VCE Biology Question Thread

[jessica666]

Nope. A genome is an individual's genetic material.

Thank you!

What is the advantage/reason for humans having a flatter and shorter face compared to their ancestors?

[shivaji]

For a mRNA molecule, will there always be a start and stop codon? so lets say that an mRNA has 18 codons, does that mean the maximum number of amino acids  possible is 5 (as one stop codon?)
And also, do all polypeptide chains start with methionine?

[vox nihili]

For a mRNA molecule, will there always be a start and stop codon? so lets say that an mRNA has 18 codons, does that mean the maximum number of amino acids  possible is 5 (as one stop codon?)
And also, do all polypeptide chains start with methionine?

There absolutely must be a start and stop codon.

No, they don't all start with methionine. Not entirely sure of the mechanisms to be honest, but most of the time that methionine will just get chopped off later. Obviously we've strayed outside of VCE biol here though...

[anat0my]

How is everyone going with their practice exams? 

[melons]

How is everyone going with their practice exams? 

Alright. Done a few at this point. Plan on doing a lot more during the holidays.
Yourself?

[RazzMeTazz]

Do we have to remember the different periods, epochs, eras etc?

[melons]

Do we have to remember the different periods, epochs, eras etc?

Nope

[anat0my]

Alright. Done a few at this point. Plan on doing a lot more during the holidays.
Yourself?

Same. Haven't done any full VCAA practice exams though; And I find that the commercial exams are harder than VCAA questions. Anyway good luck to everybody

[Reus]

How is everyone going with their practice exams? 

I've just been practicing with multiple choice at the moment and timing it really.

[katiesaliba]

Are most people going to leave the 2013 VCAA exam until last?

[melons]

Same. Haven't done any full VCAA practice exams though; And I find that the commercial exams are harder than VCAA questions. Anyway good luck to everybody

I agree. I've done a few vcaa though.

Are most people going to leave the 2013 VCAA exam until last?

Yup.

[RazzMeTazz]

I am finding it a bit difficult to understand the difference between divergent evolution and adaptive radiation?
I understand that adaptive radiation is a type of divergent evolution, but is there ever a time when what is occurring/has occurred in a species is only divergent evolution and not adaptive radiation?


Any explanations would be appreciated.

[melons]

I am finding it a bit difficult to understand the difference between divergent evolution and adaptive radiation?
I understand that adaptive radiation is a type of divergent evolution, but is there ever a time when what is occurring/has occurred in a species is only divergent evolution and not adaptive radiation?


Any explanations would be appreciated.

Adaptive radiation is a type of divergent evolution in which the result is a large number of new species being formed to feel niches which may have been emptied in a mass extinction or found in a new environment. Divergent evolution can occur when a species divides to form two or more new species. So if a small number of new species are formed (eg 2 or 3), it is divergent evolution not adaptive radiation. An example of adaptive radiation is the Galapagos finches while an example of only divergent evolution is any species evolving to form two new species. 

[RazzMeTazz]

Adaptive radiation is a type of divergent evolution in which the result is a large number of new species being formed to feel niches which may have been emptied in a mass extinction or found in a new environment. Divergent evolution can occur when a species divides to form two or more new species. So if a small number of new species are formed (eg 2 or 3), it is divergent evolution not adaptive radiation. An example of adaptive radiation is the Galapagos finches while an example of only divergent evolution is any species evolving to form two new species.

Thankyou so much!

[dankfrank420]

Can someone list the pro's and con's (and ethical concerns) of artificial selection/domestication/selective breeding and also gene therapy?