gmo neuurons

What is the CNS, and what are its functions?

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. It processes information and coordinates responses.

What is the PNS, and what are its functions?

The PNS consists of nerves outside the CNS. It connects the CNS to the rest of the body and transmits sensory and motor signals.

Define 'stimulus.'

A change in the environment that triggers a response.

What is a receptor?

A specialized structure that detects stimuli.

What is an effector?

A muscle or gland that performs a response to a signal.

Define response.

The action or change triggered by a stimulus.

Annotate the parts of a motor neuron.

Key parts include: dendrites, cell body, axon, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, axon terminals.

How is the structure of a neuron related to its function?

Neurons have long axons for transmitting signals over distances, dendrites for receiving input, and myelin for faster transmission.

How does the two-point discrimination test work?

Measures sensitivity by determining the smallest distance at which two points of touch are felt as separate.

What are the two types of effectors?

Muscles (contract to create movement) and glands (secrete hormones).

Differentiate between voluntary and involuntary reactions.

Voluntary reactions are conscious actions (e.g., moving your arm). Involuntary reflexes are automatic and protect the body (e.g., pulling away from heat).

Draw and label the reflex arc.

Include: receptor, sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, spinal cord, and effector.

Explain how a reflex arc works.

Stimulus activates a receptor, signal travels via sensory neurons to the spinal cord, interneurons relay it to motor neurons, and an effector performs the response.

What is a gene?

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

How is DNA stored inside cells?

DNA is coiled into chromosomes found in the nucleus. Humans have 46 chromosomes.

What causes variation in characteristics?

Genetic differences (variation in DNA sequences) and environmental factors.

Describe the structure of DNA.

DNA is a double helix with complementary base pairs (A-T, G-C) and a sugar-phosphate backbone.

How is the DNA code universal?

The same triplet codons code for the same amino acids in all organisms.

How does DNA code for proteins?

DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into amino acid sequences to form proteins.

How do scientists edit DNA to make GMOs?

Scientists use tools like CRISPR to modify DNA sequences, altering amino acid chains to create specific traits in organisms.

Discuss the societal, economic, environmental, and ethical impacts of GMOs.

GMOs can improve crop yields (economic), reduce pesticide use (environmental), raise ethical concerns (e.g., safety), and affect society (e.g., food security).

How do dominant and recessive traits work?

Dominant traits mask recessive ones. Recessive traits only appear when both alleles are recessive.