Big Ideas in Biology 311C Worksheet
Approximately what percentage of a cell is made up of water? Proteins?
Carbohydrates? Nucleic Acids? Lipids?
Do you think the relative percentages of biological molecules vary between cells?
What kinds of cells might have a greater percentage of carbohydrates? Fats?
Define biological hierarchy. Can you think of a non-living system that also
demonstrates hierarchy? How does hierarchy promote complexity?
How do the three domains of life demonstrate both unity and diversity?
Big Ideas in Biology 311C
The product of fertilization of sperm and egg is a single cell called the zygote. After
many rounds of cell division, the zygote will develop into an embryo. Many more
rounds of cell division will lead to an organism made up of diverse cell types. As a
result, all the cells in the adult have the same DNA and genes as the zygote.
How can the exact same DNA/genes be found in cells as diverse as a liver cell or a
skin cell or an earlobe cell?
In the Big Bang Theory episode, “The Luminous Fish Effect”, Sheldon has the bright
idea (get it?? bright idea!!) to create a glow-in-the-dark living fish night light.
Explain the significance of Sheldon’s luminous fish.