Test on Leptin, Lactose Intolerance, Melatonin, & Protein Synthesis

Lactose Intolerance

   - A condition where the body cannot effectively digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to low levels of the enzyme lactase.

Lactase

An enzyme produced in the small intestine that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose for absorption into the bloodstream.

• After lactose is broken down by lactase, glucose, and galactose are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the intestine.

•  The digestive system breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which are then transported via the circulatory system to cells for energy or storage, helping maintain homeostasis.

DNA

• Non-coding DNA does not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression, influence developmental processes, and play roles in cellular structure.

• Coding DNA contains the instructions for synthesizing proteins, which are critical for various body functions.

• In lactose-intolerant individuals, coding DNA may show mutations or polymorphisms in the lactase gene (LCT), affecting lactase production, while non-coding regions may influence the regulation of this gene.

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Melatonin

1. What is Melatonin?

   - A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles by signaling the body when it is time to sleep.

2. What Are Factors That Affect Melatonin Levels?

   - Light exposure (especially blue light), age, lifestyle, and overall health can influence melatonin production.

3. How Does Melatonin Production Change as We Age?

   - Melatonin production generally decreases with age, which can impact sleep quality and patterns in older adults.

4. How Can We Maximize Melatonin Production?

   - To enhance melatonin production, individuals should maintain a regular sleep schedule, reduce exposure to bright and blue light at night, and create a dark sleeping environment.

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#### Leptin

1. What is Leptin?

   - A hormone that helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger and promoting satiety.

2. Where is Leptin Produced?

   - Leptin is primarily produced in adipose tissue (fat cells).

3. How Are Individuals Affected by Leptin?

   - Individuals with sufficient leptin levels typically feel satisfied after eating, while those with low levels (often due to obesity) may experience increased hunger and difficulty in maintaining a healthy weight.

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#### Protein Synthesis

1. What Are the Steps of Protein Synthesis?

   - Two main stages: Transcription (DNA to mRNA in the nucleus) and then Translation (mRNA to protein at the ribosome).

2. Where Do These Steps Take Place?

   - Transcription occurs in the nucleus, while translation occurs in the cytoplasm at ribosomes.

3. When Making RNA, Which Bases Pair Together?

   - In RNA, adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).

4. What is Used When Finding Amino Acid Sequences?

   - The codon chart (or genetic code chart) is used to translate mRNA codons into their corresponding amino acids based on the sequence of bases in the mRNA.

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#### Extras (Summary Tasks)

1. What is Qualitative Data? Can You Think of Examples?

   - Qualitative data describes characteristics or qualities. Examples: color, texture, taste.

2. What is Quantitative Data? Can You Think of Examples?

   - Quantitative data consists of numbers and measurements. Examples: height, weight, temperature.

3. What Does the Term “Constraints” Mean?

   - Constraints are limitations or restrictions that affect the way a project or experiment is conducted.

4. What is the Role of a Claim in Scientific Argument?

   - A claim is a statement or assertion that can be argued or debated, serving as the focus of the scientific inquiry.

5. What is the Role of Evidence in Scientific Argument?

   - Evidence supports or refutes a claim, providing data and information that validate the argument.

6. What is the Role of Reasoning in Scientific Argument?

   - Reasoning connects the claim to the evidence, explaining how and why the evidence supports the claim.