Structure and Function Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the main role of DNA in living organisms?
DNA carries the genetic instructions for building and maintaining all living organisms.
What does the process of transcription involve?
Transcription involves copying the DNA code into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.
Where does translation occur in the cell?
Translation occurs in the ribosome, which is located in the cytoplasm.
What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?
mRNA carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are made.
How are amino acids related to proteins?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are linked together in a specific order to form a protein.
Why are proteins important for living organisms?
Proteins perform crucial functions such as speeding up reactions (enzymes), providing structure (structural proteins), and regulating body processes (hormones and antibodies).
What is an enzyme and what does it do?
An enzyme is a type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
What function do cell receptors serve?
Cell receptors receive and transmit signals from outside the cell to regulate cellular activities.
How do antibodies help the immune system?
Antibodies are proteins that identify and help to neutralize foreign substances like viruses and bacteria
What is the sequence of steps from DNA to protein synthesis?
The sequence is: Transcription of DNA into mRNA → Translation of mRNA into an amino acid sequence → Folding of amino acids into a functional protein.
What are the main levels of hierarchical organization in multicellular organisms?
The main levels are cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
What is the role of cells in multicellular organisms?
Cells are the basic unit of life and perform specific functions necessary for the organism’s survival.
How do tissues function in an organism?
Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function, such as muscle tissue enabling movement.
What is an organ, and how does it differ from tissue?
An organ is a structure made up of different types of tissues that work together to perform a specific function, whereas tissue is a group of similar cells performing a common task.
What does the circulatory system do?
The circulatory system transports blood, nutrients, water, and oxygen throughout the body and removes waste products.
How does the digestive system contribute to nutrient uptake?
The digestive system breaks down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream for use by the body.
What is the role of the immune system?
The immune system detects and responds to pathogens to protect the body from diseases and infections.
How does the nervous system help an organism respond to stimuli?
The nervous system processes sensory information and generates responses through motor output, allowing the organism to react to changes in the environment.
Give an example of how different organ systems interact in the body.
An example is the interaction between the circulatory system and the digestive system. The digestive system absorbs nutrients into the blood, which the circulatory system then delivers to cells throughout the body.
Why is understanding the hierarchical organization of systems important?
Understanding this organization helps us see how complex organisms function as a whole, how different systems support each other, and how they maintain the organism’s health and respond to environmental changes.
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
What are feedback mechanisms?
Feedback mechanisms are processes that respond to changes in the internal or external environment to help maintain homeostasis.
What is the difference between negative and positive feedback?
Negative feedback counteracts changes to bring the system back to normal, while positive feedback enhances or accelerates changes.
How does negative feedback help regulate body temperature?
When body temperature rises, negative feedback mechanisms like sweating and blood vessel dilation help cool the body down to maintain a stable temperature.
