Cells, Chromosomes, DNA & Reproductive System

Question 1

What does the Epididymus do?

Answer 1

This is a 6 metre coiled and convoluted tube on the posterior border of the testis. It receives sperm entering he head of the epididymus from efferent ducts. It stores sperm until it reaches maturity, which it remains fertile for 40-60 days. Once infertile, they disintergrate and are reabsorbed by the epididymus.

Question 2

What does the Ductus (vas) Deferens do?

Answer 2

This is a 16 inch (40-45cm) long tube which ascends out of the scrotum into the pelvic cavity. It terminates behind the bladder, widens and joins the ducts of the seminal vesicles to become the ejaculatory duct.

Question 3

How many cells is the human body made up of?

Answer 3

Approx. 37 trillion cells

Question 4

How many types of living cell are there and what are their names?

Answer 4

2 types of prokaryotes

Eukaryotes

Question 5

Where are chromosomes located?

Answer 5

The nucleus of most cells

Question 6

How many chromosomes does the nucleus contain?

Answer 6

44 autosomes

2 sex chromosomes (gamete)

Question 7

What is a diploid set of chromosomes?

Answer 7

Two complete sets of chromosomes so 46 (e.g. before meiosis occurs)

Question 8

What is a haploid set of chromosomes?

Answer 8

One complete set of chromosomes present (for example you receive one haploid set from mum and one haploid set from dad)

Question 9

What are autosomes?

Answer 9

The non-sex chromosome. Also known as homolgous chromosomes and are the same size and carry comparable genes for some characteristics (I.e. eye colour).

Question 10

What is an allele?

Answer 10

Variant form of gene - eye colour, hair colour etc.

Question 11

What are chromosomes composed of?

Answer 11

DNA

Question 12

DNA is the __________ material in humans

Answer 12

Hereditary

Question 13

What does DNA do?

Answer 13

Acts as the genetic code which provides instructions for the formation of RNA which is transported out of the nucleus and provides a code (recipe) for the formation of proteins. These proteins may then form part of the structure of the cell or the matrix around it.

Question 14

Which DNA molecule fits with which?

Answer 14

A&T

C&G

Question 15

What is a gene?

Answer 15

A shorter region of DNA that carries the genetic code for a particular characteristic. Each cell in the body contains around 25k-35k genes. Inherited from parents, genes determine your traits.

Question 16

Starting from the genes what goes next

Answer 16

Genes make up DNA
DNA makes up chromosomes
Chromosomes are found within the nucleus of a cell

Question 17

What is mitosis?

Answer 17

Where a eukaryotic cell separates the chromosomes within the nucleus into two sets which are identical. This mother cell then produces daughter cells which are similar in ALL ways to the mother cell.

Question 18

What is the goal of mitosis?

Answer 18

To ensure that each daughter cell gets a perfect, full set of chromosomes. Cells with too few or too many chromosomes, usually don’t function well. They may not survive or can even cause cancer.

Question 19

What is meiosis?

Answer 19

It is a division process which takes us from a diploid cell to a haploid cell.