Week 2: Questions Flashcards
What is the technical name for the “infidelity gene”?
The technical name for the infidelity gene is the AVPR1a gene in which controls the production of a protein which is found on the membrane of nerve cells in the brain and is responsible for transporting a hormone from the bloodstream to nerve cell.
How does the “infidelity gene” differ from the other alleles at this gene?
This allele produces less protein, which means it transports less hormones to the brain cells
This results in a weakened bond for the individual and they will seek sexual gratification from someone other than their mate which could lead to infidelity.
What other species show variation in this gene besides humans?
A study using Voles, a mouse-like organism identified that the prairie vole which is monogamous and meadow/montane voles which were promiscuous consisted of different versions of the alleles.
Have researchers found convincing evidence that genetic variation at this gene leads to differences in sexual faithfulness?
Less of this hormone means the person has less interest in their mate, increasing likelihood of infidelity
More common in men
There still needs to be more research done to make this more generalizable to the population.
Describe the relationship among atoms, macromolecules, and cells, and explain how enzymes maintain cell function.
Atoms: the building block of every physical thing in existence; there is one type of atom for each element
Macromolecules: large molecules made up of many atoms
Cells: The smallest unit of life
The relation between these three is that atoms are present in each of these things. Atoms are present in larger forms in macromolcules and are apparent in cells as well as they are responsible for every physical thing in existence.
Enzymes are a protein that help make it easier for chemical reactions to occur. They do this by lowering the degree of “start up” energy that is required. They can do this by bending molecules so they can be broken into parts more easily.
Rank the following items from the living world from smallest to largest: human skin cell, atom, DNA molecule, vertebrate, protein, electron
Atom, electron, protein, DNA molecule, human skin cell, vertebrate
List and briefly describe the four macromolecules that make up most of living matter.
Nucliec acid - physical material in which hereditary instructions are made
Protein - regulate chemical reactions in cells and also consist of structural functions
Carbohydrates - can be used for cell walls made of cellulose, can also be a food source such as starch
Lipids - subunits are called “fatty acids” and “glycerol” are joined to make lipids. Can store excess food and are an excellent energy source.
Define the term metabolism. What is the basic role of protein enzymes in metabolism?
Metabolism: all of the chemical reactions in cells that sustain life.
The basic role of protein enzymes is to help extract energy from foods that organisms consume so that it can be metabolized. The chemical bond can be converted into a variety of functions.
Briefly describe four kinds of chemical reactions that play a role in your metabolism.
Protein production/synthesis
Energy metabolism (ATP production)
Anabolism
Catabolism
What is a telomere? What role do telomeres play in cell aging?
Telomeres are distinctive structures found at the ends of our chromosomes.
They consist of the same short DNA sequence repeated over and over again.
How does the enzyme telomerase alter telomeres? What is the role of telomerase in cancer?
Telomerase is the cell’s foundation of youth which helps prevent aging effects by helping the cells divide again and again.
It works by putting a protective cap on the ends of a chromosome in cells during the cell’s life and reproduction.
As cells age, telomeres shorten and when they are too short, they lose protection.
Cancer cells consist of telomerase and telomeres that are too long which makes cancer immortal.
Telomerase is the molecule that is responsible for the length of the cancer cell.
Define the terms DNA, gene and allele
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid is a polymer composed of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix. The polymer carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.
Gene: The basic unit of heredity passed from parent to child. Genes are made up of sequences of DNA and are arranged, one after another, at specific locations on chromosomes in the nucleus of cells.
Allele: Different versions of the same gene.
Name an organism that can reproduce by asexual reproduction.
Name an organism that can reproduce by sexual reproduction.
Asexual: Plant
Sexual: Human
Define Evolution, Natural Selection and Adaptation
Natural Selection: the term Darwin used to describe the mechanism by which species change over time; conditions in the natural world select which individuals will survive and reproduce.
Evolution: the theory that explains how all living organisms are related and how existing populations adapt to their environments and new species arise.
Adaptation: A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
Explain why natural selection produces adaptation.
Natural selection refers to how a species changes over time due to survival and reproduction abilities.
These changed conditions require the species to adapt to these changes for a better chance of survival.
These traits are passed down from previous generations for a better ability to survive in the altered environment.
