BIOLOGY Flashcards
How do mutations alter proteins?
- By changing the order of nucleotides
- By altering the sequence of amino acids
What distinguishes point mutations from frameshift mutations?
Point mutations change one single nucleotide, while frameshift mutations can cause a shift in
the reading frame.
How do frameshift mutations impact protein
synthesis?
They cause premature termination
What happens to the amino acid sequence of a
protein when a mutation occurs?
It is altered
How can mutations affect an organism’s survival and health?
Mutations can have both positive and negative
effects.
What role do mutations play in driving evolution and adaptation?
They create unique traits.
What are fossils?
Traces of ancient organisms.
Where are the instructions for building proteins stored?
In genes (DNA).
Which concept relates to the similarity between the wings of bats and the arms of primates?
Homology
What do vestigial structures show about some
anatomical features?
They have lost their original function due to
environmental changes.
What do homologous structures in different species suggest?
They share a common ancestor.
Who proposed the idea that acquired traits could be inherited?
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
According to the theory of evolution, what will
happen to giraffes’ necks over time?
They will gradually elongate.
What process accounts for gradual adaptations over generations?
Natural selection
How did Lamarck’s view on acquired traits differ from Darwin’s?
Lamarck believed acquired traits could be
inherited, while Darwin rejected this idea.
Which concept explains gradual adaptations over generations?
Natural selection
If explaining giraffe neck adaptations, which theory would focus on gradual changes over time?
Natural selection
How does species diversity contribute to adaptive traits?
It allows for a wider range of genetic variations.
What does species richness ensure during
disturbances?
Redundancy
What benefit does high plant species richness
provide for animals?
Abundant food sources
How does high species diversity contribute to the stability of an ecosystem?
It ensures redundancy and resilience
What does biodiversity refer to?
The variety of life forms in an ecosystem
What does the term “carrying capacity” represent?
The maximum population size an environment
can support
Why can’t populations grow indefinitely?
Finite resources and environmental constraints
How does high plant species richness benefit
animals?
Abundant food sources
What is the primary role of progesterone in the
female reproductive system?
Enhancing uterine lining growth
Which organ is responsible for producing sperm in males?
Testes
What is the function of the ovaries in the female reproductive system?
Producing eggs (ova)
What does “ovulation dysfunction” refer to?
Irregular or absent ovulation
What impact can changes in estrogen levels have on the female reproductive system?
Irregular menstrual cycles
What effect can changes in testosterone levels have on sperm production and quality?
- Increased sperm count
- Enhanced sperm motility
- Reduced sperm quality
What impact does low estrogen and progesterone levels have on the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland?
Enhances FSH secretion
What impact does low estrogen and progesterone levels have on the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland?
Enhances FSH secretion
What is the primary role of feedback mechanisms in coordinating ovarian follicle development, ovulation, and uterine lining preparation?
Coordinating hormonal changes
What is the primary role of feedback mechanisms in coordinating ovarian follicle development, ovulation, and uterine lining preparation?
Coordinating hormonal changes
What do sensory receptors primarily detect?
Light and sound from the external environment
Which of the following accurately describes the
central nervous system (CNS)?
It processes sensory input and initiates responses.
What do receptors inside the body primarily detect?
- Changes in temperature
- Levels of various electrolytes
- Variations in carbon dioxide concentration
What is the primary function of neurotransmitter release in communication between neurons?
Transmitting electrical impulses
How does the nervous system respond to changes in internal temperature?
- By releasing hormones
- By activating sweat glands
- By constricting blood vessels
- By adjusting heart rate
Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is associated with the “fight or flight” response?
Sympathetic
What is the primary function of the nervous system in safeguarding internal stability?
Maintaining homeostasis
What is the primary role of mRNA in the cell?
Encoding genetic information
Which cellular component is responsible for carrying amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis?
tRNA (transfer RNA)
How does mRNA contribute to altering the sequence of amino acids in a protein?
By specifying the order of amino acids during
translation
How can changes in mRNA levels affect gene
expression?
By inhibiting translation
What consequence can decreased transcription of specific genes have on protein production?
- Reduced protein diversity
- Impaired protein function
What potential consequence can arise from altering the instructions in mRNA?
Disruption of protein production
Why might proteins not function correctly?
Altered DNA sequence
What do mutations primarily affect?
Protein composition
