

Which of the following is NOT a critical checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Answer hidden

How many haploid cells are produced at the end of meiosis?

Answer hidden

What is the function of transfer RNA (tRNA) in translation?

Answer hidden

Which process ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic instructions?

Answer hidden

What characterizes the semi-conservative method of DNA replication?

Answer hidden

What influences the levels of cyclins in the cell cycle?

Answer hidden

Which source of genetic variation involves the random alignment of chromosomes during meiosis?

Answer hidden

What is the primary role of the cell cycle control system?

Answer hidden

Which type of mutation would typically be considered neutral?

Answer hidden

What is the primary effect of DNA methylation on gene expression?

Answer hidden

Which type of inheritance pattern is represented in a pedigree analysis for cystic fibrosis?

Answer hidden

What is a characteristic of quantitative traits?

Answer hidden

How does pedigree analysis assist in understanding genetic traits?

Answer hidden

Which type of disorder is hemophilia classified as?

Answer hidden

What is the Law of Independent Assortment in Mendelian genetics?

Answer hidden

Which of the following describes incomplete dominance?

Answer hidden

Which of the following is an example of pleiotropy?

Answer hidden

What role does nutrition play in gene expression?

Answer hidden

How does epigenetics differ from genetic mutations?

Answer hidden

What is the significance of multiple alleles in genetics?

Answer hidden

What characterizes sex-linked inheritance?

Answer hidden

Which of the following is NOT a principle of Mendelian genetics?

Answer hidden

What is the primary function of a gene in the cell?

Answer hidden

What is the significance of the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication?

Answer hidden

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the process of transcription?

Answer hidden

During translation, what is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA)?

Answer hidden

What mechanism is NOT typically involved in gene regulation?

Answer hidden

Which statement accurately describes the structure of DNA?

Answer hidden

What is produced after the processing of the transcribed mRNA molecule?

Answer hidden

Which of the following statements about the ribosome's function is correct?

Answer hidden

How do mutations affect protein function and structure?

Answer hidden

What role does epigenetics play in gene expression?

Answer hidden

What does the central dogma of molecular biology explain?

Answer hidden

Which techniques are commonly used in genetic engineering?

Answer hidden

Which of the following is NOT a type of mutation?

Answer hidden

What factors can influence gene expression in cells?

Answer hidden

What can be a potential outcome from genetic engineering?

Answer hidden

Which statement about spontaneous mutations is true?

Answer hidden

Flashcards

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, including genes, species, and ecosystems.

Natural Selection

Organisms with helpful traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Adaptation

A characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment.

Biological Evolution

Changes in traits of populations over generations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Common Ancestry

All species share a common ancestor.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Life's Key Characteristics

Living organisms exhibit traits like organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, response to stimuli, reproduction, and maintaining an internal balance (homeostasis).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biological Molecules

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are essential for building and maintaining life, each with specific functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cell Types

Cells are categorized as prokaryotic (simple, no nucleus) or eukaryotic (complex, with a nucleus).

Signup and view all the flashcards

DNA's Role

DNA carries hereditary information, directing the creation and maintenance of an organism.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gene Expression

Using the DNA information to make proteins. It's how DNA "tells" the cell what to build.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ecosystems

Organisms interact with each other and their environment in complex ways.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cellular Function

Metabolism, protein synthesis, cell division, and transport are vital processes for maintaining cellular life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Metabolism

The chemical reactions that provide energy and maintain the structure of organisms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the central element of life?

Carbon is the central element of life due to its unique ability to form four covalent bonds, which allows it to create a vast array of complex molecules.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are organic molecules?

Organic molecules are molecules that contain carbon. They are essential for all life processes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the four main classes of organic molecules?

The four main classes of organic molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These macromolecules are polymers, meaning they are large molecules made from repeating smaller units called monomers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Carbohydrates: What are they made of?

Carbohydrates, like glucose, are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are lipids?

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, meaning they do not dissolve in water. They form important structural components of cell membranes (phospholipids). Fats and oils are energy-storage molecules.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Proteins: What are they made of?

Proteins are polymers of amino acid monomers. There are 20 different types of amino acids. Proteins have diverse functions, including catalyzing reactions (enzymes), providing structural support (collagen), transporting molecules (hemoglobin), and defending against infection (antibodies)

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are nucleic acids?

Nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, are polymers of nucleotide monomers. DNA stores genetic information, following a specific base-pairing (adenine-thymine, guanine-cytosine). RNA transmits genetic information to make proteins, and takes on various roles in protein synthesis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What makes water important for life?

