Genes & DNA
What is DNA?
DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information.
How many phases are in mitosis?
There are 4 main phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
What is a producer in an ecosystem?
An organism that makes its own food like plants.
What is a dominant allele?
An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele.
What is a food web?
A network of interconnected food chains.
What are the base pairs in DNA?
Adenine pairs with Thymine. Cytosine pairs with Guanine.
What is the purpose of meiosis?
What is mutualism?
A relationship where both species benefit.
What does "Aa" mean?
It is heterozygous, meaning one dominant and one recessive allele.
What is a primary consumer?
An organism that eats producers (e.g. herbivore).
What is the function of genes?
What is the result of mitosis?
Two identical daughter cells.
What is the role of decomposers?
They break down dead matter and recycle nutrients.
AA, Aa, Aa, aa.
Why are decomposers important in food webs?
They recycle nutrients back to the soils.
What is transcription?
The process of copying DNA into mRNA.
What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis produces 2 identical cells; meiosis produces 4 genetically different cells.
What happens if a top predator is removed?
What is the probability of getting a recessive trait in Aa x Aa?
25% chance (1 out of 4).
What happens if producers are removed?
The entire food web collapses because consumers lose their energy source.
What is a genome?
The complete set of DNA in an organism.
Why is meiosis important for genetic diversity?
It introduces variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
What is an energy pyramid?
A diagram showing energy flow through trophic levels.
What does homozygous mean?
Having two identical alleles (e.g. AA or aa).
How do food webs maintain balance?
By showing energy flow and species interdependence, keeping populations stable.