Questions (UNIT 1)

Question 1

What are the 4 phases of the cell cycle? Which phase is the longest?

Answer 1

G1 - cell grows and carries out normal functions
S - DNA is replicated
G2 - prepares for mitosis
M - cell divides and copies DNA to cytoplasm to form 2 new daughter cells.

(Longest is interphase)

Question 2

What are the main differences between mitosis and meiosis? Similarities?

Answer 2

Mitosis - First stage where division starts in the cell nucleus

Meiosis - The process of cell division that produced 4 genetically diverse gametes with half the chromosome number.

Similarities - involve DNA replication, go through similar stages, and forms of cell division.

Question 3

What are the 3 different types of RNA? Explain.

Answer 3

mRNA (messenger) : carries copies of genetic instructions for assembling amino acids into proteins.

tRNA (transfer) : nucleotides that hold a specific amino acid and transfers it to the ribosome in mRNA.

rRNA (ribosomal) : two subunits that bind mRNA & tRNA in order to synthesize proteins.

Question 4

What’s a mutation?

Answer 4

A mutation is the change in genetic material

Question 5

Name and briefly describe the 2 types of mutations.

Answer 5

Point Mutations: small mutation, involves a change in a single nucleotide/lefter in the DNA sequence.

Chromosomal Mutations: large
mutations, as they involve changes
in whole chromosomes.