Biology Flashcards
What is the basic structure of an animal cell?
Cell membrane, transports materials entering and leaving the cell.
Cytoplasm, the gelatinous liquid that fills the cell where chemical reactions occur.
Nucleus, contains genetic material, controls cell activities.
What are mitochondria and why are they important?
Mitochondria are organelles that that are only found in eukaryotic cells. They perform aerobic respiration which means they convert glucose and oxygen to ATP, and produce carbon dioxide and water as a byproduct.
This is important for movement, growth, and repair in the cell.
Explain the process of osmosis :
Osmosis is a passive movement of water from high to low concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.
How do plant cells differ from animal cells?
- Cell walls, to help maintain a rigid structure.
- Chloroplasts, to convert light energy to chemical energy through photosynthesis.
- Large Vacuole to store water and nutrients to keep the plant rigid.
What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?
Chloroplasts are organelles which contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis. They convert carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose is used as energy while the oxygen is a byproduct and is released into the atmosphere.
What is the word equation and chemical equation for Photosynthesis?
Word equation : carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
Chemical equation : 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
What is Mitosis and why is it important.
The process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This is important to replace worn-out cells.
What are stem cells, and why are they significant?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into different cell types. They are significant because they can renew themselves and repair damaged tissues.
Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus and are smaller and simpler (e.g., bacteria). Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and are larger and more complex (e.g., animal and plant cells).
What is diffusion, and how does it occur in cells?
Diffusion is the passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration. In cells, it allows substances like oxygen and nutrients to move across the cell membrane.
What Ribosomes? Are they found in prokaryotic or Eukaryotic cells? How do ribosomes contribute to protein synthesis?
Ribosomes are small organelles found in all living cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The ribosome links the amino acids together in the right order to form a protein. This process of building proteins happens at the ribosome, making it the “site” of where protein synthesis occurs.
What is the role of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell, maintaining the internal environment of the cell.
What is a specialized cell? Describe and give an example of how specialized cells are adapted to their functions.
Specialized cells are cells that have developed specific structures to perform particular functions within an organism. For example, red blood cells have a biconcave shape and no nucleus to maximize oxygen transport.
What is the cell cycle simply, where does it happen and what are its stages?
The cell cycle is the process by which a cell grows, copies its DNA, and divides into two identical cells. It has three main stages: interphase (cell grows and DNA is copied), mitosis (nucleus divides), and cytokinesis (cytoplasm divides). This cycle is crucial for growth and repair, and occurs in all living organisms’ cells.
What is cellular respiration and why is it important?
Cellular respiration converts glucose into ATP in the mitochondria, providing the energy needed for the cell’s activities.
What are plasmids, and where are they found? (Bacteria)
Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria. They replicate without the help of the bacterial chromosome and often carry genes that provide advantages, such as antibiotic resistance.
What is homeostasis and how do cells maintain it?
Homeostasis is the regulation of a stable internal environment in cells, maintained by the cell membrane controlling substance exchange.
What are lysosomes and their function? And are they found in plant or animal cells?
Lysosomes are organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris, they are found in animals cells.
What is active transport, and how does it differ from passive transport?
Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient using energy (ATP), while passive transport moves substances down their gradient without using energy.
What is cell differentiation and explain its significance?
Cell differentiation is the process where cells become specialized to perform specific functions, this is the primary function of stem cells, which is significant for the development of new cells to perform various functions for the organism.
What is tissue, and how is it different from an organ? What are their functions? (Specific of complex)
Tissue is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. An organ is a group of different tissues working together to carry out complex functions within an organism.
Name the parts of the human digestive system, and describe each of their functions :
The human digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Its primary function is to break down food into nutrients that the body can absorb. The mouth chews and breaks down food, the esophagus transports it to the stomach where it is further digested, and the intestines absorb the nutrients into the bloodstream.
Explain what enzymes, their role in digestion, and provide an example of an enzyme and what they break down:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. In digestion, they break down large food molecules into smaller, absorbable ones. For example, amylase breaks down starches into sugars, and proteases break down proteins into amino acids.
What is the function of the heart in the circulatory system?
The heart’s function in the circulatory system is to pump blood throughout the body. It ensures that oxygenated blood reaches tissues and organs, and it helps remove carbon dioxide and waste products from the body.
Describe the structure (thickness and flow direction) of arteries and veins
Arteries carry blood away from the heart, and they have thick, elastic walls to withstand high pressure. Veins carry blood back to the heart and have thinner walls with valves to prevent backflow of blood.
