Synoptic essay AO2 importance of Flashcards
(28 cards)
Outline the importance of DNA replication
-it ensures the sequence of DNA bases (genetic material) is faithfully copied and then passed to daughter cells. In eukaryotes, this is through the process of mitosis and meiosis. However mistakes made by DNA polymerase results in new mutations and new alleles within a population which can be acted on by natural selection
Outline the importance of protein synthesis on the ribosomes
It allows the bases in Mrna to produce a corresponding sequence of amino acids. The sequence of amino acids determines the tertiary structure of a protein, and the shape of a protein is fundamental to its function
Outline the importance of mutations
Mutations are the source of new alleles and lead to phenotypic variation within a species. Natural selection is able to act on those individuals that have alleles that make them more likely to survive and reproduce is significant process that drives evolution
Outline the importance of respiration
It allows the cell to produce ATP, a source of energy that can be released to drive a variety of metabolic processes in the cell such as active transport and the synthesis of proteins
Outline the importance of oxygen and aerobic respiration
It allows glucose and other respiratory substrates to be fully oxidised, releasing more energy in the form of ATP which can be used to drive a variety of metabolic process in the cell such as active transport or proteinsynthesis
Outline the importance of photosynthesis
producers are able to produce light energy as a source of energy to make a range of organic molecules (biomass) from inorganic carbon dioxide, which can then be consumers at higher trophic levels through food webs
Outline the importance of muscle contraction
Enables animals to move in response to external stimuli, for example in taxis and kinesis behaviour, so they can find food and escape predators and increase their chances of survival and reproduction.
Outline the importance of action potential and synapses
-enables an organism to respond to an external stimuli, and coordinate a rapid reflex that may protect from harm and ncrease survival chances
Outline the importance of action potentials and synapse para and sympathetic nervous system
-allows an organism to detect changes in their internal environment and coordinate a homeostatic response to maintain a stable internal environment essential for life
Outline the importance of enzymes
Allow essential metabolic processes, such as respiration and protein synthesis to occur at a faster rate and at lower temperatures with cells
Outline the importance of digestive enzymes and active transport
Ensure that all food polymers are fully hydrolysed into their component monomers so that complete absorption of nutrients ca occur
Outline the importance of ATP
It is easily hydrolysed and releases energy in small manageable amounts which can be used to drive key processes such as active transport and protein synthesis
Outline the importance of nutrient cycles
Releases nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus as inorganic forms in soil, air and water so that they are available to be utilised by producers and sustain ecosystems
Outline the importance of mitosis
In eukaryotes, mitosis is part of a cell cycle controlled by protooncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. It produces genetically identical daughter cells that enable multicellular organisms to increase in size and replace worn out cells. In some organisms, mitosis is used as a mode of asexual reproduction. An uncontrolled cell cycle can lead to tumour formation and cancer
Outline the importance of Meiosis
-it is part of the cell cycle where only half of the genetic information of the parent cell is passed to the gametes, so that the diploid number can be restored through sexual reproduction. Crossing over and independent segregation ensure that each gamete has a unique combination of alleles and random fusion of gametes further increases variation in offspring
Outline the importance of natural selection
-causes changes in the gene pool over time (evolution) and f isolation occurs, this may lead to the formation of new species
Outline the importance of haemoglobin and oxygen transport
Enables oxygen to be taken up efficiently at the gas exchange surface and rapidly unloaded to tissues in response to the respiratory requirements of the cells
Outline the importance of gas exchange systems
Allows organisms with a low surface area to volume ratio to obtain enough oxygen to to meet their cell requirements for respiration
Outline the importance of the specific immune response
-Enables a more rapid response to subsequent infections by familiar pathogens, increasing an organisms long term survival chances
Outline the importance of hormones and second messagers
Allows an organism to detect changes in their internal environment and coordinate a homeostatic response in target organs to maintain a stable internal environment that s essential for life
Outline the importance of translocation in plants
It allows non-photosynthetic tissues of a plant to obtain sugars they need for respiration so that the whole organism is able o grow and reproduce
Outline the importance of. Phototropisms
It allows plants to orient themselves to maximise the amount of light that they can capture. This increases the rate of photosynthesis and allowing more biomass Ro be produced for growth and respiration
Outline the importance of transpiration and cohesion tension
It is a passive mechanism that enables water t o move up the plant against gravity supplying mesophyll cells in the leaf with a raw material for photosynthesis. However the inflict between water loss and gas exchange may limit the photosynthetic process when stomata close
Outline the importance of epigenetics
It is a way of the environment influencing gene expression, allowing the interaction with nature an nurture within organisms
