Here are the answers to your questions framed in a way that's easy to understand:
Lesson 2
- What makes haploid and diploid cells unique from one another?
- Haploid Cells: Contain one complete set of chromosomes (n), typically found in gametes (sperm and egg cells).
- Diploid Cells: Contain two complete sets of chromosomes (2n), one from each parent. Most somatic (body) cells are diploid.
Lesson 3
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During mitosis in eukaryotic cells, what happens to the parent cell?
- The parent cell undergoes a process of division where its chromosomes are duplicated and then separated into two new nuclei, ultimately leading to the formation of two daughter cells.
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What is the result of mitosis?
- The result of mitosis is two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell.
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What general type of cell do fibroblasts make?
- Fibroblasts are connective tissue cells that produce collagen and other proteins, playing a crucial role in wound healing and tissue maintenance.
Lesson 4
- Complete the table.
| Phase of Mitosis | Visual | Key Activities Happening during this phase | |-------------------|--------|--------------------------------------------| | Prophase | | Chromatin condenses into chromosomes, nuclear envelope breaks down, spindle fibers form. | | Metaphase | | Chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane (metaphase plate). | | Anaphase | | Sister chromatids are pulled apart and move toward opposite poles of the cell. | | Telophase | | Chromatids reach poles, nuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes, and chromosomes de-condense. | | Cytokinesis | | Division of the cytoplasm occurs, resulting in two separate daughter cells. |
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What is the role of the “microtubules?”
- Microtubules are part of the cytoskeleton and are crucial for cell shape, providing tracks for the movement of organelles, and playing a vital role during cell division by forming the spindle fibers that separate chromosomes.
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What role does mitosis play in the growth and development of an organism?
- Mitosis is essential for growth, tissue repair, and development by enabling multicellular organisms to increase cell numbers, replace dead or damaged cells, and develop from a single fertilized egg into a complex organism.
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Why are embryonic stem cells more important than other types of stem cells?
- Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into almost any cell type in the body. This makes them more versatile for research and potential therapeutic applications compared to adult stem cells, which are usually limited to differentiating into a narrower range of cell types.
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How is cell differentiation different from mitosis?
- Cell differentiation is the process where a cell changes from one cell type to another, often becoming more specialized for a specific function. Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two identical cells. Differentiation involves changes in gene expression, while mitosis is about replicating cells.
Lesson 5
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Describe the similarities and differences between mitosis and binary fission.
- Similarities:
- Both are methods of cell division.
- Both result in two new cells.
- Differences:
- Mitosis occurs in eukaryotic cells, while binary fission occurs in prokaryotic cells.
- In mitosis, the nucleus divides, whereas in binary fission, there is no nucleus to divide.
- Similarities:
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Why is DNA found in both the nucleus and in the mitochondria? What is the advantage of doing this?
- DNA is found in the nucleus as the primary genetic material and in mitochondria as mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA). The advantage is that it allows mitochondria to produce some of their own proteins needed for energy production, enabling efficient energy metabolism and potentially enhancing cellular respiration.
Lesson 6
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Describe the phases/stages of a stem cell. What is the most likely type of cells that form during the first few divisions?
- Stem cells undergo several divisions while maintaining their pluripotency. The most likely type of cells to form during the first few divisions are progenitor or precursor cells, which will eventually differentiate into specific cell types as development progresses.
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Starting with DNA and ending with proteins, list and describe the process of gene expression.
- Transcription: The process where the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into mRNA.
- RNA Processing: Introns are removed, and exons are spliced together to form mature mRNA.
- Translation: The mRNA is read by ribosomes, where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings amino acids to form a polypeptide chain, which ultimately folds into a functional protein.
Lesson 7
- Which cell type would be most likely to put off senescence and terminal differentiation so it could continue to replicate in order to grow and repair?
- Stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells or certain adult stem cells, are most likely to postpone senescence and terminal differentiation to continue replicating for growth, tissue repair, and regeneration.
Feel free to let me know if you need any more information or further clarification on any of the topics!
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