Immune System, Population Ecology & Photosynthesis (Intro Bio)

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on the immune system, population ecology, and photosynthesis suitable for exam preparation.

What are the major divisions of the innate immune system?

Barrier defenses and internal defenses.

What are examples of barrier defenses in the innate immune system?

Skin, mucous membranes, stomach acid, enzymes.

What internal defenses are part of the innate immune system?

Phagocytic cells, inflammation, fever, complement system.

What is the role of vaccines in the immune response?

Vaccines mimic infection to generate memory cells for a faster, stronger response upon re-exposure.

How do B cells generate antibody diversity?

Through V(D)J recombination.

What is somatic hypermutation?

A process that refines antibody specificity after initial antigen exposure.

What is the primary function of antibodies?

To neutralize pathogens and facilitate their destruction.

What is one major function of the complement system?

To form pores in pathogens or infected cells, leading to their lysis.

What distinguishes r-selected species from K-selected species?

R-selected species have high reproductive rates and low parental care, while K-selected species have lower reproductive rates and more parental care.

What are survival curves and what do Type I, II, and III curves indicate?

Survival curves illustrate mortality rates; Type I shows low early mortality (large mammals), Type II shows constant mortality (birds), and Type III shows high early mortality (fish).

What are the differences between exponential and logistic growth patterns?

Exponential growth is unrestricted, while logistic growth accounts for carrying capacity and environmental limitations.

How does natural selection influence life-history strategies?

Natural selection favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction in specific environments.

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

What are the light-dependent reactions and where do they occur?

Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes.

Where does the Calvin cycle take place and what is its purpose?

The Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma and its purpose is to convert CO₂ into glucose.

What role do NADPH and ATP play in photosynthesis?

NADPH and ATP produced in the light reactions power carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle.

How do environmental conditions affect photosynthetic efficiency?

Changes in light intensity, CO₂ levels, or temperature can significantly impact photosynthetic rates.