biology multicellular organisms Flashcards
sequence of events of mitosis
- chromosomes become visible as pairs of chromatids
2.chromatic cells line up on the equator of the cell - pairs of chromatids attach to the spindle fibres near the middle of the cell
- spindle fibres pull chromatids apart
- daughter chromosomes gather at the ends of the cell
- the cytoplasm divides forming two diploid cells.
describe diploid cell
A diploid cell had two matching sets of chromosomes.
Most cells (the exception being the gametes) in the human body are diploid. They contain 2 sets of 23 chromosomes, giving a total of 46 chromosomes.
Both sets are replicated during mitosis.
importance of mitosis
Mitosis maintains the diploid chromosome complement of the new cells, providing the body with new cells that can be used in growth and repair.
describe a stem cell and how they are used in animals
A stem cell in an animal is an unspecialised cell that can divide to self-renew (produce more stem cells) or become specialised. They have the potential to become any cell type in the body.
Stem cells are used in growth and repair.
State where stem cells are found
There are 2 types of stem cell:
Embryonic stem cells are taken from an embryo at a very early stage.
Tissue stem cells are found in the body throughout life.
Explain the importance of the specialisation of cells
Cells become specialised to give rise to a variety of cells, each with a particular function.
Describe the role of an organ, explaining the terms tissue, organ and organ system
A tissue is a group of cells.
An organ is a group of tissues.
An organ system is a group of organs.
An organ contains cells specialised for a particular function and groups of organs work together to form systems.
State the hierarchy of organ systems
Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ systems
Describe 2 responses to a stimulus
A response can be a rapid action from a muscle, or a slower response from a gland by the release of a chemical.
Describe the components of the nervous system including the CNS
The nervous system is made up of the central nervous system (CNS) and other nerves.
The CNS consists of the spinal cord and the brain.
Describe the structure and function of the brain
Cerebrum - controls conscious thought and actions, memories and personality
Cerebellum - controls balance and movement
Medulla - controls heart rate and breathing rate
what does a sensory neuron do
Pass information from the senses to the CNS
what does an inter neuron do
Located in the CNS and processes information from the senses that require a response
what does a motor neuron do
enable a response to occur at an effector (a muscle or gland)
describe how neurons transmit messages
Sensory neurons contain receptors which detect stimuli (sensory changes) and send an electrical impulse to the inter neuron and then a motor neuron to bring about a response.
Describe a synapse
Neurons are connected by tiny gaps called Synapses.
Chemicals diffuse across the gap to carry the impulse from one neuron to another.
Describe the structure and function of the reflex arc
Rapid and protects the body from harm.
Describe a hormone
A hormone is a chemical messenger released into the bloodstream.
describe how target tissues recognise hormones
The target tissue contains special receptor proteins that will recognise the hormone.
The receptor proteins ensure only the target tissues are affected by the hormone.
Describe an endocrine gland using examples
Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream.
The three main endocrine glands are:
The pancreas
The ovaries (females)
The testes (males)
Describe how the body responds to an increase in blood glucose
An increase in blood glucose leads to the following action.
The pancreas responds by releasing the hormone insulin.
Receptors in the liver detect the insulin.
In response, the liver starts to convert excess glucose into glycogen.
The blood glucose levels fall.
Describe how the body responds to a decrease in blood glucose
A decrease in blood glucose leads to the following action.
The pancreas responds by releasing the hormone glucagon.
Receptors in the liver detect the glucagon.
In response the liver starts to convert glycogen back into glucose.
The blood glucose levels rise.
When the glucose is gone, it is time for glucagon!
Define a gamete, locating where they are produced in animals
A gamete is a sex cell and is involved in reproduction.
Gametes are HAPLOID, meaning they contain only half of the genetic information of diploid cells.
In humans - an egg and sperm cell contain 23 chromosomes (1 set).
The female gametes are eggs and are produced in the ovaries.
The male gamete is sperm and is produced in the testes.
Describe and locate where gametes are produced in plants
The female gametes are eggs/ovules and are produced in the ovary.
The male gamete is pollen and is produced in the anther.
Describe the process of fertilisation
Fertilisation is when the nuclei of 2 haploid gametes fuse together to form a diploid zygote, which divides to form an embryo.
Define discrete variation
Discrete variation is caused by inheritance due to a single gene. Measurements of the characteristic fall into distinct groups.
e.g. blood groups
define continuous variation
Continuous variation is caused by polygenic inheritance (characteristics affected by more than one gene). Measurements of continuous variation occur over a range of values between a minimum and a maximum.
e.g. skin colour, leaf area, height.
what is a gene
a small section of DNA that codes for 1 protein which controls a particular characteristic.
what is an allele
different forms (versions) of the same gene. e.g. Gene = eye colour, Allele = Blue, brown, green etc.