Ethics - Biology

Question 1

What does DNA carry?

Answer 1

DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic information in a cell.

Question 2

Where is DNA found?

Answer 2

In eukaryotic cells, DNA is found in chromosomes in the nucleus.
In prokaryotic cells, they are found lying loose in the cytoplasm.

Question 3

Describe the structure of DNA

Answer 3

The structure of DNA consists of two complementary strands of nucleotides that are coiled together to form a double helix. Each nucleotide is composed of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The nitrogenous bases include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine, which pair with each other in a specific manner: A pairs with T and C pairs with G. This base pairing allows for the accurate replication of genetic information during cell division.

Question 4

How is DNA a code for making proteins?

Answer 4

DNA serves as a code for making proteins through the process of gene expression, which involves the transcription of DNA into RNA and the translation of RNA into proteins. Each gene on the DNA molecule contains the instructions for building a specific protein. During transcription, the DNA molecule is used as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule, which carries the genetic information to the ribosomes. In translation, the ribosomes read the genetic code in the RNA molecule and assemble the corresponding sequence of amino acids to form a protein. The sequence of nucleotides in the DNA molecule determines the sequence of amino acids in the protein, ultimately determining its structure and function.

Question 5

How many bases are required to code for one amino acid?

Answer 5

DNA serves as a code for making proteins through the process of gene expression, which involves the transcription of DNA into RNA and the translation of RNA into proteins. Each gene on the DNA molecule contains the instructions for building a specific protein. During transcription, the DNA molecule is used as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule, which carries the genetic information to the ribosomes. In translation, the ribosomes read the genetic code in the RNA molecule and assemble the corresponding sequence of amino acids to form a protein. The sequence of nucleotides in the DNA molecule determines the sequence of amino acids in the protein, ultimately determining its structure and function.

In other words, DNA contains the genetic information necessary for the synthesis of proteins. Genes are sections of DNA that carry the instructions for building specific proteins. This information is translated into proteins through the processes of transcription and translation.

Question 6

Why are three bases required to code one amino acid?

Answer 6

Three bases are required to code for one amino acid because each base, or nucleotide, in the DNA molecule codes for a specific amino acid. There are only four different nucleotides in DNA, but there are 20 different amino acids that can be used to build proteins. By using combinations of three nucleotides, or codons, the genetic code is able to code for all 20 amino acids. This triplet code allows for redundancy in the genetic code, as multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, providing a degree of error tolerance.

Question 7

True or False: Is the genetic code universal?

Answer 7

True

Question 8

How many codes are there for how many amino acids?

Answer 8

There are 64 possible codes for only 20 amino acids

Question 9

Why are only 64 codes required for only 20 possible amino acids?

Answer 9

There are 64 codes for only 20 possible amino acids because of the redundant nature of the genetic code. Most amino acids are specified by more than one codon, with the exception of methionine and tryptophan, which are each specified by a single codon. This redundancy allows for a degree of error correction, as mutations in the DNA sequence may not always result in a change in the amino acid sequence of the protein due to the use of synonymous codons. Additionally, some codons serve as stop signals to mark the end of the protein-coding sequence.

Question 10

What happens if there’s a change in the base of sequence of DNA?

Answer 10

If there is a change in the base sequence of DNA, it can result in a mutation that alters the genetic code. This can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence of the protein, which can affect its structure and function. Depending on the nature and location of the mutation, it can have various effects on the organism, ranging from no noticeable effect to causing a genetic disorder or disease.

Question 11

What’s one example of if there’s a change in the base of sequence of DNA?

Answer 11

One example of a change in the base sequence of DNA that can have significant effects is the mutation that causes sickle cell anemia. This mutation results in a single amino acid substitution in the hemoglobin protein, changing a glutamic acid residue to a valine residue. This alteration causes the protein to form abnormal aggregates and deform the red blood cells into a sickle shape, leading to a variety of symptoms and complications, including anemia, pain, organ damage, and increased risk of infections. The sickle cell mutation is a prime example of how a single change in the DNA sequence can have profound effects on protein structure and function, with significant consequences for health and well-being.

Question 12

Define allele

Answer 12

An allele is a variant form of a gene that is located at a specific position, or locus, on a chromosome. Alleles can differ in their nucleotide sequence or in their expression level, and can affect traits such as eye color, blood type, or susceptibility to disease.

