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Scientific Article Notes, Question and answers, June 2013 Unit 5, by Stafford Valentine Redden (M.Sc.; M.Ed.; M.A.; Ph.D)
Scientific article for use with Question 7 Naked and ugly: The new face of lab rats 1. In a small room in the lab-animal wing of the University of Illinois at Chicago, biologist Thomas Park peers into a plastic box full of naked mole rats. You guys are so cute, he says softly, in a voice
Comment [S1]: To look intently or searchingly Comment [S2]: Mice measure between 3 and 14 inches in length and weigh up to 2 ounces. Rats may be as long as two feet and weigh more than mice. The snout of the rat is more pointed. Comment [S3]: mammals, characterised by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each jaw which must be kept short by gnawing. Comment [S4]: Strikingly unconventional and far-fetched in style or appearance Comment [S5]: To make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation. Comment [S6]: Any undesirable or disordered condition Comment [S7]: Known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of various diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth Comment [S8]: A stroke is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply Comment [S9]: the gradual biological impairment of normal function. Comment [S10]: living naturally in a particular region Comment [S11]: to be prominent or special Comment [S12]: To copy or imitate closely Comment [S13]: Take small bites

usually reserved for babies or puppies. 2. Park is mistaken. Naked mole rats are not cute. They are bald, wrinkled and purply pink, with tiny near-blind eyes and huge yellow teeth. Ranging from the size of a large mouse to that of a small rat, these odd rodents are among the strangest looking mammals on the planet. But dont judge a naked mole rat by its unfortunate appearance. These bizarre creatures could help us tackle all sorts of human maladies, from cancer and stroke to pain relief and ageing. Paragraph 2 SAQ1. Explain the formation of tumors (cancers). Cancer is caused by gene mutations (in tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes: which are responsible for regulation of the cell cycle) which cause uncontrolled cell division. The rate of cell proliferation is greater than the rate of cell death. SAQ2. Explain how stroke may be caused. Atheroma formation and thrombosis in cerebral arteries (or other arteries in the brain) lead to ischaemia (lack of blood flow and oxygen supply) in the brain. This

leads to necrosis (death) of neurons in the brain. This is the main cause of stroke. High blood pressure can also cause rupture of arteries in the brain, leading to necrosis of brain cells. SAQ3. State the risk factors for stroke. High blood pressure, high LDL levels, lack of exercise, ageing, gender, smoking, genetic factors and diet. SAQ4. Explain the causal link between ageing and stroke. Ageing makes the arteries less elastic. This increases blood pressure and causes endothelial damage. T cells and monocytes migrate into the smooth muscle layer of arteries and facilitate the deposition of Ca2+ ions, LDL cholesterol and cells debris to form atheroma or plaque. This narrows the lumen of arteries in the brain and increases the risk of stroke. SAQ5. Pain is caused when specific receptors called A (delta) receptors and C fiber receptors are stimulated. Using your knowledge about ion movement in a neurone, explain how an action potential will be initiated in these neurons. The stimulus will cause the Na+ ion channels to open. The influx of Na+ ions into the neuron will initiate the formation of an action potential. SAQ6. Suggest mechanisms by which the mole rat may provide relief from pain. They may produce some chemicals (analgesics) which may block pain receptors at the synapses and prevent post synaptic potentials from forming in the neurons that are responsible for the sensation of pain. 3. A dozen species of mole rat exist, all native to sub-Saharan Africa. Naked mole rats stand out, though, not least because they appear completely bald. They are also extremely social, living underground in elaborate networks of tunnels and chambers in groups of up to 300. Here in the lab, Park mimics their burrow system by connecting several dozen plastic boxes with long tubes. The animals spend their days pushing bedding around the tubes and nibbling on bits of sweet potato. Page 2 of 16
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Paragraph 3 SAQ7. Explain why the mole rat populations may be termed as endemic. This is because all species of mole rats are found in sub-Saharan Africa alone. SAQ8. Potato contains a lot of starch. Suggest the importance of potato in the diet of mole rats. Starch can be digested by the mole rat to produce glucose. The glucose is a good respiratory substrate. SAQ9. Explain what is meant by a population. All the organisms of a single species living in a particular habitat. SAQ10. Explain how a dozen species may have arisen from a single species of mole rat. Populations of mole rats may have become isolated, either by geographical barriers or differences in behavior. This isolation would prevent gene flow and different selection pressures on each population would cause genetic drift. The gene pools will diverge from each other and may become so different that the populations lose their ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring. This gives rise to several species. SAQ11. Apart from the inability to interbreed, state one other method that scientists could use to identify different species. DNA hybridization, proteomics or DNA fingerprinting. 4. Naked mole rats are a really odd mammal species, Park tells me. Their social structure is like that of insects. Akin to bees and ants, they live in a eusocial society in which a single breeding queen
Comment [S14]: Of similar character Comment [S15]: living in a cooperative group in which usually one female and several males are reproductively active and the non-breeding individuals care for the young or protect and provide for the group Comment [S16]: the process of bearing offspring; reproduction Comment [S17]: breeding female Comment [S18]: to produce something in large quantities quickly Comment [S19]: males that mate with the queen Comment [S20]: a carnivorous animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals in order to survive Comment [S21]: group that competes Comment [S22]: somebody who takes care of his or her own house and its residents Comment [S23]: the process of searching for something, especially a search for food and supplies Comment [S24]: The form and structure of an organism or one of its parts Comment [S25]: having a body temperature that varies according to the temperature of the local atmosphere Comment [S26]: the thick sensitive layer of skin or connective tissue beneath the epidermis Comment [S27]: the thin outermost layer of the skin, itself made up of several layers, that covers and protects the underlying dermis Comment [S28]: an organism whose stable body temperature is generally independent of the temperature of its surrounding environment

