What is the difference between an allergy and an autoimmune disease? Give an example of each.

Suppose that gene therapy could be used to lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fat in the blood, thus allowing people to consume fat-rich fried foods with little risk of heart disease. However, this treatment might not work for everyone, and there would be no way of knowing in advance who would benefit. As a result, some people would inevitably die prematurely from heart disease. Should such gene therapy be approved for use in humans? Answer this question by briefly describing how a bioethicist who believes in a utilitarian approach might view this scenario, and contrast this perspective with a deontological viewpoint.

Apply the concept of the “conservation of mass” to metabolism by describing the different forms mass takes as it enters and leaves the cell (e.g. input: reduced molecules like glucose, lipids, proteins, etc. & output: oxidized molecules like CO2, H2O, etc.)

Some people argue that reptiles (i.e. Snakes, crocs, etc.) make great pets. From what you have learned about the nervous systems, scientifically discuss whether their argument is true or not true. Be sure to discuss brain structure and function. You may want to compare nervous systems of more common pets (i.e. dogs, cats, etc.).

Describe and discuss how climate and weather affects the stability of biodiversity and ecosystems. In our recent weather, we have experienced relatively higher amounts of wind than in previous years. Make a hypothesis on how this will affect our regional ecosystem. Make sure you argue for your hypothesis using concepts you learned in this course.

Describe and discuss the differences between eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and Archaea. Give (3) examples of how the three organisms are similar and (3) examples why they are unique.

he distribution of the CCR5 mutation is found at high frequency in Northern Europe and at progressively lower frequency as we move south. This would be an example of which phenomenon studied in population genetics?

A) Gene flow  B) Drift C) Natural selection D) Mutation

1. How might global warming alter the geographic distributions of species? Specifically, how would animals that live at various latitudes respond to global warming?

If two allometrically related traits show a strong correlation both within and among species, what kinds of experiments would you use to test whether these correlations are due to natural selection or to developmental genetic constraints? (Assume the organisms of interest are easily amenable to laboratory study.) What can we infer about the underlying genetic architecture of traits whose allometric relationships do not vary? What about those that do vary?

Describe the series of events that occurs when a ligand binds to a receptor tyrosine kinase during cellular signalling, and what occurs once the ligand is removed?

Describe the series of events that occurs before and after a ligand binds to a G protein coupled receptor during cellular signalling?

Describe how a point mutation in genomic DNA may be detected by MLPA in a single tube. Highlight the critical elements of probes and primers used to detect a “wild type” and single nucleotide variant. Ensure the role of enzyme(s) required for this assay are explained.

Why is the detection of enterococci preferred? Explain.

How would you test for enterococci in water samples? Explain.