Cellular Biology
where is an organisms genetic code located ?
in the nucleus
What are the different types of mutations, and how do they affect an organism's traits ?
germline or somatic
How do natural selection and genetic variation interact to drive the evolution of complex traits, and what are some examples of this in different species
Genetic variation provides the raw material for natural selection, while natural selection acts as a filter, favoring individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in a given environment.
How does climate change affect the distribution and abundance of species in a given ecosystem?
Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and sea level rise force species to move to more suitable habitats, potentially leading to habitat loss and extinction
How do different hormones regulate different processes in the body
by acting as chemical messengers, traveling through the bloodstream to target cells and tissues with specific receptors
How do cellular structures relate to their function?
the specific shape, composition, and organization of a cell's components determine what it can do
How does DNA replication ensure that each new cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material ?
through a semi-conservative process where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand
How do we know that evolution has occurred, and what evidence supports the theory of evolution?
fossils, anatomy, embryology, biogeography, and molecular biology
Why does life exist at all?
life emerged naturally through a process of chemical reactions and evolution, driven by the need to dissipate energy and maintain order in a complex and changing environment
How do the different types of immune cells work together to defend the body against pathogens
in a coordinated way
What are the different types of genetic variation and how do they contribute to evolution?
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations
How does a change in DNA sequence (mutation) affect the resulting protein and, consequently, the observable trait in an organism?
The DNA sequence dictates the order of amino acids in a protein, so any change in the DNA can affect this sequence, potentially leading to a change in protein function or even preventing protein production altogether
How does the fossil record provide evidence for evolution, and what are some limitations of the fossil record?
demonstrating how life on Earth has changed over time, showing the progression of species and the occurrence of extinct species
How to do living things survive?
meeting their basic needs, which include food, water, shelter, and in some cases, sunlight.
What is the origin of life?
the process by which non-living matter transformed into living organisms
How do the structures of eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells, and archaea differ, and how do these differences relate to their functions?
Eukaryotes have a nucleus and various organelles, facilitating compartmentalized functions, while prokaryotes and archaea lack these structures and have a simpler, more generalized organization
Why do traits appears and disappear throughout your family line?
due to the interplay of dominant and recessive alleles
What are some examples of coevolution in nature, and how does it influence the evolution of different species
predator-prey relationships, mutualistic relationships (like plant-pollinator interactions), and parasitic relationships
Why are there diverse organisms?
result from the interactions between organisms and their environments and the consequences of these interactions over long periods of time
How did life originate on Earth?
life arose from non-living matter through a process called abiogenesis
How does the structure of a cell membrane relate to its ability to control the passage of molecules in and out of the cell ?
dictates its ability to selectively control the passage of molecules in and out of the cell
Where did your trait originate from?
a combination of genetic and environmental factors
How does the environment influence the rate and direction of evolution, and what are some examples of adaptive evolution?
populations gradually become better suited to their surroundings
How do biotic factors and abiotic factors interact to shape an ecosystem
by influencing resource availability, habitat conditions, nutrient cycling, and energy flow
What were the conditions and processes that led to the first living organisms?
the formation of basic organic molecules and progressing to self-replicating systems and eventually to the emergence of cells