Bio Flashcards
What is the other function of the mitrochondria besides ATP production?
The mitrochondria can also induce apoptosis through the release of enzymes from the ETC.
What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum functions in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and the transport of proteins from RER to the golgi apparatus.
What is the function of the hydrolytic enzymes within peroxisomes?
The function of the hydrolytic enzymes is to break down long-chain fatty acids through β-oxidation.
What is the cytoskeleton composed of?
Microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments.
What is the structure and function of microfilaments?
Microfilaments are composed of solid rods of actin, and they are resistant to compression and fracture which allows them to aid in the formation of the cleavage furrow, and interact with myosin for muscle contraction.
What is the structure and function of microtubules?
Microtubules are composed of hollow polymers of tubulin, and they function to provide pathways through which motor proteins can carry vesicles.
What are cilia and flagella composed of?
Microtubules
What is 9+2 structure?
Seen in eukaryotic organelles of motility; Nine pairs of microtubules forming an outer ring with two microtubules in the center.
What is the structure and function of centrioles?
Centrioles are found in the centrosome, and are composed of nine triplets of microtubules (hollow center) and they function to organize microtubules during the mitotic spindle.
What is the structure and function of intermediate filaments?
Intermediate filaments are composed of a diverse group of filamentous proteins (ie. keratin, desmin) that function in cell-cell adhesion and maintaining the overall structure of the cell.
What is are other purposes of epithelial tissue besides covering and lining body cavities?
Absorption, secretion, and sensation. Epithelial cells often constitute the parenchyma (functional parts) of organs.
How are archaea similar to eukaryotes?
Both archaea and eukaryotes contain histones, similar RNA polymerases, and they both begin translation with methionine.
How are archaea similar to prokaryotes?
Both archaea and prokaryotes contain a single, circular chromosome, and divide either by binary fission or budding.
What are three common bacterial shapes?
- ) Cocci → Spherical
- ) Bacilli → Rod-like
- ) Spirilli → Spiral-shaped
What differences between gram postive and gram negative bacteria cause gram postive bacteria to be suseptible to penicillin?
Gram positive bacteria have a thick cell wall composed of peptidoglycan. While gram negative bacteria have a thin cell wall that is also composed of peptidoglycan an an outer membrane. Penicillin targets an enzyme that catalyzes the cross-linkage of peptidoglycan. Therefore, the cell wall is weakened leading to the suseptibility of these bacterium to osmotic damage and lyses.
What is the composition of prokaryotic flagella?
Prokaryotic flagella are composed of a basal body, a hook, and a filament. The basal body anchors the flagella to the bacterium and rotates, the hook attaches the basal body and the filament, and the filament spins due to the rotations from the basal body in order to propel the bacterium.
Describe the three processes of bacterial genetic recombination.
- Transformation → The host genome integrates the genome of a nearby, lysed bacteria.
- Conjugation → F+ cell transfers some of its genetic material to an F- cell via a sex pilus. The F- cell becomes an F+ cell, and can now be referred to as Hfr.
- Transduction → Takes places through a vector. A bacteriophage attaches itself to and inserts its genome into a bacterial cell. This leads to the breakdown of the host cells genome. During the viral reproduction, some of the host cells genome may become incorporated onto the bacteriophage. When the virus infects another cell, the host cells genome may be transferred and integrated into the new cell’s genome.
Identify and decribes the four phases of bacterial growth.
- Lag Phase → Bacteria adjust to their new environment
- Exponential/Log Phase → After adjusting, bacteria begin to reproduce
- Stationary Phase → As resources deplete, reproduction slows
- Death Phase → As there are more bacteria than resources, bacteria begin dying
What is an enveloped virus?
An enveloped virus is one that has an outer layer of phospholipids with an inner capsid.
Describe the pathway of retroviral nucleic acids from infection to viral progeny.
- Viral genome (single-stranded RNA) enters cell
- Reverse transcriptase transcribes this genome into double-stranded DNA
- This DNA is translated by the host cell’s machinery
- Viral progeny are produced and released
Describe the differences between the lytic and lysogenic cycles.
During the lytic cycle the viral genome is translated into viral progeny, and relased via host cell lysis. During the lysogenic cycle, the viral genome is integrated into the host cell’s genome, and may indefinitely remain there or enter the lytic cycle due to environmental factors.
How do prions cause disease?
Prions are infectious proteins, that cause protein misfolding (alpha helixes → beta-pleated sheets). This misfolding decreases the solubility of the protein, causing problems with protein degredation. This can lead to protein aggregates forming.
Name the amino acids with nonpolar, nonaromatic side chains (7).
Glycine (smallest H atom R-group), alanine & valine & leucine & isoleucine (alkyl side chains), methionine (sulfur w/ methyl), proline (cyclic with amino group attached to R group).
Name the amino acids with aromatic side chains (4).
