NYS Lab #4: Biodiversity and Relationships

What chemicals are used to cut DNA into fragments during gel electrophoresis?

• Restriction enzymes

• DNA ligase

• Polymerase

• Nucleases

What is gel electrophoresis used for?

• To separate DNA fragments based on their size.

• To amplify DNA sequences.

• To visualize RNA molecules.

• To sequence proteins.

How can high biodiversity benefit an ecosystem?

• It enhances resilience, stability, and productivity of the ecosystem.

• It reduces the number of species in the ecosystem.

• It increases competition among species.

• It leads to a decrease in ecosystem services.

What is a common ancestor?

• A type of descendant that shares traits with others.

• An ancestor that two or more descendants share.

• A unique ancestor with no descendants.

• An ancestor that is only found in one lineage.

What does it mean when protein sequences in one organism resemble those of another?

• It indicates a recent mutation.

• It suggests shared ancestry, also known as common ancestors.

• It means the organisms are from different kingdoms.

• It implies that the organisms have similar diets.

What is high biodiversity?

• Having a high variety of different organisms.

• Having a low variety of different organisms.

• Having a single type of organism dominating an ecosystem.

• Having a balanced number of organisms in an ecosystem.

What does it mean if two species have identical DNA sequences?

• It suggests that they are likely the same species or very closely related.

• It indicates that they have completely different evolutionary paths.

• It means they share a common ancestor from millions of years ago.

• It shows that they are both extinct species.

What is the significance of DNA sequencing in studying biodiversity?

• It helps scientists understand the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among species.

• It allows for the cloning of endangered species.

• It provides a method for increasing crop yields.

• It is used to determine the age of fossils.

Define biodiversity.

• The total number of species in a given area.

• The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

• The number of individuals of a single species in an ecosystem.

• The genetic variation within a single species.

What role do restriction enzymes play in genetic engineering?

• They cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing for the manipulation of genes.

• They synthesize RNA from DNA templates.

• They repair damaged DNA strands.

• They amplify DNA for cloning purposes.