Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Biology > B2 - Organisation > Flashcards

B2 - Organisation Flashcards

1
Q

What is the main function of the digestive system?

A

To digest food and absorb the nutrients obtained from digestion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the role of the pancreas and the salivary gland in the digestive system?

A

The pancreas and the salivary gland produce digestive juices containing enzymes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the role of the stomach in the digestive system?

A

Produces hydrochloric acid, which kills any bacteria present and provides the optimum pH for protease to function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the role of the small intestine in the digestive system?

A

Site where soluble food molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the role of the liver in the digestive system?

A

Produces bile which emulsifies lipids and allows lipase to work more efficiently.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the role of the large intestine in the digestive system?

A

Absorbs water from undigested food, producing faeces.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the role of enzymes in the digestive system?

A

Act as biological catalysts which speed up the rate of biological reactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How does the shape of any enzyme affect its function?

A

Have a specific active site which is complementary to their substrate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Metabolism.

A

The sum of all the reactions in a cell or an organism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the lock and key hypothesis of enzyme function?

A

The shape of the enzyme active site and the substrate are complementary, so can bind together to form an enzyme-substrate complex.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How does temperature affect enzyme action?

A

Up to a certain point, increasing temperature increases enzyme action, as molecules have a higher kinetic energy. Above a certain temperature, the shape of the active site is altered and the enzyme becomes denatured, so it can no longer catalyse the reaction. The optimum temperature is around 37 degrees.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How does pH affects enzyme function?

A

The optimum pH for most enzymes is 7. If the pH is too extreme, the shape of the active site may be altered and the enzyme may no longer work.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Where is Carbohydrase produced?

A

Salivary gland
Pancreas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Where is Protease found?

A

Stomach
Pancreas
Small intestine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Where is Lipase found?

A

Pancreas
Small intestine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Role of Carbohydrases.

A

Break down carbohydrates into monosaccharides and disaccharides. Amylase breaks down starch into maltose, and maltase breaks down maltose into glucose.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Role of Proteases.

A

Break down proteins into amino acids.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Role of Lipases.

A

Break down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How are the products of Digestion used?

A

Used to build bigger molecules. Glucose is used as a substrate in respiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Where is bile made and stored in the body?

A

Bile is made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the role of Bile in the digestive system?

A

An alkaline substance which neutralises the hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the heart?

A

An organ that pumps blood around the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the purpose of the circulatory system?

A

Carries oxygen and other useful substances to bodily tissues, and removes waste substances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

How does the double circulatory system work?

A

One pathway carries blood from the heart to the lungs.
One pathway carries blood from the heart to the tissues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Where does blood pumped by the right ventricle go?

A

The lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Where does blood pumped by the left ventricle go?

A

Body tissues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Why is the double circulatory system important?

A

It makes the circulatory system more efficient.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

How many chambers does the heart have and what are they called?

A

4 - right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Why is the wall of the left ventricle thicker?

A

The left ventricle has to pump blood at a higher pressure around the whole body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are four main blood vessels associated with the heart?

A

Aorta (left) - carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.
Pulmonary Vein (left) - carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
Vena cava (right) - carries deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart.
Pulmonary artery (right) - carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the purpose of valves in the heart?

A

Prevent the backflow of blood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is the purpose of coronary arteries?

A

Coronary arteries supply the heart muscles with oxygenated blood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Describe the process of blood flow through the heart.

A

Blood enters the right atrium via the vena cava, and the left atrium via the pulmonary vein.
The atria contract, forcing blood into the ventricles and causing valves to shut.
After the ventricles contract, blood in the right ventricle enters the pulmonary artery and blood in the left ventricle enters the aorta.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is the approximate value of the natural resting heart rate?

A

70 beats per minute.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

How is the heart rate controlled?

A

Controlled by a group of cells in the right atrium which act as a pacemaker. They release waves of electrical activity which cause the heart muscle to contract.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

How can an abnormal heart rhythm be treated?