Tryptophan (double ring w/ N atom), phenylalanine (nonpolar, benzene), tyrosine (benzene w/ hydroxyl groups makes it polar), histidine (two N atoms in ring, + charge)
Name the amino acids with polar side chains (5).
Serine & threonine (contain -OH), asparagine & glutamine (contain amide), and cysteine (contains thiol -SH).
Name the amino acids with negatively charged (acidic) side chains (2).
Aspartic acid (anion is aspartate) & glutamic acid (anion is glutamate), both contain carboxyl groups.
Name the amino acids with postively charged (basic) side chains (3).
Arginine (three N atoms in side chain), Lysine (terminal, primary amino group), histidine (aromatic ring w/ two N atoms)
Name the hydrophobic amino acids (5).
alanine, isoleucine, leucine, valine, and phenylalanine (long alkyl side chains, nonpolar).
Name the hydrophillic amino acids (5).
histidine & arginine & lysine (+ charged), and glutamate (glutamic acid) and aspartate (aspartic acid) (- charged).
At pH=1 what is the predominant form for a generic amino acid?
Positively charged
At pH=7 what is the predominant form for a generic amino acid?
Zwitterion
At pH=11 what is the predominant form for a generic amino acid?
Negatively charged
What is the formula for calculating the isoelectric point of a neutal amino acid?
pI = [pKa(amino group) + pKa(carboxyl group)]/2
What is the formula for calculating the isoelectric point of an acidic amino acid?
pI = [pKa(R group) + pKa(carboxyl group)]/2
What is the formula for calculating the isoelectric point of a basic amino acid?
pI = [pKa(amino group) + pKa(R group)]/2
How many amino acid residues does an oligopeptide contain?
Contains less than 20 amino acid residues.
What is the role of proline in secondary structure?
Due to the rigidness of its cyclic structure proline creates kinks and turns in ɑ-helices and β-pleated sheets, respectively.
What are the stablizing bonds for tertiary protein structure?
Van der Waals forces, H-bonds, Ionic bonds, Covalent bonds.
What are the stablizing bonds in quarternary structure?
Van der Waals forces, H-bonds, Ionic bonds, Covalent bonds.
Why do hydrophobic amino acids move to the interior of proteins?
Water cannot form H-bonds with hydrophobic amino acids → water molecules must rearrage themselves to maximize H-bonding → decrease in entropy → unfavorable → more favorable for hydrophillic amino acids to be on the exterior
What is a protein with a nucleic acid prosthetic group called?
Nucleoprotein
What are the five phases of the cell cycle and what are their key functions?
- G1 → Cell grows and performs normal functions, DNA is examined and repaired
- S → DNA replication
- G2 → Cell continues to grow and carry out normal functions, organelles begin to replicate
- M → Cell divides
- G0 → Cell carries out normal functions, and is not preparing to divide
What are the four mitotic phases, and what are their key features?
- Prophase → DNA begins condensing, nuclear membrane begins to dissolve, nucleoli disappears, and centrioles migrate to opposite sides of the cell and begin to form mitotic spindle
- Metaphase → chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate under the guidance of the spindle apparatus
- Anaphase → sister chromatids separate, and are pulled to opposite sides of the cell
- Telophase/Cytokinesis → Chromosomes decondense, spindle apparatus breaks down, nuclear membrane begins reforming, cell divides into two identical daughter cells
Describe the process of meiosis.
- Diploid cell; 46 chromosomes, 46 sister chromatids, 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes
- After DNA rep. → 46 chromosomes, 92 sister chromotids, 23 pairs of homologs
- After Meiosis 1 → 23 chromosomes, 46 sister chromostids, 0 pairs of homologs → 2 daughter cells
- After Meiosis 2 → 23 chromosomes, 23 sister chromatids, 0 pairs of homologs → 4 gametes
For each meiotic phase, what are the differences between the corresponding mitotic phase?
- Prophase 1 → Homologous chromosomes come together as tetrads, crossing over
- Metaphase 1 → Tetrads line up at metaphase plate
- Anaphase 1 → Homologous chromosomes separate, centromeres do not break
- Telophase 1 → chromatin may/may not condense, interkinesis (rest period) occurs as cell prepares for meiosis 2
What are the interstitial cells of leydig responsible for?
Secrete testosterone, and other male androgens that are key for sexual differentiation in a fetus w/ XY genotype
What are the sertoli cells responsible for?
Nourishing sperm during their development
What are the semineferous tubules responsible for?
Sites of sperm production
What is the scrotum?
The scrotum is the external pouch that hangs below the penis, contains testes, cooler (2-4 °C) than body
What is the pathway of sperm through the male reproductive system?
- Semineferous tubules
- Epididymis → sperm flagella gain motility, and stored here
- Vas deferens
- Ejaculatory duct
- Urethra
- Penis
What is the purpose of the prostate gland?
Along w/ the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland give the sperm and seminal fluid mildly alkaline properties so the sperm can survive in the relatively acidic environment of the female reproductive tract
What is the acrosome?
