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Sts F > Mod 5 > Flashcards

Mod 5 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Information Age?

A

A historic period characterized by a rapid shift from traditional industry to digital technology.

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2
Q

What are the alternative names for the Information Age?

A
  • Computer Age
  • Digital Age
  • New Media Age
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3
Q

What major invention allowed access to information with the touch of a button?

A

The computer

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4
Q

When did the Information Age begin?

A

Around the 1970s

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5
Q

What are the four periods of the Information Age?

A
  • Pre-Mechanical (3000 BC - 1450 AD)
  • Mechanical (1450 - 1840)
  • Electro-Mechanical (1840 - 1940)
  • Electronic/Information (1940 - present)
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6
Q

Who is regarded as the Father of the Information Age?

A

Claude Shannon

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7
Q

What impact has Information Technology had on organizations?

A

Crucial role in success, especially in education

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8
Q

List some components of Information Technology.

A
  • Computers
  • Networks
  • Mobile and wireless devices
  • Satellite communications
  • Robotics
  • Electronic mail (e-mail)
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9
Q

How has globalization been influenced by Information Technology?

A

Brought the world closer, enabling quicker and more efficient sharing of information.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: The Information Age has led to the creation of _______.

A

new jobs

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11
Q

What is biodiversity?

A

The variety of life found in different species of plants and animals and their habitats.

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12
Q

What is the relationship between biodiversity and human health?

A

Human health depends on ecosystem products and services provided by biodiversity.

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13
Q

True or False: Biodiversity loss can lead to direct human health impacts.

A

True

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14
Q

What are some impacts of human technologies on biodiversity?

A
  • Pollution
  • Habitat destruction
  • Exploitation of species
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15
Q

What is habitat destruction?

A

The removal of natural habitats for agricultural, industrial, or residential purposes.

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16
Q

What are fossil fuels?

A

Natural materials like oil, coal, and natural gas used as energy sources.

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17
Q

What is acid precipitation?

A

Rain containing sulfuric and nitric acids resulting from pollution.

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18
Q

List some effects of pollution on ecosystems.

A
  • Contamination of water, air, and soil
  • Disruption of natural ecosystems
  • Decline of species populations
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19
Q

How has human population growth affected the environment?

A

Increased pressures on natural resources, threatening survival of species and habitats.

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20
Q

What is direct harvesting?

A

The removal of plants from ecosystems for economic value without considering ecological impacts.

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21
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ is essential for ensuring human survival by preserving the natural environment.

A

understanding of biodiversity

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22
Q

What are some signs of environmental contamination?

A
  • Increased frequency of diseases
  • Population declines of species
  • Deformation in wildlife
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23
Q

What are the primary pollutants released from fossil fuel combustion?

A

Sulfur and nitrogen oxides

These pollutants contribute to air pollution and acid precipitation.

24
Q

What is acid precipitation?

A

Rain, snow, or sleet that contains sulfuric and nitric acids

It results from the combination of sulfur and nitrogen oxides with atmospheric water.

25
Q

How does acid precipitation affect aquatic ecosystems?

A

It significantly alters the acid/base chemistry, often eliminating acid/base sensitive species

This can lead to the decline of fish and amphibian populations.

26
Q

What phenomenon is linked to the burning of fossil fuels?

A

Global warming

The release of greenhouse gases contributes to climate change.

27
Q

What is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?

A

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques

GMOs are often used in agriculture to enhance crop yields.

28
Q

What are the main arguments for GM foods?

A

They represent significant advances in farming and can increase food production

Proponents argue that GM foods are safe and beneficial.

29
Q

What concerns do skeptics have regarding GM foods?

A

They may trigger serious environmental and health problems

Skeptics often call for more comprehensive field trials.

30
Q

Which regions are the main proponents and skeptics of GM foods?

A

Proponents: Americans; Skeptics: Europeans and Asians

American farmers are the largest exporters of GM foods.

31
Q

What is the public opinion on GM foods in Europe?

A

More than 80% of the public do not want GM foods

This skepticism leads to resistance against GMOs in the food supply.

32
Q

What is a major concern regarding GM foods and allergies?

A

GM foods have the potential to trigger food allergies or diseases

Allergens from one organism could be introduced into another.

33
Q

What is a potential health worry associated with GM foods?

A

The introduction of antibiotic-resistant marker genes

These genes could be passed to disease-causing microbes.

34
Q

What was significant about the genetically modified salmon announced in 2000?

A

It was the first GM animal to reach the market

This marked a milestone in the commercialization of GM organisms.

35
Q

What are some examples of genetically modified animals in development?

A

Disease-resistant pigs, bird-flu resistant chickens, hornless dairy cows, highly productive lambs

These developments could enhance agricultural productivity.

36
Q

What is nanotechnology?

A

The manipulation of matter on an atomic or molecular scale

It typically involves structures sized between 1 to 100 nanometers.

37
Q

What are nanomaterials?

A

Materials with dimensions in the nanometer range that exhibit unique properties

These materials differ significantly from bulk materials.

38
Q

What key factors separate nanomaterials from bulk materials?

A

Increased surface area and quantum effects

These factors lead to distinct electrical, magnetic, and optical properties.

39
Q

Who coined the term ‘nanotechnology’?

A

Norio Taniguchi in 1974

The term describes technology at the nanoscale.

40
Q

What are the potential uses of nanotechnology?

A

Energy production, agricultural productivity, water treatment, disease diagnosis, drug delivery, food processing, air pollution control, construction, health monitoring, pest control

These applications could revolutionize multiple industries.

41
Q

What is DNA composed of?

A

Nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and nitrogenous base

DNA is essential for genetic information and variation.

42
Q

What are the three components of a DNA nucleotide?

A
  • Phosphate group
  • Deoxyribose
  • Nitrogenous base

The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

43
Q

What are common genetic disorders caused by gene mutations?

A
  • Down syndrome
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Hemophilia

These disorders can have significant health impacts on individuals.

44
Q

What is gene therapy?

A

An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease

Gene therapy aims to replace, inactivate, or introduce genes to combat diseases.

45
Q

What are the two basic types of gene therapy?

A
  • Germline therapy
  • Somatic gene therapy

Germline therapy alters genes in reproductive cells, while somatic gene therapy affects only body cells.

46
Q

True or False: Gene therapy can be used to treat diseases with no other cures.

A

True

Gene therapy is currently being tested primarily for diseases lacking effective treatments.

47
Q

What is the role of a vector in gene therapy?

A

To deliver genetic material into cells

Vectors, often viruses, are engineered to safely introduce new genes into target cells.

48
Q

Fill in the blank: Gene therapy is designed to introduce _______ into cells to compensate for abnormal genes.

A

genetic material

This can help restore normal function to proteins affected by mutations.

49
Q

What challenges do researchers face in gene therapy?

A
  • Successful gene delivery
  • Targeting specific cells
  • Controlling gene expression

These challenges must be overcome for gene therapy to become a practical treatment option.

50
Q

What is germline gene therapy?

A

Modification of genes inside germ cells, affecting future generations

This therapy could theoretically eliminate hereditary diseases.

51
Q

What is somatic gene therapy?

A

Insertion of therapeutic DNA into body cells, not inherited by offspring

This type of therapy is less ethically controversial compared to germline therapy.

52
Q

How do certain gene therapies enhance cancer treatment?

A
  • Strengthening immune response
  • Making cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment
  • Blocking processes that protect cancer cells

These methods aim to improve the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.

53
Q

What is pro-drug gene therapy?

A

Inserting genes into cancer cells that convert an inactive drug into an active form

This approach targets only cancer cells, minimizing harm to normal cells.

54
Q

List three advantages of gene therapy.

A
  • Potential to cure genetic diseases
  • Targeted treatment options
  • Reduces reliance on drugs and surgery

These advantages make gene therapy a promising approach to complex medical issues.

55
Q

List three disadvantages of gene therapy.

A
  • High costs
  • Ethical concerns regarding gene alteration
  • Unknown long-term effects

These factors can limit the accessibility and acceptance of gene therapy.

56
Q

Do you AGREE or DISAGREE with the statement: ‘Genetic therapy is ethical’?

A

Subjective response

Responses may vary based on individual beliefs and ethical considerations.

Sts F (2 decks)

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