A

Can be treated using an artificial pacemaker, which sends out electrical signals to correct the heart’s rhythm.

37
Q

What are the three types of blood vessels in the body?

A

Arteries
Veins
Capillaries

38
Q

How are arteries adapted for their function?

A

Thick muscle layer adds strength to resist high pressure.
Thick elastic layer allows arteries to stretch and recoil in order to withstand high pressure.

39
Q

How are veins adapted for their function?

A

Wide lumen enables low pressure.
Valves prevent backflow of blood.

40
Q

How are capillaries adapted for their function?

A

Walls are one cell thick for a short diffusion path.
Narrow lumen so blood moves slowly so more time for diffusion.

41
Q

How would you calculate the rate of blood flow?

A

Volume of blood / number of minutes

42
Q

Where are the lungs found in the body?

A

The lungs are located in the thorax. They are protected by the rib cage and separated from the rest of the abdomen by the diaphragm.

43
Q

What tissues make up the gas exchange system?

A

Trachea
Intercostal muscles
Bronchi
Bronchioles
Alveoli
Diaphragm

44
Q

Describe how gas exchange occurs at the alveoli.

A

Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the capillary bloodstream down its concentration gradient.
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the capillary into the alveoli down its concentration gradient.

45
Q

Describe how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange.

A

Small and arranged in clusters - large surface area.
Good blood supply - maintains concentration gradient.
Thin wall - short diffusion pathway.

46
Q

How would you calculate the breathing rate?

A

Number of breaths / number of minutes

47
Q

What substance carries the different components of blood around the body?

A

Plasma.

48
Q

What substances are transported by plasma?

A

Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
Carbon dioxide
Urea
Products of digestion

49
Q

What is Plasma?

A

A yellow liquid within blood that transports substances around the body.

50
Q

What is the purpose of red blood cells in blood?

A

Transport of oxygen around the body.

51
Q

How are red blood cells adapted for their function?

A

Biconcave shape - increased surface area to volume ratio.
Contain haemoglobin - binds to oxygen.
No nucleus - more room for haemoglobin to bind to oxygen.

52
Q

What is the purpose of white blood cells in blood?

A

They form part of the immune system, which protects the body from invading pathogens.

53
Q

How are white blood cells adapted for their function?

A

Have a nucleus - contains DNA which codes for proteins.
Can produce antibodies.
Can produce antitoxins.
Can engulf and digest pathogens (phagocytosis).

54
Q

What is the purpose of platelets in blood?

A

Small cell fragments which aid the clotting of blood at the site of a wound.

55
Q

Why is the function of platelets important?

A

They form a clot which prevents excessive bleeding. Scab formation prevents bacteria from entering the wound.

56
Q

What is coronary heart disease?

A

Occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle become blocked with a buildup of fatty material. This restricts the supply of oxygen to the heart, possibly leading to a heart attack or death.

57
Q

What is a stent and how does it work?

A

A metal mesh tube that is inserted into a blocked artery so that it remains open. It is inflated using a balloon, which is later removed to allow blood to flow freely.

58
Q

Advantages and Disadvantages of Stents.

A

Advantages
- Quick recovery time
- Lower the risk of a heart attack
Disadvantages
- Risk of postoperative infection
- Risk of blood clots at the site of the stent

59
Q

What are Statins?

A

Drugs which reduce the level of bad cholesterol, which contributes to the development of coronary heart disease.

60
Q

Advantages and Disadvantages of Statins.

A

Advantages
- Reduced risk of strokes, coronary heart disease, and heart attacks
- Increased level of HDL (good) cholesterol
Disadvantages
- May have side effects
- Have to be taken continuously

61
Q

What is a heart bypass surgery?

A

Where blocked coronary arteries are replaced with sections of veins taken from other parts of the body.

62
Q

What are the consequences of leaky heart valve?

A

Blood flows in the wrong direction, causing the heart to become less efficient. Patients may become breathless and die as a result.

63
Q

What types of valves can replace leaky valves?

