2. Bioenergetics Flashcards
What is the general equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
What are the key processes in photosynthesis?
Light is absorbed by chlorophyll.
Carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose.
Oxygen is released as a by-product.
What factors can limit the rate of photosynthesis?
Temperature
Carbon dioxide
Light
How can greenhouses enhance conditions for photosynthesis?
By controlling temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and light intensity.
What are the uses of glucose produced in photosynthesis?
- Used for respiration
- Converted into starch for storage
- Used to produce fats or oils for storage
- Used to produce cellulose for cell walls
- Used to produce proteins
How do plants produce proteins?
Plants use glucose and nitrate ions absorbed from the soil to produce proteins.
How do carbon dioxide and water enter the plant?
Carbon dioxide enters leaves through stomata, and water is absorbed by roots.
What increases the surface area for absorption in roots and leaves?
Root hairs increase root surface area; flattened shape and internal air spaces increase leaf surface area.
How do stomata function in plants?
Stomata allow carbon dioxide in and oxygen out, and control water loss.
What are the functions of xylem and phloem in plants?
Xylem transports water and mineral ions from roots to leaves (transpiration stream).
Phloem transports dissolved sugars from leaves to rest of the plant (translocation).
What is the structure and function of the human heart?
The heart pumps blood around the body, has four chambers (right/left atria, right/left ventricles), and contains muscle tissue.
What is the role of a pacemaker in the heart?
A group of cells in the right atrium control the natural resting heart rate.
What causes coronary heart disease and how is it treated?
Fatty material buildup narrows coronary arteries; treated with stents to keep arteries open.
What is the function of blood in the human body?
Transports substances like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and wastes to and from cells.
How does the body use enzymes in digestion?
Enzymes catalyze the breakdown of large food molecules into smaller, absorbable molecules.
What is the equation for aerobic respiration?
Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O
What changes occur in the body during exercise?
Increased heart rate, increased breathing rate and depth, and conversion of glycogen to glucose.
What is anaerobic respiration and when does it occur?
Respiration without oxygen, producing lactic acid; occurs when oxygen is insufficient during intense exercise.
What are the products of anaerobic respiration in plants and some microorganisms?
Ethanol and carbon dioxide.
What is the equation for anaerobic respiration in muscles?
Glucose → Lactic Acid
C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₃H₅O₃
How does the alveoli structure facilitate gas exchange?
Provides a large surface area and is richly supplied with blood capillaries for efficient gas exchange.
What is the transpiration stream in plants?
The movement of water from the roots through the xylem and out of the leaves.
What is translocation in plants?
The process by which phloem tissue carries dissolved sugars from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
What are the two main types of circulatory systems in humans?
One for the lungs (pulmonary circulation) and one for all other organs (systemic circulation).
What are the primary functions of red blood cells?
To transport oxygen from the lungs to the organs and tissues.
What is the function of white blood cells?
To form part of the body’s defense system against microorganisms.
What role do platelets play in the blood?
They help blood to clot at the site of a wound.
How does the body ensure blood flows in the correct direction within the heart?
Valves in the heart prevent backflow and ensure blood flows in the correct direction.
What are the main differences between arteries and veins?
Arteries have thick walls with muscle and elastic fibers, while veins have thinner walls and often have valves to prevent backflow.
What is the role of capillaries in the circulatory system?
Capillaries are narrow, thin-walled vessels where the exchange of substances between blood and body tissues occurs.
What does blood plasma transport?
Carbon dioxide from organs to the lungs, soluble products of digestion from the small intestine to other organs, and urea from the liver to the kidneys.
What is the process of blood clotting?
A series of enzyme-controlled reactions result in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, forming a network of fibers that trap blood cells and form a clot.
Why is blood typing important?
To ensure compatibility during blood transfusions and to prevent adverse reactions.
What is the purpose of bile in digestion?
Bile neutralizes stomach acid and emulsifies fats to increase the surface area for lipase enzymes to act upon.
What is the function of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?
It creates an acidic environment in which stomach enzymes work most effectively.
How do intercostal muscles and the diaphragm contribute to breathing?
Intercostal muscles and diaphragm contract to increase thorax volume for inhalation and relax to decrease thorax volume for exhalation.
What is the function of mechanical ventilators?
To assist or replace spontaneous breathing in patients with respiratory failure.
What happens to the heart rate and breathing during exercise?
Both heart rate and breathing rate increase to supply muscles with more oxygen and glucose, and to remove carbon dioxide.
What causes muscle fatigue during anaerobic respiration?
The build-up of lactic acid in muscles during anaerobic respiration.
What is an oxygen debt?
The extra oxygen required after exercise to oxidize and remove lactic acid accumulated during anaerobic respiration.
What are the main types of enzymes involved in digestion and their functions?
Amylase: Breaks down starch into sugars.
Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids.
Lipase: Breaks down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
What is a negative pressure ventilator and how does it work?
A negative pressure ventilator causes air to be “drawn” into the lungs by creating a vacuum around the chest, leading to inhalation.
What is a positive pressure ventilator and how does it work?
A positive pressure ventilator forces air into the lungs by increasing the air pressure in the patient’s airway during inhalation.