Water is a crucial solvent for many biological reactions. Its polarity allows it to dissolve many ionic and polar compounds. Water's high specific heat capacity helps regulate temperature in organisms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hydrogen bonds in water

Water molecules are held together by weak bonds called hydrogen bonds. These bonds are responsible for many of water's unique properties, like its high boiling point and its ability to dissolve many substances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

pH: What does it measure?

pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. A lower pH means a higher concentration of H+ and a more acidic solution. A higher pH means a lower concentration of H+ and a more alkaline solution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What do buffers do?

Buffers are substances that help resist changes in pH. They do this by absorbing excess hydrogen ions (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH-) when needed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Anabolic vs Catabolic reactions

Anabolic reactions build up molecules, requiring energy to create complex structures. Catabolic reactions break down molecules, releasing energy by breaking bonds.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Importance of ions

Ions are atoms with a positive or negative charge. They're vital for many biological processes like nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and maintaining proper fluid balance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are Macromolecules?

Large organic molecules essential for life. They are built from smaller subunits called monomers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Carbohydrates: Fuel & Structure

Carbohydrates provide energy and support structure in organisms. Simple sugars like glucose are energy sources, while complex carbohydrates like starch store energy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lipids: Diverse & Hydrophobic

Lipids include fats, oils, and phospholipids. They store energy, insulate, and form cell membranes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Proteins: Multi-Taskers

Proteins are versatile molecules with diverse roles including enzymes, structural support, transport, and defense.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nucleic Acids: Information Carriers

DNA and RNA are nucleic acids that store and transmit genetic information.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Specificity of Molecules

Each molecule has a unique shape and structure that determines its function. This specific shape allows molecules to interact with other molecules in a precise way.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Diversity of Molecules

Cells have a wide variety of molecules with different structures and functions. This diversity contributes to the complexity of biological systems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What makes molecules 'biological'?

Biological molecules are essential for life and are mostly based on carbon. They are found in all living organisms and play crucial roles in their functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are cells?

Cells are the basic, fundamental units of life. All living organisms are made up of one or more cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic

Prokaryotic cells are simpler, lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells are complex, with a nucleus and other organelles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nucleus: The Control Center

The nucleus is the cell's control center. It contains DNA, the genetic material, and controls all cellular activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Endoplasmic Reticulum: The Factory

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is like a factory. Rough ER produces proteins, while smooth ER makes lipids and detoxifies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mitochondria: The Powerhouse

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. They generate energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plasma Membrane: The Gatekeeper

The plasma membrane is a thin barrier that controls what goes in and out of the cell.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cell Wall: Structural Support

The cell wall provides structural support and protection, found in plants, fungi, and some bacteria.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Passive Transport

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across the membrane without requiring energy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells break down glucose to produce energy (ATP) through a series of controlled redox reactions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is ATP?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy currency used by cells. It stores and releases energy to power cellular processes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate in the cytoplasm, producing a net of 2 ATP and 2 NADH.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Krebs Cycle

A cycle of reactions in the mitochondrial matrix where Acetyl CoA is oxidized, generating ATP, NADH, FADH2, and CO2.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final stage of cellular respiration, where a proton gradient is generated by the electron transport chain, and ATP is produced by ATP synthase.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that allows cells to produce ATP without oxygen, regenerating NAD+ from NADH.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons and pump protons to create a gradient.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chemiosmosis

The process of using the energy of the proton gradient generated by the ETC to produce ATP via ATP synthase.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is cellular respiration?

The set of metabolic reactions that break down glucose to generate energy (ATP) for cellular functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glycolysis: Where does it happen?

Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Krebs Cycle: Where is it?

The Krebs Cycle, or citric acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix, the inner compartment of mitochondria.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electron Transport Chain (ETC): Where is it located?

The ETC is a series of proteins embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane, responsible for generating a proton gradient.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is ATP Synthase?

ATP Synthase is an enzyme that harnesses the energy of the proton gradient to produce ATP from ADP and phosphate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is oxygen needed for aerobic respiration?

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, allowing the process to continue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is fermentation?

Fermentation is an anaerobic process that regenerates NAD+ for glycolysis when oxygen is limited, resulting in a smaller ATP yield.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How is cellular respiration regulated?

