Metabolism Basics
What are the three main molecules cells need to function properly?
Glucose, oxygen, and amino acids
What role does the circulatory system play in energy production?
It transports glucose and oxygen to cells
What do genes provide instructions for?
Making proteins, which determine traits
What is the first step engineers take when designing a new solution?
Identify the problem and constraints
What investigation could test whether living things always contain cells?
Use a microscope to compare living and nonliving things
What system in the body is responsible for breaking down starch into glucose?
The digestive system
What would happen if a person ate food but didn’t breathe?
Cells wouldn’t get oxygen, so cellular respiration couldn’t release energy
If a rabbit has one gene for floppy ears and one for straight ears, what determines its ear shape?
The combination of genes inherited from both parents
Why is it important to test designs multiple times?
To identify flaws and improve the design
How do sensory receptors help the body respond to stimuli?
By detecting stimuli and sending signals to the brain to react
Why does a person with low oxygen levels struggle to exercise?
Cells can't perform cellular respiration without oxygen
A patient has normal glucose but low energy levels. Which system might be the issue?
The respiratory system, because it might not be providing enough oxygen
How can mutations change an organism's traits?
Mutations alter genes, which can change protein structures and functions, leading to different traits
A car safety device fails in one area but succeeds in another. What should engineers do?
Combine successful features into a new design
Why is water essential for plant growth?
Water supports photosynthesis and nutrient transport
What happens during cellular respiration?
Glucose and oxygen react to release energy for the body to use
Explain how the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems work together to give cells energy.
The digestive system breaks down food into glucose, the respiratory system provides oxygen, and the circulatory system delivers both to cells
What is the relationship between proteins and traits?
Proteins’ structures and functions determine how traits are expressed
How do societal needs impact engineering designs?
They guide the purpose and constraints of the design
How can gene mutations lead to new traits in animals?
Mutations alter protein instructions, affecting the animal’s traits
If a person has low glucose and amino acids but normal oxygen, which system is not functioning properly?
The digestive system is not breaking down food molecules properly
Name and describe the process where glucose and oxygen are converted into energy in cells.
Cellular respiration; glucose and oxygen undergo a chemical reaction to release energy
Why might two siblings have different traits even though they share the same parents?
They inherit different combinations of gene versions
How can students improve a plane design that consistently tips left during flight?
Adjust the balance of the wings
Why does Jasmyne feel tired after not eating for eight hours?
Her cells lack glucose for energy release