Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Biology

Muscle Fiber

Elongated cells that make up skeletal muscle tissue

Striation

Light and dark stripes in which skeletal muscle fibers are grouped

Fascicle

Dense bundles in which skeletal muscle fibers are grouped

Voluntary Muscle

Muscle that are consciously controlled

Involuntary Muscle

Smooth muscles that cannot be consciously controlled

Myofibril

Thread-like structures found in skeletal muscle fiber

Myosin

Thick filaments that make up myofibril

Actin

Thin filaments that make up myofibril

Z Line

Structure to which actin filaments are anchored

Sarcomere

The region from one Z line to the nerve

Tendon

Fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscles to bone

Flexor

Muscle that bends a joint

Extensor

Muscle that straightens a joint

Muscle Fatigue

Physiological inability of a

Lymphatic System: Components and Functions

The lymphatic system is composed of lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymphatic organs, lymphatic tissues, and lymph nodes.

Key Components of the Lymphatic System

Lymph

Lymph is a transparent liquid composed of lymphocytes and interstitial plasma that is formed when blood plasma is filtered as it travels to the tissues.

Lymphatic Vessels

Lymphatic vessels are closed at one end. Lymphatic capillaries are found in tissues, and they join into bigger conduits known as lymphatic veins that eventually connect with blood veins.

Lymphatic Organs and Tissues

Lymphatic organs and tissues perform several functions, such as producing and maturing lymphocytes and purifying blood. The most important lymphatic organs are the spleen... Continue reading "Human Body Systems: Lymphatic, Excretory, and Urinary Functions" »

Fundamental Knowledge Challenge

Earth Science & Geology

Formation of Smooth Stones

Which of these is the best explanation of how a smooth, round stone becomes smooth? It was in a stream for a long time.

Key Processes of the Water Cycle

Processes of the water cycle include: Evaporation, condensation, sublimation, and so on.

Formation of Water Droplets

The process by which water droplets form is: Condensation.

Astronomy & Physics

Defining Astronomical Bodies

Any astronomical body that revolves around a larger body is called a: Satellite.

Understanding Friction

Friction is the force that: Opposes motion between two surfaces.

Measuring Liquid Resistance to Flow

When scientists measure a liquid's resistance to flow, they are measuring its: Viscosity.

Biology

Transcription: From DNA to RNA

Steps of Transcription

Initiation

• Transcription begins when transcription factors bind to a specific nucleotide sequence of DNA known as the promoter region or the "TATAA box."
• These transcription factors signal RNA polymerase II to attach to the DNA at the promoter.

Elongation

• Once attached to the DNA, RNA polymerase synthesizes a single-stranded RNA molecule in a 5’ → 3’ direction.
• RNA nucleotides are added to the growing polymer, which are complementary to the DNA template.

Termination

• Eventually, RNA polymerase will reach a termination sequence in the DNA.
• This causes RNA polymerase to release the newly synthesized mRNA and to dislodge from the DNA.

Note: The template strand is also known as the antisense strand,

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

Question 58

Which of the following occurs in meiosis but not in mitosis?

B) synapsis of chromosomes

Question 59

Crossing over normally takes place during which of the following processes?

B) meiosis I

Question 60

Homologous pairs of chromosomes align opposite of each other at the equator of a cell during _____.

B) meiosis metaphase I

Question 61

When homologous chromosomes cross over, what occurs?

C) Corresponding segments of non-sister chromatids are exchanged.

DNA Structure and Replication

Question 62

Which of the following people conducted the experiments that demonstrated that DNA is the genetic material of bacteriophages?

B) Avery, Hershey and Chase

Question 63

One type of virus that infects bacteria is called a

A) phage.

Question

Types of Mutations

Point Mutations

A change in a single nucleotide.

• Substitution: One nucleotide is incorrectly added in place of the correct complementary nucleotide.
• Insertion: One or more extra nucleotides are added to the growing DNA strand; this can lead to a frameshift.
• Deletion: One or more nucleotides are eliminated from the growing DNA strand; this can lead to a frameshift.

Chromosome Mutations

Changes in the structure or number of chromosomes.

Structural Mutations

These are due to two simultaneous breakages in nuclear chromosomes. This can cause:

• Deletion: The loss of a chromosomal segment.
• Duplication: A region of the chromosome is repeated.
• Inversion: The change in direction of the chromosomal segment.
• Translocation: A segment splits off from

Bacterial Identification Using Culture Media

1. Define:

   1. Selective Medium

      A selective medium favors the growth of specific microorganisms while inhibiting others. Examples include:

      • MAC agar (MacConkey agar)
      • Mannitol salt agar
      • Eosin methylene blue agar (EMB)

2. 2. Differential Medium

      A differential medium distinguishes between microorganisms based on their biochemical reactions. Examples include:

      • MAC agar
      • Blood agar
      • Mannitol salt agar
      • Eosin methylene blue agar

MacConkey (MAC) Agar

• MacConkey agar selects for which group of bacteria? Explain.
  • Gram-negative bacteria.
• MacConkey agar media differentiates between enteric bacteria based on what biochemical reaction? Explain.
  • Lactose fermentation (presence or absence of lactase enzyme).
• If the organism is E. coli, what would you

Systemic: Series of Arteries and Veins

A systemic circulation consists of a series of arteries that deliver oxygenated blood to capillary beds within body tissues, and a set of veins that return deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Coronary: Supplying the Heart

The coronary circulation is similar to the systemic circulation, but its arteries, capillary beds, and veins supply and drain only the heart.

Pulmonary: Blood Flow to the Lungs

The pulmonary circulation features a set of arteries that deliver deoxygenated blood to the capillary beds of the lungs, and a set of veins that return oxygenated blood to the heart.

Blood Flow into the Heart

Blood enters the heart through two large veins, the inferior and superior vena cava, emptying oxygen-poor blood... Continue reading "Understanding the Circulatory System: Arteries, Veins, and Blood Flow" »

Biology and Genetics Practice Questions

78. Sequence of Events in Translation

Which of the following options most accurately lists the sequence of events in translation?

C) codon recognition → peptide bond formation → translocation → termination

79. Definition of Mutation

Any change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA is called

A) a mutation.

80. HIV Virus Type

What kind of virus is HIV?

C) a retrovirus

81. HIV Enzyme for DNA Synthesis

Which of the following enzymes does HIV use to synthesize DNA on an RNA template?

D) reverse transcriptase

82. Griffith's Experiment and DNA Transfer

In the 1920s, Frederick Griffith conducted an experiment in which he mixed the dead cells of a bacterial strain that can cause pneumonia with live cells of a bacterial strain... Continue reading "Biology Genetics Practice Questions" »