Unit 6 Cells and Homeostasis Study Guide

Flashcards covering Unit 6: Cells and Homeostasis, including reproduction, antibiotics, cancer, nutrition, and evolutionary biology based on the study guide.

How do bacteria reproduce differently compared to humans?

Bacteria reproduce asexually, whereas humans reproduce sexually.

What are the advantages of being an asexual reproducer?

Asexual reproducers save time and resources because they do not have to find a mate or invest in complex evolutionary mechanisms for reproduction.

How do humans keep up with bacteria in the evolutionary competition?

Humans use sexual reproduction to maintain genetic diversity and keep up with the fast evolution of bacteria.

Why don't antibiotics kill humans or viruses?

Antibiotics are designed to target specific bacterial mechanisms that humans and viruses do not have.

What is antibiotic resistance?

It is when many antibiotics that used to work effectively against bacteria are no longer successful because the bacteria have evolved to survive them.

Why might healthcare companies avoid investing in new antibiotics?

Due to economic incentives, companies may prioritize "long-term treatments" over "cures" like antibiotics.

How many cells has natural selection selected humans to have instead of one big cell?

Trillions of tiny cells.

Do different types of cells in your body have different genes?

No, they usually have the same genes but turn on different genes to perform specific jobs, such as blood, muscle, or skin functions.

Why are muscle and brain cells "ok" with eventually dying if it helps sex cells reproduce?

They share the same genetic material as the sex cells ($sperm$ and $egg$).

What are stem cells?

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become different types of specialized cells for medical use in the future.

Why is human experimentation necessary before releasing a new treatment?

To ensure the medicine, vaccine, or drug really works and is safe for people, rather than relying solely on animal testing.

What is the order of biological organization from smallest to largest in the body?

Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms

What is apoptosis and when do cells perform it?

Apoptosis is programmed cell death, occurring when cells are no longer needed or are damaged.

What is the difference between cell lifespan for skin cells versus lifelong cells?

Some cells must be replaced every few days, while others last for most or all of your life depending on their specific function.

What are the products of mitosis for non-sex cells?

Two identical daughter cells, which differs from the specialized sex cells produced in meiosis.

What are telomeres and how do they relate to aging?

Telomeres are protective caps on chromosomes; their shortening is linked to the biological process of aging.

What is pleiotropy?

A genetic condition where one gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated traits, often linked to aging and declining health as we get older.

What is cancer at the cellular level?

Uncontrolled cell growth where cells may lose the ability to perform their regular jobs.

What is the difference between malignant and benign tumors?

Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread, while benign tumors do not spread but can still be harmful.

What is metastasis?

The process where cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

Does glass block $UV$ rays from the sun?

Windows do not block $UV$ rays completely, allowing them to pass through.

What are the three main ways to treat cancer?

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

According to modern atomic theory, how do atoms interact to form molecules?

Atoms interact by sharing electrons that circle around their protons.

How do electrons react to protons and other electrons?

Electrons are attracted to protons and they repel other electrons.

What building blocks are available if you break apart one $H_2O$ and one $CO_2$ molecule?

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

What are enzymes made of and what is their function?

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Why do humans evolve to enjoy high-sugar foods?

Ancestors with mutations to enjoy sugar were more likely to reproduce as sugar was a rare, high-energy source.

What happens to extra Glucose molecules after ATP and glycogen storages are full?

They are stored as fat (lipids).

How can you identify hidden sugars and trans fats on a nutrition label?

Hidden sugars often end in "-ose" and trans fats are listed as "partially hydrogenated oils."

Why might female bodybuilders naturally have more difficulty gaining muscle than males?

Differences in hormone levels, specifically higher Testosterone in males and higher Estrogen in females.

Why must vegans and vegetarians be careful with their protein sources?

They need to ensure they consume all $10$ essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.

What is the evolutionary link between insects and crustaceans?

Genetic comparisons show a close relationship between insects and crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, and lobster.

What happens to proteins and enzymes when the body becomes too hot?

They can denature or break down, disrupting homeostasis.

What are two critical things the blood provides to cells for energy?

Oxygen and Glucose.

What is the unwanted gas removed from cells after respiration?

Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$).

What is the role of the endocrine system regarding sleep?

It produces Melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep.

How do smoking and vaping affect fertility?

They disrupt the endocrine system, negatively impacting fertility.