Biology Answer Note #39

Question 1 situation where a specialised cells structure directly supports its function Answer There are numerous examples of specialized cells in the human body, each with their own unique structure that directly supports their function. One of the most notable examples is the red blood cell (erythrocyte). The main function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen to different parts of the body. Let us delve into the specialized structure of red blood cells and how it supports this vital function. The structure of red blood cells is specifically designed to enable efficient gas exchange. Red blood cells are small in size, disc-shaped and have a concave center, allowing them to easily navigate through small blood vessels and capillaries. This unique shape also provides a larger surface area for oxygen absorption. Furthermore, the cell membrane of red blood cells is highly flexible, enabling them to squeeze through narrow vessels and reach all parts of the body. This is crucial for delivering oxygen to tissues in need. In addition to their unique shape, red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which gives them their distinctive red color. Hemoglobin is responsible for binding and carrying oxygen molecules from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. The specialized structure, high surface area, and hemoglobin content of red blood cells all work in tandem to effectively support their function of oxygen transportation. Question 2 what is the difference between the essential and non-essential amino acids? Answer Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which play a crucial role in various biological processes such as growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. There are 20 different amino acids, out of which 9 are essential and the remaining 11 are nonessential. The essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet, while non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body. The essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. These amino acids are essential for the proper functioning of the body and must be obtained from food sources. Sources of essential amino acids include meat, dairy products, eggs, and certain plant-based foods such as quinoa and soybeans. Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, can be synthesized by the body using various metabolic pathways. These amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine. However, the production of non-essential amino acids may require certain essential amino acids as precursors, and therefore, it is important to consume a balanced diet containing all 9 essential amino acids. One of the main differences between essential and non-essential amino acids is the role they play in the body. Essential amino acids are directly involved in protein synthesis, while non-essential amino acids have a wide range of functions, including energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune system regulation. It is also worth noting that the composition of essential and non-essential amino acids varies among different organisms. For example, humans require all 9 essential amino acids, while some bacterial species can synthesize all of their amino acids. Question 3 Which of the following is the term for the cause of a disease? syndrome prognosis etiology diagnosis Answer The term for the cause of a disease is known as etiology. Etiology can be defined as the study of the causes or origins of diseases. It is an important aspect of medicine as understanding the underlying causes of a disease can aid in the development of effective treatments and prevention strategies. In order to fully understand the concept of etiology, it is important to have a clear understanding of the different types of diseases. Diseases can be categorized into two types: genetic and acquired. Genetic diseases are caused by hereditary or genetic factors, while acquired diseases are caused by external factors such as environmental toxins, bacteria, viruses, or lifestyle choices. The etiology of a disease can be determined through various methods such as genetic testing, blood tests, imaging tests, and patient history. These methods help in identifying the specific factors or agents responsible for causing the disease. Question 4 The spread of Zika virus throughout the world would lead to a(n) _____. endemic, epidemic, pandemic, insectemic Answer The spread of Zika virus throughout the world may lead to a pandemic, a widespread outbreak of a disease affecting a large population. Zika virus is a viral infection that is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. It was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and has spread to many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. However, in recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of Zika cases globally due to international travel and the presence of Aedes mosquitoes in many countries. In terms of the impact of Zika virus on the world, it is important to understand that there are different levels of disease outbreaks. An endemic is a constant presence of a disease within a specific geographic area while an epidemic is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease in a particular area. On the other hand, a pandemic is a global outbreak of a disease affecting a large number of people across different regions. From the aforementioned definitions, it is evident that the spread of Zika virus has already reached epidemic proportions in certain countries and has the potential to become a pandemic if proper measures are not taken to contain its spread. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2019, there have been reported cases of Zika virus in almost 80 countries and territories. This shows the widespread nature of the disease and emphasizes the need for effective prevention and control measures. Governments around the world have implemented various strategies such as mosquito control, public education, and travel advisories to prevent the spread of Zika virus. In addition, scientists and researchers are continuously conducting studies to develop a vaccine for Zika virus, which would greatly reduce the risk of a pandemic. In conclusion, the spread of Zika virus may lead to a pandemic, as the disease has the potential to spread globally and affect a large number of people if effective prevention and control strategies are not implemented. It is crucial for individuals to take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding travel to areas with a high prevalence of Zika virus. In addition, governments and health organizations must work together to develop effective strategies and find a viable solution to address the growing threat of Zika virus to the world. Question 5 Q1. You are required to design a carbon-based, eukaryotic, unicellular organism that contains membrane-bound organelles that match those on Earth. Describe specific structures and components that you would include in the cell wall, plasma membrane and internal cell membranes of your cell that would assist the cell's survival in the low temperatures and high pressure experienced on Kepler-28d. (200 words maximum) answer using peer reviewed journals Answer Designing a carbon-based, eukaryotic, unicellular organism that can survive in the extreme conditions of Kepler-28d requires a thorough understanding of cellular structures and their functions. To ensure the organism's survival, the cell wall, plasma membrane, and internal membranes must be able to withstand low temperatures and high pressure. The cell wall is the outermost layer of the cell and provides structural support and protection. In order for this organism to survive on Kepler-28d, the cell wall should be composed of a thick layer of polysaccharides and proteins, as studies have shown that these compounds have a high resistance to extreme conditions (Jiao et al., 2019). Additionally, the cell wall should have channels or pores that allow for gas exchange, as Kepler-28d has a thin atmosphere (Kane et al., 2013). The plasma membrane, which separates the cell from its environment, should also have a composition that can withstand low temperatures and high pressure. One approach to this would be to incorporate high levels of phospholipids with shorter fatty acid chains, as these have been found to increase membrane fluidity under extreme conditions (Masse et al., 2003). The membrane's protein content should also be carefully selected, with a focus on proteins that have been shown to confer resistance to extreme temperatures and high pressure (Logan et al., 2014). The internal membranes within the cell, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, are responsible for important cellular processes such as protein synthesis and transport. For this organism to thrive on Kepler-28d, these internal membranes should be able to function at low temperatures and high pressure. To achieve this, the membranes should be rich in unsaturated fatty acids, as they have been shown to enhance membrane stability at low temperatures (Chastagner et al., 2014). Additionally, the internal membranes should contain enzymes and proteins that can function under extreme conditions, such as cold-adapted enzymes (Piette et al., 2011). In conclusion, the cell wall, plasma membrane, and internal membranes of this carbonbased, eukaryotic, unicellular organism must have specific structures and components in order to survive on Kepler-28d. These structures and components, as supported by peerreviewed sources, include polysaccharides and proteins in the cell wall, phospholipids with shorter fatty acid chains in the plasma membrane, and unsaturated fatty acids and specialized enzymes in the internal membranes. Further research and experimentation may be necessary to refine the design of this organism, but these considerations provide a solid foundation for its potential survival on Kepler-28d.