Cellular respiration is controlled by feedback mechanisms and enzyme regulation, influenced by ATP, ADP, NADH, and other regulatory molecules.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Protein Synthesis

The process of creating proteins based on instructions encoded in DNA.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cell Signaling

The process of cells communicating with each other through signaling molecules, receptors, and intracellular pathways.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stem Cells

Cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell types, offering potential for regenerative medicine.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plasma Membrane

The phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell, controlling what enters and leaves.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell containing organelles and the cytosol.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, containing DNA, which directs the cell's activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ribosomes

Organelles responsible for protein synthesis, translating genetic code into amino acids.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis, divided into rough ER (with ribosomes) and smooth ER (without ribosomes).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Golgi Apparatus

A stack of membrane-bound sacs that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or transport to other organelles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for cellular respiration, producing ATP, the cell's energy currency.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound vesicles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign substances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Light-Dependent Reactions

Reactions in photosynthesis that occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. These reactions capture light energy, split water, and generate ATP and NADPH.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Reactions in photosynthesis that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts. These reactions use ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a primary energy currency for cells. It is produced in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis and used in the Calvin Cycle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

RuBisCo

The enzyme that catalyzes the initial step of carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

Factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, water availability, and chlorophyll concentration can influence the rate of photosynthesis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

C3, C4, and CAM Photosynthesis

Different photosynthetic pathways adapted to different environments. C3 is the most common, C4 is more efficient in hot, dry climates, and CAM is adapted to desert conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Transcription

The process of converting the DNA code into messenger RNA (mRNA) within the nucleus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Translation

The process where the mRNA code is used to synthesize a polypeptide chain (protein) at ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cell Cycle Control System

A collection of molecules that regulate progress through the cell cycle, ensuring proper cell division.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Checkpoints

Critical control points throughout the cell cycle that ensure the cell is ready to divide.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cyclins and CDKs

Key proteins involved in cell cycle progression. Cyclins fluctuate in levels, and their binding to CDKs triggers various events.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Genetic Variation

Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence, which can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cell Division

The process by which cells divide to produce new cells. It is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mitosis

A type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is crucial for growth and repair.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces four genetically unique haploid gametes (sperm or egg cells) from a single diploid cell. It is essential for sexual reproduction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures found in the nucleus of a cell that carry genetic information in the form of DNA.

Signup and view all the flashcards

DNA Replication

The process of copying DNA before cell division to ensure that each new cell receives a complete set of genetic instructions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Semi-conservative Replication

A process where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand, ensuring accurate transmission of genetic information.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Replication Origins

Specific locations on the DNA molecule where replication begins.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Termination of Replication

The process that ends DNA replication, ensuring that the entire DNA molecule is copied without overlap or extra repetitions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mendelian Inheritance

Patterns of inheritance following Gregor Mendel's laws: Law of Segregation (each trait has 2 alleles that separate during gamete formation) and Law of Independent Assortment (alleles for different traits assort independently during gamete formation).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its trait even when paired with a recessive allele. The trait will always be present in the phenotype.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Recessive Allele

An allele that only expresses its trait when paired with another recessive allele. The trait is only visible in the phenotype when homozygous recessive.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Incomplete Dominance

The heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the homozygous phenotypes. A mix of both parental traits.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Codominance

Both alleles are fully expressed in the heterozygote. Both parental traits are visible.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Polygenic Inheritance

Multiple genes influence a single trait like skin color or height, creating a range of phenotypes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sex-Linked Inheritance

Traits determined by genes on sex chromosomes. X-linked traits are more common in males because they have only one X chromosome.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epigenetics

Changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Modifications can influence gene expression without changing the actual genetic code.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epigenetic Marks

Chemical modifications to DNA or associated proteins that influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. These marks can be passed down through generations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pedigree Analysis

A diagram that traces the inheritance of traits within a family across generations. It uses symbols and lines to represent individuals and their relationships, revealing patterns of inheritance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Autosomal Dominant Disorder

A genetic disorder caused by a dominant allele on an autosome. Only one copy of the mutated gene is needed for the disorder to be expressed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Quantitative Traits

Traits with a continuous range of variation, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

X-linked Disorder

A genetic disorder caused by a mutated gene located on the X chromosome. Males are more likely to be affected due to having only one X chromosome.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a gene?

A gene is a segment of DNA that provides instructions for building a specific protein. It's like a recipe for a protein.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does DNA replication do?

DNA replication copies the entire DNA molecule before cell division, ensuring each new cell has a complete set of genetic instructions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is transcription?

Transcription converts the genetic information in DNA into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which can be transported out of the nucleus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is translation?

Translation uses the mRNA code to assemble a protein chain by linking amino acids together.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is gene regulation?

Gene regulation controls when and how much a gene is expressed, effectively turning genes 'on' or 'off'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are transcription factors?

