Biology 102 Flashcards
State One reason why carbon is important to living things?
Carbon is essential to living things because it forms the backbone of all organic molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA, which are necessary for life.
State two reasons why photosynthesis is important to living things.
- Photosynthesis produces oxygen, essential for respiration in most living organisms.
- Photosynthesis generates glucose, a vital energy source for plants and the animals that consume them.
State ONE role of chlorophyll in the process of photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose during photosynthesis.
Why does the rate of photosynthesis decrease on a very hot day?
Cells in plants are set to work optimally at specific temperatures, which typically range between 25-30°C for photosynthesis. If the temperature deviates too far from this range, the enzymes involved in photosynthesis may slow down or become denatured, leading to a reduced rate of photosynthesis
Define the following terms as they relate to preservation and conservation of the environment: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
- Reduce: Minimizing waste and resource use by consuming less and choosing more sustainable options.
- Reuse: Using items multiple times or repurposing them to extend their life and reduce waste.
- Recycle: Processing materials to create new products, reducing the need for raw resources and lowering waste.
Define the term Transpiration.
Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water vapor from their leaves through small openings called stomata.
State two reasons why transpiration is important to plants.
- Cooling: Transpiration helps cool the plant by releasing water vapor, preventing overheating.
- Nutrient Transport: Transpiration drives the movement of water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to the leaves, supporting growth and development.
State three factors that affect the rate of transpiration other than temperature.
- Humidity: Lower humidity increases the rate of transpiration as water vapor more easily escapes into drier air.
- Wind: Wind removes water vapor from around the leaves, increasing the rate of transpiration.
- Light Intensity: Higher light intensity opens the stomata, increasing the rate of transpiration.
Define the term “Gene”
A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins, which determine traits or functions in an organism.
Define the term “Allele”
An allele is a variant form of a gene that can result in different traits or characteristics in an organism. Each gene typically has two or more alleles, which may be dominant or recessive.
Define the term “chromosome”
A chromosome is a long, thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information in the form of genes.
Define the term “Osmosis”
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a differently permeable membrane from a region of high concentration to region of lower concentration in a solution containing a lot of water.
Define the term “difusión”
Diffusion is the net movement of a particles from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration until both an equally distributed.
Define the term “Active transport”
Active transport is the movement of particles through a membrane against a concentration gradient.
