Cellular Variation

The podcast discusses cellular variation, emphasizing that variety is crucial for adaptation. It covers chlorophyll types in plants, phospholipids' role in temperature adaptation, heterozygous advantage in sickle cell disease, and gene duplication leading to antifreeze proteins. These examples illustrate how molecular and genetic variation enhances survival and adaptation.

What is the primary role of chlorophyll in plants?

• To store nutrients

• To convert sunlight into usable energy

• To absorb green light

• To reflect red light

What is the role of chlorophyll b in photosynthesis?

• To absorb green light

• To reflect blue light

• To pass energy to chlorophyll a

• To store energy

How do phospholipids contribute to a cell's ability to adapt to temperature changes?

• By forming rigid structures

• By varying the saturation of fatty acid tails

• By producing more chlorophyll

• By increasing membrane permeability

What advantage does having one sickle cell gene provide?

• Increased oxygen transport

• Protection against malaria

• Resistance to all diseases

• Improved blood flow

Why is the Anopheles mosquito considered deadly?

• It spreads the common cold

• It transmits malaria

• It causes sickle cell disease

• It destroys crops

What is the significance of gene duplication in evolution?

• It stops natural selection

• It reduces genetic diversity

• It allows genes to perform multiple functions

• It prevents mutations

Which of the following is an example of a gene that evolved through duplication?

• Phospholipid

• Antifreeze protein

• Sickle cell gene

• Chlorophyll a