Mod 5 Flashcards
What is the Information Age?
A historic period characterized by a rapid shift from traditional industry to digital technology.
What are the alternative names for the Information Age?
- Computer Age
- Digital Age
- New Media Age
What major invention allowed access to information with the touch of a button?
The computer
When did the Information Age begin?
Around the 1970s
What are the four periods of the Information Age?
- Pre-Mechanical (3000 BC - 1450 AD)
- Mechanical (1450 - 1840)
- Electro-Mechanical (1840 - 1940)
- Electronic/Information (1940 - present)
Who is regarded as the Father of the Information Age?
Claude Shannon
What impact has Information Technology had on organizations?
Crucial role in success, especially in education
List some components of Information Technology.
- Computers
- Networks
- Mobile and wireless devices
- Satellite communications
- Robotics
- Electronic mail (e-mail)
How has globalization been influenced by Information Technology?
Brought the world closer, enabling quicker and more efficient sharing of information.
Fill in the blank: The Information Age has led to the creation of _______.
new jobs
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life found in different species of plants and animals and their habitats.
What is the relationship between biodiversity and human health?
Human health depends on ecosystem products and services provided by biodiversity.
True or False: Biodiversity loss can lead to direct human health impacts.
True
What are some impacts of human technologies on biodiversity?
- Pollution
- Habitat destruction
- Exploitation of species
What is habitat destruction?
The removal of natural habitats for agricultural, industrial, or residential purposes.
What are fossil fuels?
Natural materials like oil, coal, and natural gas used as energy sources.
What is acid precipitation?
Rain containing sulfuric and nitric acids resulting from pollution.
List some effects of pollution on ecosystems.
- Contamination of water, air, and soil
- Disruption of natural ecosystems
- Decline of species populations
How has human population growth affected the environment?
Increased pressures on natural resources, threatening survival of species and habitats.
What is direct harvesting?
The removal of plants from ecosystems for economic value without considering ecological impacts.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is essential for ensuring human survival by preserving the natural environment.
understanding of biodiversity
What are some signs of environmental contamination?
- Increased frequency of diseases
- Population declines of species
- Deformation in wildlife
What are the primary pollutants released from fossil fuel combustion?
Sulfur and nitrogen oxides
These pollutants contribute to air pollution and acid precipitation.
What is acid precipitation?
Rain, snow, or sleet that contains sulfuric and nitric acids
It results from the combination of sulfur and nitrogen oxides with atmospheric water.
How does acid precipitation affect aquatic ecosystems?
It significantly alters the acid/base chemistry, often eliminating acid/base sensitive species
This can lead to the decline of fish and amphibian populations.
What phenomenon is linked to the burning of fossil fuels?
Global warming
The release of greenhouse gases contributes to climate change.
What is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?
An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques
GMOs are often used in agriculture to enhance crop yields.
What are the main arguments for GM foods?
They represent significant advances in farming and can increase food production
Proponents argue that GM foods are safe and beneficial.
What concerns do skeptics have regarding GM foods?
They may trigger serious environmental and health problems
Skeptics often call for more comprehensive field trials.
Which regions are the main proponents and skeptics of GM foods?
Proponents: Americans; Skeptics: Europeans and Asians
American farmers are the largest exporters of GM foods.
What is the public opinion on GM foods in Europe?
More than 80% of the public do not want GM foods
This skepticism leads to resistance against GMOs in the food supply.
What is a major concern regarding GM foods and allergies?
GM foods have the potential to trigger food allergies or diseases
Allergens from one organism could be introduced into another.
What is a potential health worry associated with GM foods?
The introduction of antibiotic-resistant marker genes
These genes could be passed to disease-causing microbes.
What was significant about the genetically modified salmon announced in 2000?
It was the first GM animal to reach the market
This marked a milestone in the commercialization of GM organisms.
What are some examples of genetically modified animals in development?
Disease-resistant pigs, bird-flu resistant chickens, hornless dairy cows, highly productive lambs
These developments could enhance agricultural productivity.
What is nanotechnology?
The manipulation of matter on an atomic or molecular scale
It typically involves structures sized between 1 to 100 nanometers.
What are nanomaterials?
Materials with dimensions in the nanometer range that exhibit unique properties
These materials differ significantly from bulk materials.
What key factors separate nanomaterials from bulk materials?
Increased surface area and quantum effects
These factors lead to distinct electrical, magnetic, and optical properties.
Who coined the term ‘nanotechnology’?
Norio Taniguchi in 1974
The term describes technology at the nanoscale.
What are the potential uses of nanotechnology?
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.
What is DNA composed of?
Nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and nitrogenous base
DNA is essential for genetic information and variation.
What are the three components of a DNA nucleotide?
- Phosphate group
- Deoxyribose
- Nitrogenous base
The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
What are common genetic disorders caused by gene mutations?
- Down syndrome
- Sickle cell disease
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Hemophilia
These disorders can have significant health impacts on individuals.
What is gene therapy?
An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease
Gene therapy aims to replace, inactivate, or introduce genes to combat diseases.
What are the two basic types of gene therapy?
- Germline therapy
- Somatic gene therapy
Germline therapy alters genes in reproductive cells, while somatic gene therapy affects only body cells.
True or False: Gene therapy can be used to treat diseases with no other cures.
True
Gene therapy is currently being tested primarily for diseases lacking effective treatments.
What is the role of a vector in gene therapy?
To deliver genetic material into cells
Vectors, often viruses, are engineered to safely introduce new genes into target cells.
Fill in the blank: Gene therapy is designed to introduce _______ into cells to compensate for abnormal genes.
genetic material
This can help restore normal function to proteins affected by mutations.
What challenges do researchers face in gene therapy?
- Successful gene delivery
- Targeting specific cells
- Controlling gene expression
These challenges must be overcome for gene therapy to become a practical treatment option.
What is germline gene therapy?
Modification of genes inside germ cells, affecting future generations
This therapy could theoretically eliminate hereditary diseases.
What is somatic gene therapy?
Insertion of therapeutic DNA into body cells, not inherited by offspring
This type of therapy is less ethically controversial compared to germline therapy.
How do certain gene therapies enhance cancer treatment?
- 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.
What is pro-drug gene therapy?
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.
List three advantages of gene therapy.
- 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.
List three disadvantages of gene therapy.
- High costs
- Ethical concerns regarding gene alteration
- Unknown long-term effects
These factors can limit the accessibility and acceptance of gene therapy.
Do you AGREE or DISAGREE with the statement: ‘Genetic therapy is ethical’?
Subjective response
Responses may vary based on individual beliefs and ethical considerations.
