Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Biology

Gene and Alleles

• A gene is a unit of heredity that occupies a specific locus on a chromosome.
• A locus is a specific location on a chromosome where a gene is located.
• Alleles are different forms of a gene that occupy the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

• The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a population genetics model that describes the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in a population that is not evolving.
• The five conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are:
  1. No mutation
  2. No gene flow
  3. No genetic drift
  4. Random mating
  5. No natural selection

Population Genetics

• Population genetics is the study of the genetic variation within populations.
• Genetic variation is the presence of different alleles in a population.
• The gene pool is the

Sternocleidomastoid

Origin:

• Sternal head: Manubrium of sternum
• Clavicular head: Medial 1/3 of clavicle

Insertion: Outer surface of mastoid process, lateral 1/3 of superior nuchal line
Nerve Supply:

• Motor: Accessory nerve
• Sensory: C2, C3

Action:

• Both muscles contract: Flexes neck forward
• One muscle contracts: Bends neck to the opposite side and rotates to the same side

Relations:

• Superficial: Skin
• Deep: Carotid sheath

Digastric Muscle

Origin:

• Anterior belly: Lower border of mandible
• Posterior belly: Digastric notch of mastoid process

Intermediate tendon: Connected to hyoid bone
Nerve Supply:

• Anterior belly: Mylohyoid nerve
• Posterior belly: Facial nerve

Function:

• Anterior belly: Depresses mandible, elevates hyoid bone
• Posterior belly: Elevates hyoid bone, retracts mandible

Relations:

Understanding Ecosystems

An ecosystem encompasses all plants, animals, and other organisms in a specific location, along with its climate. It also includes the relationships among organisms (e.g., for food) and between organisms and their environment.

Biotope: The Physical Environment

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system, especially in the immune response.

• Lymphatic vessels allow accumulating lymph to carry and filter out pathogens through lymph nodes.
• The majority of lymphocytes are found in the lymphatic system. For example, T cells mature in the thymus while B cells mature in the bone marrow.

Humoral Immune System

The humoral response, which occurs in blood and lymph, primarily uses B cells to combat pathogens directly. B cells are triggered and activated by helper T cells before they can fight pathogens. When B cells encounter a pathogen they recognize, they engulf the foreign substance and display the antigens on their cell surface. Helper T cells then bind to these antigens, triggering... Continue reading "The Lymphatic System and Immunity Explained" »

Photosynthesis produces glucose using

Photosynthesis produces food in plants, called glucose. It happens in chloroplasts. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, that absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Oxygen is also produced. EQUATION: CARBON DIOXIODE + WATER= GLUCOSE + OKYGEN. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy.

Adaptation for efficient photosynthesis

Leaves are broad so there is a large surface area exposed to light. Most of chloroplasts are found in the palaside layer. This is so that they are near the top of the leaf where they can get the most light. The upper epidermis is transparent so that light can pass through it to the palisade layer. Leaves have a network of vascular... Continue reading "Photosynthesis and Efficient Adaptations for Multicellular Organisms" »

Introduction

In this process, energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is released and utilized by the cell for basic biological functions. This guide will delve into the intricacies of cellular respiration, exploring its different stages and the molecules involved.

Steps in Cellular Respiration

Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions

Electrons are transferred from one molecule to another, playing a pivotal role in cellular respiration.

ATP Synthesis Methods

• Substrate-Level Phosphorylation: Depends on the interaction between enzymes.
• Oxidative Phosphorylation: Powered by the proton motive force and occurs through the use of ATP Synthase.

Glycolysis

Glycolysis produces 4 ATP molecules, all formed through the use of a substrate-enzyme complex.... Continue reading "Cellular Respiration: A Comprehensive Guide to Energy Production" »

Proteins are composed of 20 amino acids.

Functional groups influence reactivity.

Nonpolar side chains are green.

Polar side chains are pink.

Electrically charged side chains:

• Acidic: red
• Basic: blue

Condensation reactions form a peptide bond by bonding the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another. Multiple peptide bonds create a polypeptide. Polypeptides containing more than 50 amino acids are called proteins.

Protein Structure

Primary structure: The unique sequence of amino acids.

Secondary structure: Hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another form a protein's secondary structure.

Secondary structure depends on the primary structure.

Tertiary structure: Results from interactions between... Continue reading "Understanding Protein Structure, Enzymes, and Nucleic Acids" »

Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection

The principal merit of Darwin's theory, in addition to the many evidence that he provided to it, is the discovery of the mechanism that governs the entire evolutionary process of species: the natural selection.

1. Firstly, when environmental resources become scarce, an inevitable competition occurs and, consequently, the struggle for survival begins in which most individuals die.
2. Secondly, it is also obvious that individuals of the same species have different features or characteristics that appear randomly and make individuals different from each other.
3. Third, these characteristics make some individuals more advantaged than others. Those whose characteristics are favorable to the demands of the environment

Kidney and Urinary Tract Conditions

Renal Failure Explained

Renal failure signifies insufficient filtration of blood at the Malpighian glomeruli. This leads to reduced urine production and inadequate elimination of excretory substances.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and fainting. If untreated, it can lead to death.

Common causes include:

• Renal injuries
• Deficient blood pressure in the kidneys
• Urine retention due to an obstruction in the urinary tract

Nephritis: Kidney Inflammation

Nephritis is kidney inflammation resulting from infectious or non-infectious causes. Symptoms typically include pain, goosebumps, and fever.

Cystitis: Bladder Inflammation

Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder, generally caused by an infection. It results... Continue reading "Human Body Systems: Renal, Reproductive, and Cellular Functions" »

All Cells Form from Existing Cells

• Centipedes: 1 pair of legs per each section
• Millipedes: 2 pairs per each section

• All organisms are composed of one or more cells
• The cell is the basic unit of life in all living things
• Cells are produced by the division of pre-existing