Biology Homework 1

Name _Kristin Dixon_______

Human Biology homework 1

15 points

1. Minnesota and Washington state are at similar latitudes, and yet on average, Washington has warmer winters and cooler summers than Minnesota does.  What property of water helps account for this difference?  High heat capacity. Water is able to absorb a lot of heat. This allows organisms to heat up and cool slowly. Coastal temps stay moderate. Large lakes and rivers support life without evaporating.

2a. What complex carbohydrate forms most of the structure of plant cell walls?

  b. If you eat a turkey sandwich on white bread with lettuce, cheese, and mayonnaise, which of

those ingredients is least digestible? Why?  A. Cellulose- fibers that make up plant walls

B. Lettuce- Humans can’t digest it but it helps with digestion.

3. A question currently debated in the field of bioethics is, “when DNA sequencing becomes more commonplace, should health insurance or life insurance companies have access to a person’s DNA information?” Answer with your opinion to this question, then provide two reasons in support of your opinion.  

Yes I think they should have access to it- but only for health matters. Every persons DNA is completely different and distinct. With the information regarding biological molecules and the breakdown of the organic molecules, you could help cure obesity. The information on carbon dating had helped fossils for years. When people donate their bodies to science after death, all information will be accessible for anyone to see from the insurance companies.

4. An experiment proposes to investigate whether vitamin C has any impact on duration of cold symptoms. Write a realistic hypothesis for this experiment.