Question 13

Define gene

Answer 13

A gene is a sequence of DNA that codes for a specific functional product, such as a protein or RNA molecule. Genes contain the instructions for the synthesis and regulation of these products, and can be passed from one generation to the next through the process of inheritance.

Question 14

Define chromosome

Answer 14

A chromosome is a long, linear or circular strand of DNA that is coiled and condensed to form a compact structure during cell division. Chromosomes carry the genetic information of an organism in the form of genes, and are responsible for transmitting this information from one generation to the next.

Question 15

Define chromosome

Answer 15

A chromosome is a long, linear or circular strand of DNA that is coiled and condensed to form a compact structure during cell division. Chromosomes carry the genetic information of an organism in the form of genes, and are responsible for transmitting this information from one generation to the next.

Question 16

What causes variation?

Answer 16

Variation is a result of genetic differences in alleles and genes and the environment.

Question 17

What causes variation? - Detailed

Answer 17

Variation in biology is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variation arises from differences in the DNA sequences of individuals, which can result from mutations, recombination, or genetic drift. Environmental variation can result from differences in external factors such as climate, diet, or exposure to toxins, as well as internal factors such as developmental processes and physiological responses.

Question 18

What is the process of natural selection?

Answer 18

The process of natural selection is a mechanism of evolution in which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring. This leads to a gradual change in the frequency of traits in a population over time. Natural selection is driven by variation, inheritance, selection, and time.

Question 19

How does the process of natural selection lead to evolution?

Answer 19

Selection occurs when certain traits increase an individual’s chances of survival and reproduction, leading to their greater representation in the next generation. Over time, this can result in the accumulation of advantageous traits in the population, leading to the evolution of new species.

Question 20

What are genetic modifications?

Answer 20

Genetic modifications, also known as genetic engineering, refer to the deliberate manipulation of the genetic material of an organism. This can involve the insertion, deletion, or alteration of specific genes or DNA sequences, often using techniques such as recombinant DNA technology or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Genetic modifications can be used to introduce new traits, enhance existing ones, or remove undesirable traits, with applications ranging from medicine and agriculture to biotechnology and environmental conservation. The use of genetic modifications is a rapidly evolving field with significant ethical and societal implications, and is subject to regulatory oversight in many countries.

Question 21

By using an example of genetic modification, explain its advantages.

Answer 21

An example of genetic modification is the engineering of crops to be more resistant to pests or herbicides. This can be done by inserting genes from other organisms that confer resistance to specific pests or herbicides. One advantage of this is that it can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides, which can be harmful to the environment and human health. It can also increase crop yields by reducing losses due to pests and weeds. Additionally, genetic modification can enable crops to grow in harsher environments, such as drought-prone regions, which can increase food security in these areas.

Question 22

What are the main stages of life?

Answer 22

Reproduction: The stage where an organism produces offspring, either asexually or sexually.

Growth and Development: The stage where an organism increases in size and complexity, and undergoes physical, physiological, and behavioral changes.

Maintenance: The stage where an organism maintains its bodily functions and homeostasis through various physiological processes such as metabolism, excretion, and respiration.

Aging: The stage where an organism undergoes a gradual decline in its physical and physiological functions, leading to eventual death.

Question 23

Describe Alzheimer’s

Answer 23

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects older individuals. It is characterized by the gradual and irreversible loss of cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and behavior. The disease is caused by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which interfere with the normal functioning of brain cells and lead to their death. Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating and ultimately fatal condition, with no known cure or effective treatment.

Question 24

Why are telomeres important in the process of aging?

Answer 24

Telomeres are essential in aging because they are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that prevent DNA damage during cell division. With each round of cell division, telomeres gradually shorten, eventually reaching a critical length that triggers cell death or senescence. As cells age and undergo increasing numbers of divisions, their telomeres become shorter, leading to a decline in cellular function and an increased risk of age-related diseases. Once telomeres, which are attached to the ends of chromosomes get to a certain length the cell stops reproducing or it does but not correctly.

A cell stops reproducing when a telomere reaches a certain length because telomeres play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and integrity of chromosomes during cell division. Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from degradation, fusion, or rearrangement, which can lead to genetic instability and the development of cancerous cells. As telomeres gradually shorten with each round of cell division, they eventually reach a critical length where they can no longer protect the chromosome ends, leading to cellular senescence or programmed cell death. This mechanism helps to prevent the accumulation of damaged or mutated cells in the body, which can lead to the development of cancer or other age-related diseases.

Question 25

Describe Parkinson’s

Answer 25

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, leading to the development of symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and impaired balance and coordination.