Transcription factors are proteins that bind to DNA and either promote or repress the transcription of genes, influencing how much protein is made.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does DNA polymerase do?

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication, ensuring accurate copying.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Point Mutation

A change in a single nucleotide within a DNA sequence. This can lead to altered protein structure and function.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Insertion Mutation

Adding extra nucleotides to a DNA sequence. This shifts the reading frame, affecting subsequent codons and protein synthesis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Deletion Mutation

Removing nucleotides from a DNA sequence. This also shifts the reading frame, resulting in a potentially shortened or altered protein.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chromosomal Mutation

Large-scale changes affecting entire chromosomes, including deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

CRISPR-Cas9

A powerful gene editing technique that allows scientists to make precise cuts in DNA and replace or modify specific sequences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using biotechnology techniques like CRISPR-Cas9. This can change traits like resistance to pests or enhanced nutritional value.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epigenetic Modifications

Changes in gene expression without alterations to the DNA sequence itself. These modifications can be influenced by environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epigenetic Inheritance

The transmission of epigenetic modifications from one generation to the next. This influences traits of offspring without changes in DNA sequence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Introduction to Life

  • Life is a complex phenomenon characterized by emergent properties inherent to its organization.
  • Living organisms share key characteristics that distinguish them from non-living entities.

Defining Life

  • Organization: Organisms exhibit precise structural hierarchy, from atoms to complex organs.
  • Metabolism: Chemical reactions within organisms provide energy and maintain structure.
  • Growth and Development: All living things increase in size and complexity over time.
  • Adaptation and Evolution: Living organisms change over generations, adapting to their environment.
  • Response to Stimuli: Living organisms react to changes in their internal or external environments.
  • Reproduction: Producing offspring that carry the genetic information of their parents.
  • Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations.

Biological Molecules

  • Four major classes of biological molecules are essential for life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  • Carbohydrates: Provide energy, store energy, and form structural components.
  • Lipids: Store energy, form cell membranes, and act as hormones.
  • Proteins: Perform a wide range of functions, including catalyzing reactions (enzymes), transporting molecules, and supporting structures.
  • Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA): Store and transmit genetic information.

Cellular Biology

  • Cells are the fundamental units of life, exhibiting a wide variety of structures and functions.
  • Prokaryotic cells: Lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
  • Eukaryotic cells: Possess a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, exhibiting greater complexity.
  • Cellular processes: Metabolism, protein synthesis, cell division, and transport are crucial for cellular function.

Genetics

  • DNA is the hereditary material, encoding instructions for building and maintaining an organism.
  • Genes are sections of DNA that code for specific traits.
  • Gene expression: The process of using DNA information to create proteins.
  • Inheritance: Transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring.
  • Mutations: Changes in DNA sequence that can lead to variations within a species.

Ecology

  • Organisms interact with their environment and other organisms.
  • Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
  • Ecosystems: Communities of organisms and their physical environment interact in complex ways.
  • Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth, encompassing genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
  • Environmental factors influence the distribution and abundance of species.

Evolution

  • Biological evolution is the process of change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
  • Natural selection: A mechanism of evolution where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
  • Adaptation: The process by which organisms become better suited to their environment over time.
  • Common ancestry: All species share a common ancestor, and the history of life on Earth is a branching tree of descent.

Diversity of Life

  • Organisms are diverse, grouped into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
  • Different species are categorized based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.
  • Taxonomy classifies organisms based on evolutionary relationships.
  • Phylogenetic trees depict the evolutionary relationships among different organisms.

Mechanisms of Life

  • Cell signaling: Communication between cells and organisms.
  • Homeostatic mechanisms: The body maintains stable internal conditions.

The Scientific Method

  • Observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion drawing are fundamental to biological inquiry.
  • Controlled experiments aim to isolate the effects of a specific variable.
  • Empirical evidence supports scientific conclusions.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental characteristics that define life, including organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, and reproduction. It also delves into the essential biological molecules that support living organisms. Test your knowledge of what makes something alive!

More Like This

5 Characteristics of Life Flashcards
6 questions

5 Characteristics of Life Flashcards

RevolutionaryDulcimer avatar
RevolutionaryDulcimer
Characteristics of Life Quiz
5 questions

Characteristics of Life Quiz

PrestigiousBoron avatar
PrestigiousBoron
Biological Organization and Characteristics of Life
10 questions

Biological Organization and Characteristics of Life

ArticulateAlliteration avatar
ArticulateAlliteration
Biological Organization and Characteristics of Life
13 questions

Biological Organization and Characteristics of Life

QuickerTrust9404 avatar
QuickerTrust9404
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser