b6 Flashcards
what is variation?
- differences in characteristics of individuals within a population
state the three causes of variation
- genetical
- environmental
- both
what are mutations?
- a change in the DNA code, so the proteins are different
how do mutations lead to genetic variation?
- mutations take place all the time.
- most mutations have no effect on the phenotype.
- some mutations can determine the phenotype.
what were the first life forms on Earth?
- the first life forms on Earth were very simple (single cells)
what does evolution by natural selection mean?
- fittest individuals selected to survive.
state an example of natural selection of rabbits
- rabbits with inherited alleles for thicker fur are more likely to survive colder temperatures than rabbits with thin fur.
- so, rabbits with thicker fur can survive the cold.
- they will go on to reproduce.
- the offspring could inherit the alleles for thicker fur.
- they are more likely to survive the cold and reproduce.
what is evolution?
- development of a new species.
what happens when two populations become different in phenotype?
- they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
what is selective breeding?
- breeding the best animals and plants together to create better offspring.
give four examples of selective breeding and explain why
- cows - better meat or milk
- crops - that are resistant to diseases
- pets - so we keep them as pets
- flowers - more colourful or larger
how is selective breeding carried out?
- take a look at the existing stock
- select the ones with good characteristics
- then breed them together to create the next generation
- repeat this process over and over again
what are the problems with selective breeding?
- it reduces the gene pool
- it could lead to inbreeding - more prone to diseases.
how are GM crops produced?
- by transferring genes into the crops.
why are plants genetically modified?
- to produce greater yield (produce) than normal crops
- resistant to disease or insect attack
- bigger and better crops
why are people against GM crops?
- we do not know how they may affect our health
- they could change the ecosystem
what is gene therapy?
- giving an individual the healthy version of a gene.
what are the steps for genetic engineering?
- isolate the gene you want using enzymes.
- insert the gene into a vector
- insert the vector into whichever organism you want to have the gene
- the organism will now take up the vector and the useful gene to produce the protein the gene codes for
what are fossils?
- things that have been left behind by long-dead organisms
state three ways in which fossils are formed?
- gradual replacement by minerals = shells/teeth/bones
- casts and impressions = footprints
- preservation = remain completely in tact
what are the problems with fossils?
- changes to rocks have destroyed them.
- there are very few fossils of the early life forms, so scientists cannot be certain how life began.
what is meant by extinction?
- no individual of that species remain.
state four reasons why species become extinct
- environmental changes
- new predator
- new disease
- catastrophic event (asteroids)
describe bacteria
- bacteria can evolve rapidly, as they reproduce at a fast rate.
- antibiotics kill bacteria
- they are used in farming and medicine.
how do bacteria become antibiotic resistant?
- a population of bacteria infect somebody
- the person takes antibiotics to kill the bacteria
- some of the bacteria get a random mutation
- bacteria grow and multiply
- more mutations arise leading to greater resistance
- there is now a strain of bacteria that antibiotics cannot kill