General Science: Life and Biological Flashcards
6 cards from real AFCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 General Science: Life and Biological flashcards as text
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Answer: Mitosis produces two identical cells; meiosis produces four genetically unique cells with half the chromosomes
Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell (for growth and repair). Meiosis produces four genetically unique cells with half the chromosomes (for gamete/sex cell production).
What is the function of the kidneys in the human body?
Answer: To filter blood, remove waste products, and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance
The kidneys filter approximately 180 liters of blood daily, removing metabolic waste products (primarily urea) through urine production while maintaining proper water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.
What is an ecosystem?
Answer: A community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment
An ecosystem encompasses all living organisms (biotic factors) in an area and their interactions with non-living components (abiotic factors) such as water, soil, temperature, and sunlight.
What is the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells?
Answer: To bind and transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body
Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it through the bloodstream to cells throughout the body, also transporting some carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
What is the difference between a dominant and a recessive gene?
Answer: A dominant allele is expressed when one copy is present; a recessive allele requires two copies to be expressed
A dominant allele is expressed in the phenotype when at least one copy is present (heterozygous or homozygous). A recessive allele is only expressed when two copies are present (homozygous recessive), as the dominant allele masks its effect.
What is the function of enzymes in biological systems?
Answer: To act as biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions
Enzymes are biological catalysts (mostly proteins) that dramatically speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. They lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur.