Final Exam, questions PDF

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Final exam questions given to my class, prior to the exam. The questions are very broad, so responses are meant to pull information from different units and put it all together. Here, I have the questions given, as well as some jot noted topics from each unit that could be used to answer each one. (...

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Long Answer Questions for Biology Exam 1. Proteins are considered by many scientists as the most important macromolecule. Using your knowledge of this important molecule and its various functions in biological systems (from different units in this course) explain why their thought process is correct. • Proteins • Enzymes • Transport (Facilitated Diffusion Channel vs. Carrier) • Cell markers on cell membrane • ATP • Protein synthesis • Protein-based Hormones • Immunoglobulin and Antibodies • Contain nitrogen (malleable and many uses) • Histones, binding negatively charged DNA. 2. Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global warming are having major impacts on biological systems on Earth. With reference to biological systems we have studied, explain specific ways in which living organisms are affected by these changes. • Climate Change • Plants but just in like general • Populations have to move??? Oh no???? • Increase in temp. = decrease in enzyme activity, plants will close their stomata and stop gas exchange • Increase in CO2, plants can’t keep up, biosphere will be full of CO2 but plants are living their best life • Glaciers melt, loss of habitat • Less water would impact the process of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. • Increased pollution acts like a carcinogen, causing more genetic defects (DNA replication, protein synthesis) • Hot, acidic oceans (high CO2) • Heat stress in humans (thermoregulation) • Changes limiting factors for population capacity (water, food, space) • Homeostasis 3. Negative feedback systems are an important biological concept. Explain they are so important, and how they function. When can positive feedback be beneficial? (Illustrate your answer with examples from at least two systems other than those studied in the Homeostasis unit.) • Negative feedback systems return systems to their normal state. Changes are detected using sensors, which relays information to a command center, which in turn cause reactors to engage and take action to return the system to normal • vomit • Lac and Tryp Operons • Cellular Respiration (PFK) • Predator-prey relationship, limiting factors

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Thermoregulation Feedback Inhibition Positive feedback is useful in producing rapid change. Beneficial in childbirth. ↳ When a woman is giving birth, for example, the head of the baby pushes against her cervix (the neck of the uterus) and stimulates its nerve endings (fig. 1.13). Nerve signals travel to the brain, which, in turn, stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin travels in the blood and stimulates the uterus to contract.

4. During this semester the term ‘efficiency’ was brought up on many occasions from different units. Using specific examples from different units of this course, explain how these biological processes are efficient. • Efficiency is crucial • Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction and can be used multiple times. • Allosteric regulation. • Trp/Lac operon, lactase, tryptophan. • Photosystems I and II in plants, accessory pigments absorb different wavelengths of light • Promotor region (TATA!!!!) in transcription, high A’s/T’s have double bonds which are easier to break compared to triple bonds between C/G=less energy used • Transcription - multiple copies of RNA so a mistake less likely to effect everything more than one ribosome can bind to RNA / read • DNA replication (multiple replication forks) • Loop of Henle is long to absorb as many nutrients back into the blood as possible. • Sympathetic nervous system attached to the nervous system to initiate response quickly for stress. • Feedback systems • Mutualism and animal relationships • Resource partitioning. • Cellular Respiration and efficiency (32%) • Three membranes inside of chloroplasts • FAT stores energy really good yes yay...