Genetic Variation
What are alleles?
Alleles are different forms of a gene that arise by mutation and can exist at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary change.
Define an ecosystem.
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products and technologies for specific applications, such as in medicine and agriculture.
What is the purpose of mitosis?
The purpose of mitosis is to divide the cell nucleus and its contents, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
Describe the role of mutations in genetic variation
Mutations introduce new alleles into a population, contributing to genetic variation. They can lead to changes in traits that may be beneficial, harmful, or neutral.
List the four main tenets of Darwin's theory of evolution.
The four main tenets of Darwin's theory of evolution are: variation exists within populations, individuals compete for resources, some variations are favorable and increase survival, and these variations are inherited by the next generation.
What are producers, consumers and decomposers?
Producers are organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants), consumers are organisms that eat other organisms (e.g., animals), and decomposers break down dead organic matter (e.g., fungi, bacteria).
Describe one application of genetic engineering.
One application of genetic engineering is the development of insulin-producing bacteria, which are used to produce insulin for diabetes treatment
Describe the stages of the cell cycle
The stages of the cell cycle include interphase (G1, S, G2 phases) where the cell grows and duplicates its DNA, followed by mitosis (M phase) where the cell divides.
How does sexual reproduction contribute to genetic diversity?
Sexual reproduction combines genetic material from two parents, leading to offspring with unique combinations of alleles, which increases genetic diversity.
How does speciation occur?
Speciation occurs when populations of a species become isolated (geographically or reproductively) and evolve independently, leading to the development of new species.
Explain the concept of energy flow through an ecosystem.
Energy flow through an ecosystem starts with sunlight being captured by producers through photosynthesis, which is then transferred to consumers and decomposers through food chains and food webs.
How does CRISPR technology work?
CRISPR technology works by using a guide RNA to identify specific DNA sequences, allowing the Cas9 enzyme to cut the DNA at that location, enabling targeted modifications to the genome.
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis is the division of a somatic cell into two identical daughter cells, while meiosis is the process that produces gametes (sperm and eggs) with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell.
Explain the concept of genetic drift.
Genetic drift is the change in the frequency of a gene variant (allele) in a population due to random sampling of organisms. It can lead to the loss of genetic variation and is more pronounced in small populations.
Discuss the role of fossils in understanding evolutionary processes.
Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and show how species have changed over time, supporting the theory of evolution by demonstrating transitional forms.
Describe the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, and introducing diseases, leading to declines in biodiversity.
Discuss the ethical considerations of using biotechnology.
Ethical considerations of using biotechnology include concerns about genetic privacy, potential ecological impacts of GMOs, and the moral implications of genetic modifications in humans and other organisms.
Explain the role of DNA replication in cell division.
DNA replication is the process of copying the DNA before cell division, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material.
Discuss how gene flow between populations can influence genetic variation within those populations.
Gene flow is the transfer of genetic material between populations through migration of individuals or gametes (e.g., pollen). It can increase genetic variation within a population by introducing new alleles and reducing the differences between populations. This can enhance adaptability and resilience to environmental changes. Conversely, if gene flow is restricted, populations may become more genetically distinct and may be at greater risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity.
What evidence supports the theory of evolution by common descent?
Evidence supporting the theory of evolution by common descent includes comparative anatomy and the fossil record.
How do human activities affect ecosystem stability?
Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and climate change can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystem stability.
What are GMOs and what are their potential benefits and risks?
GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering. Potential benefits include increased crop yield and resistance to pests, while risks may include unforeseen health effects and environmental impacts.
Discuss the consequences of errors in DNA replication.
Errors in DNA replication can lead to mutations, which may cause diseases, cancer, or genetic disorders if they disrupt essential genes or regulatory regions.