Biomolecules and Cell Components Flashcard

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What is differentiation in biology?

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Differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, allowing for the development of various tissues and organs in the body.

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What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

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mRNA (messenger RNA) is responsible for carrying the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.

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What is a codon?

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A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

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What is the process of translation?

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Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information encoded in mRNA.

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What is the significance of a Punnett square in genetics?

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A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the genotypes of offspring from a genetic cross, illustrating the probability of inheriting particular traits.

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What is the probability of inheriting a recessive trait?

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The probability of inheriting a recessive trait can be calculated using a Punnett square, which shows the likelihood of different genotypes based on parental alleles.

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What is the difference between DNA replication and transcription?

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DNA replication is the process of copying the entire DNA molecule, while transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

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What are the four main types of biomolecules?

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The four main types of biomolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

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What is the function of enzymes in biological processes?

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Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body by lowering the activation energy required.

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What is a tumor?

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A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells divide uncontrollably, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).