A

Mechanical
Biological

64
Q

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mechanical Valves.

A

Advantage
- Last for a very long time
Disadvantages
- Need to take medication to prevent blood clotting around valve

65
Q

Advantages and Disadvantages of Biological Valves.

A

Advantages
- Works very well - no medication required
Disadvantages
- Only lasts 12-15 years

66
Q

What is the purpose of an artificial heart.

A

Intended to support a patient’s heart while they wait for a suitable donor heart.

67
Q

Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Hearts.

A

Advantages
- Less likely to be rejected by immune system
Disadvantages
- Risk of infection due to surgery
- Risk of blood clots

68
Q

What is Health?

A

The state of physical and mental well-being.

69
Q

How do diet, smoking, and exercise affect the development of cardiovascular disease?

A

Diet - high levels of LDL cholesterol causes arteries to become blocked, increasing blood pressure and the risk of a heart attack.
Smoking - nicotine increases heart rate.
Exercise - lowers blood pressure, reducing strain on the heart.

70
Q

How does obesity affect the development of type 2 diabetes?

A

Obesity is strongly linked with the onset of type 2 diabetes - a disease in which the body stops responding to insulin.

71
Q

How does alcohol affect liver and brain function?

A

Excessive long-term alcohol use may lead to liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
Increases risk of liver cancer.
Damaged brain tissue and nerve cells.

72
Q

How does smoking affect the development of lung disease and lung cancer?

A

Tar in tobacco can damage the alveoli of the lungs, leading to COPD.
Tar also damages the cells which line the lungs, leading to lung cancer.

73
Q

How do smoking and alcohol affect unborn babies?

A

Carbon monoxide from tobacco reduces the amount of oxygen the foetus receives, which can lead to premature birth or stillbirth.
Alcohol passes across the placenta and damages the developing foetus.

74
Q

How do carcinogens affect the development of cancer?

A

Ionising radiation is a type of carcinogen which can cause mutations in DNA, potentially leading to cancer.

75
Q

What is cancer?

A

The development of a tumour as a result of uncontrolled cell division.

76
Q

What is a benign tumour?

A

Contained in one location, usually within a membrane.
They are not cancerous.
Can grow large very quickly - may cause damage to another organ.

77
Q

What is a malignant tumour?

A

Can spread around the body via the blood and lymphatic system.
Can invade other tissues (metastasis).
Cells divide more rapidly and have a longer lifespan.

78
Q

How is epidermal tissue adapted for its function?

A

Covers the entire plant. It has a waxy cuticle which helps reduce water loss from the leaf surface.

79
Q

How is palisade mesophyll tissue adapted for its function?

A

Contains lots of chloroplasts, which allows photosynthesis to progress at a rapid rate.

80
Q

How is spongy mesophyll tissue adapted for its function?

A

Has lots of air spaces, which allow gases to diffuse in and out.

81
Q

How is the xylem adapted for its function?

A

Hollow tube allows the movement of water and mineral ions from the roots to the leaves.
Strengthened by lignin, which makes the vessel strong and waterproof.

82
Q

How is the phloem adapted for its function?

A

Made up of elongated living cells.
Cells have sieve plates that connect them together - cell sap can move through plates into other cells.

83
Q

How is meristem tissue adapted for its function?

A

Made up of stem cells, which can differentiate into many different cell types, allowing the plant to grow.

84
Q

What is the function of guard cells?

A

Control the opening and closing of the stomata, according to the water content of the plant.

85
Q

How are stomata adapted for their function?

A

More stomata on the base of the leaf - minimises water loss as this side is cooler and shaded.
Have guard cells, which control their opening and closing.

86
Q

How are root hair cells adapted for their function?

A

Large surface area - maximises rate of absorption.
Contain lots of mitochondria- release energy for active transport of mineral ions.

87
Q

Translocation.

A

The movement of dissolved sugars from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

88
Q

Transpiration.

A

The evaporation of water vapour from the surface of a plant.

Biology (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions