Biology Flashcards
How are sub-cellular structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells related to their functions?
Like a prokaryotic cell, a eukaryotic cell has a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes, but a eukaryotic cell is typically larger than a prokaryotic cell, has a true nucleus, and has other membrane-bound organelles that allow for compartmentalisation of functions.
Explain how specialised cells are adapted to their functions ciliated epithelial cells
developing hair-like structures called cilia
What are the quantitative units in relation to cells?
The best unit to measure most cells is the micrometer, symbol μm.
Explain the mechanism of enzyme action including the active site and enzyme specificity
An enzyme attracts substrates to its active site, catalyses the chemical reaction by which products are formed, and then allows the products to dissociate
Explain how enzymes can be denatured due to changes in the shape of the active site
the substrate will no longer fit into the enzymes
Explain the effects of temperature, substrate concentration and pH on enzyme activity
Raising temperature generally speeds up a reaction, and lowering temperature slows down a reaction
How do you find out the rate for enzyme activity calculations
Change ÷ Time
Explain the importance of enzymes as biological catalysts in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins
breaking down the large, complex molecules in our food into smaller, simpler molecules that can be absorbed by our bodies
Explain how substances are transported into and out of cells, including by diffusion, osmosis and active transport
In diffusion and osmosis, substances move down a concentration gradient. However, active transport moves substances against a concentration gradient
Calculate percentage gain and loss of mass in osmosis
Original mass -new mass ÷ original mass
(to get the percentage multiplied by 100)
