Module 5
WhaWhat is the complementary base pair of adenine in DNA?
Thymine
What is the name of the enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences in recombinant DNA technology?
Restriction enzyme (endonuclease)
What type of pathogen causes influenza?
Virus
Which part of the brain controls body temperature regulation?
Hypothalamus
What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?
Carries genetic code from DNA to ribosome.
What is controlled by oxytocin during birth?
Contractions of the uterus
Artificial pollination is an example of what type of technology?
Reproductive technology
State one physical defence a plant uses against pathogens.
Thick cell walls, waxy cuticle, or bark.
What is the function of negative feedback in homeostasis?
Maintains internal balance by reversing changes away from the set point.
State one social or ethical concern of using GM crops.
Corporate control of food supply, unknown long-term health impacts, or environmental risks.
What type of mutation results in only one base being substituted, inserted, or deleted?
Point mutation
Give one benefit and one risk of whole organism cloning.
Benefit = preserve endangered species / produce identical organisms. Risk = reduced genetic diversity, health problems.
What was the significance of Pasteur’s swan-neck flask experiment?
It disproved spontaneous generation and showed microorganisms cause contamination.
Explain how kidney dialysis mimics natural kidney function.
Filters blood using a semipermeable membrane, removing wastes while retaining useful substances.
Give an example of a non-infectious disease caused by environmental exposure.
Lung cancer from smoking / Asbestosis from asbestos.
Explain the difference between a germ-line mutation and a somatic mutation.
Germ-line mutations occur in gametes and can be inherited; somatic mutations occur in body cells and cannot be passed on.
How does artificial insemination improve livestock breeding efficiency?
Allows selective breeding from genetically desirable males, increases reproduction rate, and avoids physical barriers.
Compare passive and active immunity.
Passive = antibodies given (short-term). Active = body produces antibodies after exposure or vaccination (long-term).
Evaluate the effectiveness of cochlear implants in treating hearing loss.
Effective in restoring perception of sound for many; limitations include cost, accessibility, and reduced effectiveness for some types of hearing loss.
Why are antibiotics ineffective against viruses?
Viruses lack cell structures (like cell walls/ribosomes) that antibiotics target.
Compare the role of crossing over and independent assortment in increasing genetic variation.
Crossing over exchanges DNA between homologous chromosomes, creating new allele combinations. Independent assortment randomly distributes chromosomes into gametes. Both increase variation.
Evaluate how transgenic crops can affect biodiversity.
Pros = pest resistance, higher yield. Cons = monocultures reduce biodiversity, risk of gene flow to wild species.
Explain how herd immunity helps prevent the spread of disease
When a large proportion of the population is immune, it reduces transmission and protects unvaccinated individuals.
Analyse how epidemiological studies are used to investigate non-infectious diseases.
Identify patterns of incidence, prevalence, and risk factors, evaluate treatment/management, and inform public health policies.
Discuss how Indigenous knowledge has contributed to modern medicine.
Use of bush medicines (e.g., smoke bush, tea tree) informed pharmaceutical development; highlights importance of recognising and protecting Indigenous intellectual property.