Biology Video Essentials 52: Cellular Variation

Mr. Anderson's video tutorial on cellular variation highlights the importance of diversity in cells. He explains how variation in molecules like phospholipids and genes can enhance cellular success. The video covers chlorophyll's role in photosynthesis, the heterozygote advantage in sickle cell disease, and gene duplication's contribution to evolutionary novelty, using examples like winter wheat and antifreeze proteins in eelpout fish.

What is the primary role of chlorophyll in plants?

• To convert sunlight into usable energy

• To reflect red light

• To store water

• To absorb green light

Why do plants appear green?

• They do not absorb any light

• They reflect green light

• They absorb green light

• They emit green light

How do phospholipids help winter wheat survive cold temperatures?

• By forming a solid barrier

• By increasing saturated fats

• By increasing unsaturated fats

• By reducing water content

What is the significance of unsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids?

• They decrease the membrane's permeability

• They allow the membrane to be more flexible

• They make the membrane more rigid

• They increase the membrane's thickness

What is heterozygote advantage?

• Having a single gene mutation

• Having no genetic variation

• Having two different genes that provide a survival benefit

• Having two identical genes

How does the sickle cell trait provide an advantage in malaria-prone regions?

• It enhances oxygen transport

• It prevents malaria infection

• It increases red blood cell count

• It reduces blood pressure

What is the concept of gene duplication?

• Creating a new gene from scratch

• Deleting a gene to prevent mutations

• Copying a gene to perform the same function

• Copying a gene to allow for new functions

What analogy is used to explain gene duplication?

• A movie about cloning

• A tree growing new branches

• A computer copying files

• A river splitting into two

How do antifreeze proteins in eelpout fish help them survive?

• By increasing their size

• By reducing their metabolic rate

• By preventing ice crystal formation

• By increasing their body temperature

What evolutionary process is highlighted by the development of antifreeze proteins?

• Natural selection

• Gene duplication

• Genetic drift

• Mutation