The acrosome is located on the head of the sperm, and contains enzymes that are capable of penetrating the coron radiata and zona pellucida of the ovum, permitting fertilization
What are the female reproductive organs?
- ovaries → produce estrogen and testosterone → containing thousands of follicles which contain, nourish, and protect immature ova
- once a month, an egg is ovulated into the peritoneal sac
- then it is drawn into the fallopian tube (oviduct) which is connected to the urterus (site of fetal dev.)
- lower end of cervix (connected to vaginal canal)
What stage of meiosis are primary and second oocytes arrested in?
Primary oocytes are arrested in Prophase 1, and secondary oocytes are arrested in Metaphase 2 → complete meiosis when fertilizating occurs
What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle and characteristics?
- Follicular phase: the egg develops, and endometrial lining becomes vascularized and glandularized (FSH ↑, LH =, estrogen ↓ then ↑, progesterone ↓)
- Ovulation: the egg is released from the follicle into the peritoneal sac (FSH ↑, LH ↑↑, estrogen ↑, progesterone ↓)
- Luteal phase: corpus luteum produces progesterone to maintain endometrium (FSH ↓, LH =, estrogen ↑, progesterone ↑)
- Menses: shedding of the endometrial lining (FSH ↓, LH ↓, estrogen ↓, progesterone ↓)
- hormone concentrations depend on feedback loops
What is the function of oxidoreductases?
Oxidoreductases function to catalyze oxidation/reduction reactions.
What is the function of transferases?
Catalyze the transfer of functional groups from one molecule to another (ie. kinases transfer phosphate groups).
What is the function of hydrolases?
Catalyze the breaking of a compound into two molecules through the addition of water.
What is the function of lysases?
Catalyze the cleavage of a molecule into two products.
What is the function of isomerases?
Catalyze the rearragement of bonds within a molecule.
What is the function of ligases?
Catalyze addition/synthesis reactions.
What is the function of cofactors and coenzymes, and what is the difference between them?
Cofactors and coenzymes bind to the active site of the enzyme and participate in the catalysis of the reaction, usually through ionization, protonation, or deprotonation.
Cofactors are inorganic, and coenzymes are generally organic.
What is the Michaelis-Menton equation?
v = vmax[S] / Km + [S]
What does vmax represent?
vmax represents the rate at which the enzyme is working at max velocity.
What does Km represent?
Km is the michaelis constant, and it represents the substrate concentration at which half of the enzyme’s active sites are full. It is often used to represent the affinity of an enzyme for its substrate. A higher Km represents a lower affinity, because a greater substrate concentration is necessary for half saturation of the enzyme.
At half of vmax, how are Km and [S] related?
Km = [S]
What does Kcat measure?
The number of substrate molecules converted to product.
What is the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme?
Kcat/Km
What is the effect of increasing [S] and [E] on vmax?
When [S] is low, increasing it will increase enzyme activity, but once vmax is reached there is no effect on enzyme activity. Increasing [E] will always increase vmax.
How do Michaelis-Menton and Lineweaver-burk plots differ?
The axis are different: MM plots v vs [S], while LWB plots 1/v vs 1/[S]
MM is a hyperbolic graph, and LWB is a straight line.
What does a michaelis menton plot look like?
What does a lineweaver burk plot look like, and what do the x and y intercepts represent?
X-intercept: 1/[Km]
Y-intercept: 1/vmax
What is enzyme cooperativity?
Enzyme cooperativity when binding a substrate encourages the transition of other subunits from a low-affinity tense state (T) to a high affinity relaxed state (R).
What is the ideal temperature for an enzyme in the human body?
37 °C = 98.6 °F = 311 K
What is the ideal pH for most enzymes?
7.4
What is the ideal pH for a gastric enzyme?
2
What is the ideal pH for a pancreatic enzyme?
8.5
Where do competitive inhibitors bind, and what are their effects on the Km and vmax?
Competitive inhibitors binds to the active site, the increase the Km and don’t impact the vmax.
Where do noncompetitive inhibitors bind, and what are their effects on the Km and vmax?
Noncompetitive inhibitors bind to the allosteric site, and don’t impact the Km, and decrease the vmax.
Where do mixed inhibitors bind, and what are their effects on the Km and vmax?
Mixed inihibitors bind to the allosteric site of either the enzyme or the enzyme-substrate complex. They can either increase (enzyme) or decrease (enzyme-substrate complex) and they decrease the vmax.
Where do uncompetitive inhibitors bind, and what are their effects on the Km and vmax?
Uncompetitive inhibitors bind to the allosteric site, and they decrease Km and decrease vmax.
What are examples of transient modifications on enzymes?
Allosteric activation and inactivation are examples of transient modifications. An activator will cause a conformational shift in the protein making the active site more available for binding to the substrate. An inactivator does the opposite.
What are examples of covalent modifications on enzymes?
Covalent modifications include phosphorylation and glycoslation (covalent attachment of sugar molecules that can tag the enzyme for transport or can modify protein activity and selectivity).