Lecture Notes on Stress Response, Cell Division, Genetics, and More

A series of flashcards covering important definitions and concepts from the lecture on stress response, cell division, genetics, and other biological processes.

Stress Response

The body's way of responding to perceived threats or challenges.

Short-term stress effects

Increases heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and metabolic rate; does NOT increase digestion.

Long-term stress effects

Increases glucose production, causes high blood pressure, and suppresses the immune system.

Purpose of Mitosis

Growth, repair, and replacement of cells.

Semi-conservative replication

Each DNA strand contains one old strand and one new strand.

Mitosis Order

Chromosomes condense, line up in the middle, chromatids separate, new nuclei form.

Result of Mitosis

Produces 2 identical cells.

Meiosis

Produces 4 unique haploid cells with genetic variation.

Genetic Variation

Comes from crossing over during Prophase I and independent assortment during Metaphase I.

Diploid

Cells with 46 chromosomes (2 sets of 23).

Gametes

Haploid cells involved in reproduction.

Mutations

Changes in DNA that can lead to changes in protein and traits.

Sickle Cell Mutation

One base change causes a misshapen protein that results in misshapen red blood cells.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation that changes all amino acids after the point of mutation.

Complementary DNA base pairs

A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.

RNA substitution

Uses U instead of T.

Transcription

The process of converting DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process of converting mRNA into a protein.

tRNA function

Brings the correct amino acids during protein synthesis.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify DNA, making many copies.

STRs (Short Tandem Repeats)

Variable DNA sequences used for identification.

Neuron Structure

Consists of dendrites that receive signals and an axon that sends signals.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that carry signals between neurons.

Myelin Sheath

Insulation around axons that speeds up signal transmission.

Frontal Lobe Function

Responsible for decision-making and motor control.

Cerebellum Function

Responsible for balance and coordination.

Medulla Function

Controls heart rate and breathing.

Limbic System

Involved in emotion and memory.

Sensory System Order

Transduction leads to sensation followed by perception.

General Senses

Found throughout the body.

Special Senses

Found in the head, such as vision and hearing.

Vision Pathway

Involves cornea, pupil, lens, and retina.

Hearing Mechanism

Involves mechanoreceptors.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream.

Hypothalamus Function

Maintains homeostasis in the body.

Pancreas Hormones

Insulin lowers blood sugar; glucagon raises blood sugar.

Type 1 Diabetes

Characterized by no insulin production.

Type 2 Diabetes

Characterized by insulin resistance.

Diabetes Complications

Includes heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Immune System Role

Protects the body from pathogens.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that slow or stop the cell cycle.

Cancer Cause

Results from the failure of cell cycle checkpoints.

Tumor Types

Benign tumors do not spread; malignant tumors can metastasize.

Egg Viability

Lasts 12–24 hours.

Sperm Viability

Can last up to 5 days.