Viruses and bacteria exhibit several key differences that influence their classification as living or non-living entities. Bacteria are considered prokaryotic cells, which possess cellular structures, metabolism, and the ability to reproduce independently. In contrast, viruses are acellular and lack cellular machinery; they cannot replicate on their own and must infect a host cell to reproduce. Most scientists argue that viruses are not considered living things because they do not fulfill the characteristics of life, such as metabolism and independent reproduction. Instead, they rely entirely on host cells for their life cycle, which fundamentally distinguishes them from living organisms.
Compare and contrast the traits of viruses and bacteria. Why do most scientists argue that a virus is not considered a living thing? Explain your answer in 3–5 sentences.(4 points)
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Occasionally, the lysogenic cycle changes to the lytic cycle. In 3–5 sentences, explain why the lytic cycle cannot change to the lysogenic cycle.(4 points)
The lytic cycle cannot change to the lysogenic cycle because it represents two distinct phases of viral reproduction with different mechanisms. In the lytic cycle, the virus actively replicates within the host cell, leading to the destruction of the host and the release of new viral particles. In contrast, the lysogenic cycle involves the integration of the viral genome into the host's DNA, allowing the virus to remain dormant and replicate passively with the host cell without causing immediate harm. Once in the lytic phase, the virus is committed to a rapid replication and eventual lysis of the host, making a transition back to the lysogenic phase unfeasible.
In 3–5 sentences, explain the function of the human respiratory system. Include the names of at least three organs in your answer.(4 points)
The human respiratory system functions primarily to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment. Key organs involved in this process include the lungs, where gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, the trachea, which serves as the main airway connecting the throat to the lungs, and the diaphragm, a muscle that aids in inhalation and exhalation. The respiratory system allows oxygen to be inhaled and transported to the bloodstream while removing carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism. This process is vital for maintaining the body’s metabolic functions and overall homeostasis.
Choose a major body system in a human. In 3-5 sentences, explain the role of this system in the overall function of the organism and describe how it interacts with at least one other body system to maintain homeostasis.(4 points)
The circulatory system plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall function of the human body by transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products to and from cells. It consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, enabling efficient distribution of essential substances throughout the body. This system interacts closely with the respiratory system; for instance, the circulatory system picks up oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to cells while transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation. This collaboration is essential for maintaining homeostasis, as it ensures that cells receive the oxygen they need for metabolism while efficiently removing carbon dioxide, thereby regulating pH levels and overall physiological balance.
In 3–5 sentences, summarize the interactions between the circulatory and respiratory systems. Make sure to include at least one organ from each system in your answer and explain the outcome of the interaction.(4 points)
The circulatory and respiratory systems work together to facilitate gas exchange and maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body. The lungs, an organ of the respiratory system, are responsible for inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. When blood passes through the lungs, oxygen from the air diffuses into the blood within the alveoli, while carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This interaction allows the heart, a key organ of the circulatory system, to transport oxygen-rich blood to body tissues and return carbon dioxide-rich blood to the lungs, ensuring that cells receive the oxygen they need for metabolism and that waste gases are efficiently removed.
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