churns out all the offspring, with help from between one and three kings. The rest of the animals work for a living: soldiers defend the colony against predators and rivals, while housekeepers forage for root vegetables and tidy up the tunnels. Paragraph 4 SAQ12. Naked mole rats show various adaptations to their particular environment. Give an example of (a) a behavioural adaptation, (b) a physiological adaptation, and (c) an anatomical adaptation exhibited by these animals.

Anatomical Large (incisor) teeth for dealing with tough fibrous plant material and digging Lack of fur and reduced eyes Physiological eg. ability of neurones to tolerate oxygen deprivation Behavioral soldiers defending colony against predators and rivals (instead of running away and saving themselves) SAQ13. The non-reproductive individuals in eusocial animals do not directly transfer their genes to offspring. In spite of this there must still be a genetic advantage in being eusocial suggest what this must be. Non-reproductive naked mole rats share alleles/genes with other members of the colony; By assisting other members of the colony Queen can produce more offspring; This increases chances (of the genes they share) being inherited; SAQ14. Suggest one disadvantage of a single female producing all the offspring in the colony. This could decrease the biodiversity of the population, as there will be less heterozygosity or genetic diversity in the offspring. This could make the population less adaptable and vulnerable to environmental change. SAQ15. How is genetic variation brought about? Mutations, crossing over, random assortment of chromosomes and random fusion of genetically variable gametes. SAQ16. Explain what is meant by the term Niche. A niche is the role played by an organism in its ecosystem, or, the way an organism utilizes the resources in an environment. SAQ17. Soldier, housekeepers, Kings and Queen are anatomically and physiologically different. This difference may be due to differential gene expression. Explain what is meant by differential gene expression. Specific genes are switched on, while other genes are switched off. The genes that are switched on produce specific mRNA. The mRNA produces specific polypeptides by translation. These proteins determine the structure and function of cells and the organism. SAQ18. Suggest the advantage of defending the colony from rivals. This will help to reduce competition for resources and increase the chances of survival of organisms in the colony. SAQ19. Explain what is meant by a predator. A predator is an organism that kills and feeds on the flesh of another organisms. 5. Many features of the skin of the naked mole-rat, such as the lack of an insulating layer and the loosely folded morphological arrangement contribute to poikilothermic responses to changing temperatures of this mammal. Further evidence for poikilothermy in the naked mole-rat is indicated by the presence of pigment containing cells in the dermis, rather than the epidermis, as commonly occurs in homeotherms. Lack of fur is compensated by a thicker epidermal layer and a marked reduction in sweat glands. Page 3 of 16
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Paragraph 5 SAQ20. Melanin is a pigment found in the skin and fur of mammals. Explain the environmental influence on the phenotype with reference to melanin production. High exposure to UV radiation stimulates the increased production of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) and MSH receptor on melanocytes. This triggers the increased production of melanin. The melanin is packed into melanosomes and transferred to other epidermal cells. This protects the nuclei from UV damage and reduces mutations in DNA. SAQ21. Give two examples of features that help thermoregulation in most mammals that are reduced or absent in Naked Mole rats and explain how each operates to help achieve thermoregulation. Sweat glands; Secretion of sweat onto skin removes heat by evaporation; Fur; Creates insulating layer of trapped air; SAQ22. Give one advantage and one disadvantage in being poikilothermic in comparison to homeothermy. Advantage reduced energy consumption; Disadvantage metabolic activity will change with change in environmental temperature; Poikilothermic animals will be less active if environmental temperature falls; SAQ23. Explain how the skin of humans acts as an insulating layer. It has adipose tissue, which reduces heat loss. SAQ24. State the function of the skin in prevention of infection.
The keratinized closely packed epithelial cells in human skin acts as a physical barrier to pathogens.

