North Carolina Essential Standards: Biology Unit 4

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions related to DNA and Cell Division for Biology.

What are the quiz and test dates for the Biology Unit 4 on DNA and Cell Division?

Quiz date is Tues 3/24, and test date is Thurs 3/26.

Which standards are being assessed in this unit?

LS Bio 1 (1.5), LS Bio 2 (2.1, 2.2)

What does LS.Bio.1 focus on?

Analyzing how the relationship between structure and function supports life processes within organisms.

What is the focus of LS.Bio.1.5?

Constructing an explanation to summarize how DNA and RNA direct the synthesis of proteins.

What does LS.Bio.2 analyze?

The growth and development processes of organisms.

What does LS.Bio.2.1 involve?

Using models to illustrate how cellular division results in the reproduction, growth, and repair of organisms.

What is the importance of LS.Bio.2.2?

It illustrates that proteins regulate gene expression leading to cellular differentiation, specialized cells, and uncontrolled cell growth.

Define Adult Stem Cells.

Cells that can differentiate into a limited number of cell types.

What does the term Anticodon refer to?

A set of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with a corresponding codon in mRNA.

What is Asexual Reproduction?

A process where offspring are produced from a single parent, resulting in genetically identical cells.

Define Benign in the context of tumors.

A non-cancerous tumor that does not invade nearby tissue.

What is Binary Fission?

A form of asexual reproduction in which a single organism divides into two identical daughter cells.

What is Cancer?

Uncontrolled cell growth and division that can lead to the formation of tumors.

What phases are included in the Cell Cycle?

G1, S, and G2 phases.

Define Cell Differentiation.

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes more specialized for a specific function.

What is the role of the Centromere?

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined together.

What is Chromatin?

The complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus.

Define Chromosome.

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

What is a Codon?

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

What is Complementary Base Pairing?

The pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA (A with T, C with G) and RNA (A with U, C with G).

What is Cytokinesis?

The process in which the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells.

Define Deoxyribose.

A sugar molecule that is part of DNA.

What does Diploid (2n) mean?

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

What is DNA?

The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

Define DNA Replication.

The process by which DNA is copied during cell division.

What are Embryonic Stem Cells?

Cells that can differentiate into nearly any cell type in the body.

What does the term Gene refer to?

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.

What does Haploid (1n) mean?

A cell that contains only one complete set of chromosomes.

What is Interphase?

The phase of the cell cycle when the cell is not dividing; includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

Define Malignant.

A cancerous tumor that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

What does it mean to Metastasize?

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

What is Mitosis?

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

What does mRNA stand for?

Messenger RNA, which carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

Define Mutation.

A change in the DNA sequence of a gene.

What is a Nitrogenous Base?

The building blocks of DNA and RNA; includes adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U).

What is Protein Synthesis?

The process by which cells generate new proteins, including transcription and translation.

What does Ribose refer to?

A sugar molecule that is part of RNA.

What does rRNA stand for?

Ribosomal RNA, a component of ribosomes that plays a role in protein synthesis.

What are Sister Chromatids?

Identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere.

What are Somatic/Body cells?

All body cells except for gametes (sperm and eggs).

What are Spindle fibers?

Structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division.

Define Transcription.

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

What is Translation?

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information in mRNA.

What does tRNA stand for?

Transfer RNA, which helps decode mRNA into a protein.

What is a Tumor?

An abnormal mass of tissue that can be benign or malignant.