6. This unusual social arrangement is what first drew scientists to study the wrinkled rodents. For
Comment [S29]: a line or crease between small folds of skin that forms on the face as a result of aging Comment [S30]: a biologist specializing in physiology, the biological study of the functions of living organisms and their parts. Comment [S31]: fascinating Comment [S32]: Have a mutual relationship Comment [S33]: 30 years Comment [S34]: Old age Comment [S35]: Methuselah is purported to be the oldest person to ever live (969yrs). Comment [S36]: stunning Comment [S37]: the length or duration of life Comment [S38]: Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or easily repair the resulting damage.

many years, most of the studies were on their behaviour, says Rochelle Buffenstein, a physiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In time, though, researchers couldnt help but notice another intriguing aspects of naked mole rat biology. They are incredibly long-lived creatures, she says. Paragraph 6 SAQ25. Suggest the advantage of stating the credentials of a Rochelle Buffenstein ( physiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio). This is to acknowledge the source of information and allows readers to assess the credibility of the source. 7. In general, lifespan tends to correlate with body size. Large animals, on average, live longer than

small ones. However, while mice and rats are lucky to survive three years in captivity, similar-sized naked mole rats live three decades, making them the longest-lived rodents on Earth. Thats not all. They also maintain excellent health well into their sunset years. Their bones remain strong, their bodies stay fit and they dont show signs of heart disease or mental decline. Breeding females continue to produce pups right up to the end and, to top it off, naked mole rats dont even get cancer. Paragraph 7 SAQ26. What evidence would scientists look for when searching for evidence of heart disease in naked Mole Rats? Damage to coronary artery; Presence of atherosclerosis/atheroma (in wall of arteries) SAQ27. "In general, lifespan tends to correlate with body size". Another study concluded that a larger body size caused a longer lifespan. Explain why this may not be a valid conclusion. 1. Correlation does not necessarily mean causation. 2. In general - if size caused the lifespan to change, then the statement would always be true. 3. Not enough data may have been collected to prove that the correlation is a causation. SAQ28. Suggest how the conclusions of the investigations conducted could be accepted by the scientific community. 1. Publish results in scientific journals 2. Present results at conferences 3. Peer review 4. Any explanation for peer review (e.g. scientists in the same field conduct the experiment to check its validity whether the results are similar) SAQ29. State two disorders that could lead to mental decline and state the main cause for each. Parkinsons disease caused due to lack of dopamine in the frontal cerebral cortex and Depression, caused due to lack of serotonin in the limbic system of the brain. 8. Naturally, scientists are eager to understand the secrets of this small, bald Methuselah. Buffenstein, who has been studying naked mole rats for 30 years, is among those looking for molecular explanations for their astounding longevity. She began by investigating their response to oxidative stress, one of the leading theories of how the ageing process works. Paragraph 8 SAQ30. State the main features for the study to investigate the effect of oxidative stress on ageing. Large sample size; suitable duration; control group (not exposed to oxidative stress); experimental group (exposed to oxidative stress); difference in results compared. Page 4 of 16
Author of A Level biology text books and practical workbooks, global academic consultant and Head of Institution,

Republic of Maldives. Books available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-

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9. According to this theory, oxygen-containing free radicals damage the molecules of the body, causing them to deteriorate over time until they stop functioning altogether. This oxidative damage, as it is known, is apparent as extra molecules that attach to DNA and proteins like chewing gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe, Buffenstein says. If oxidative stress is truly an important mechanism of ageing, she predicted, naked mole rats should have lower rates of oxidative damage than more short-lived species. Paragraph 9 SAQ31. Describe the structure of DNA. DNA is made up of two polynucleotide chains, which are anti-parallel to each other. The chains are held to each other by Hydrogen bond between nitrogenous base pairs. The two chains are then coiled into a double helix. SAQ32. Describe the tertiary structure of proteins. The tertiary structure of a protein is the complex three - dimensional globular shape the polypeptide chain takes when the polypeptide chain twists and folds around itself. The tertiary structure is maintained by Hydrogen bonds, disulphide bridges [covalent bonds] and ionic bonds between the Residual groups of amino acids. Hydrophobic interactions also help to maintain the shape of globular proteins, like enzymes and trans-membrane proteins. The specific three dimensional shape [secondary, tertiary, quaternary structure] of a protein is maintained by three types of chemical bonds between the Residual groups of amino acids Hydrogen bonds: form between some Hydrogen atoms [which bear a slight positive charge] and oxygen and nitrogen atoms [which bear a slight negative charge]. Although these bonds are weak, the large number of bonds provide a considerable force to maintain the three dimensional shape. Ionic bonds: form between carboxyl [COOH] groups and amino [NH2] groups found in the Residual chains. They are stronger than H bonds, but can be broken by changes in pH and high temperature Disulphide bonds: Some amino acids, like cysteine and methionine contain sulphur atoms in the Residual groups. Disulphide bonds can form between sulphur atoms of amino acids that are close together. These bonds are strong and contribute to the strength of structural proteins like collagen. They are also useful in linking the two polypeptide chains of insulin together. Hydrophillic and hydrophobic interactions of the Residual groups also influence the tertiary structure. SAQ33. Suggest how extra molecules attaching to proteins might affect their structure and function. (extra molecules) affect bonding that maintains the tertiary structure; Bonds between R groups are changed/broken; Ref to named bond eg disulphide, hydrogen, ionic, Tertiary structure shape is changed;