biology Flashcards
Prokaryotic Cells
Definition: Unicellular organisms that lack membrane-bound organelles.
Characteristics: Small and simple cells, large surface area to volume (SA
) ratio, optimal nutrient intake.
Examples: Bacteria and archaea.
Eukaryotic Cells
Definition: Uni- or multicellular organisms with membrane-bound organelles.
Characteristics: Large and complex cells, small SA
ratio, DNA is compartmentalized in a nucleus.
Examples: Plants, animals, fungi, protists.
Prokaryotic Cell Features
Cell (plasma) membrane: Controls entry and exit of substances.
Plasmids: Small rings containing genetic material.
Cell wall: Provides protection and structural support.
Pili: Hair-like structures for adherence.
Flagella: Tails for locomotion.
Capsule: Layer of complex carbohydrates for protection.
Eukaryotic Cell Organelles
Nucleus: Headquarters of the cell, stores DNA.
Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, generates energy.
Ribosomes: Manufacture proteins.
Chloroplasts: Carry out photosynthesis in plant cells.
Golgi apparatus: Prepares and packages proteins for use or export.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Rough ER ships materials, smooth ER makes lipid
Cell Theory
All organisms are made of cells.
All new cells arise from pre-existing cells.
The cell is the smallest unit of life.
Characteristics of Life
Growth and change.
Responsiveness to the environment.
Reproduction and inheritance of traits.
Metabolism and homeostasis.
Cellular composition.
Microscopes
Light microscope: Magnification up to 2000x, can view living and non-living specimens.
Fluorescent microscope: Uses fluorescent markers to target specific structures.
Electron microscope (TEM & SEM): High magnification, only views non-living specimens.
Confocal laser scanning microscope: Creates 3D models by combining layers of images.
Membrane Proteins
Transport: Facilitates diffusion/active transport.
Receptor: Receives signals from other cells or hormones.
Recognition: Cellular ID markers.
Adhesion: Interactions between cells/extracellular matrix.
Photosynthesis Stages
Light-dependent stage: Splits water molecules, produces oxygen, hydrogen ions, and ATP.
Light-independent stage: Uses carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce glucose.
Cell Functions
Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration.
Osmosis: Water moves from low solute concentration to high solute concentration across a semipermeable membrane.
Active transport: Moves molecules from low to high concentration, requires energy.
Enzymes
Function: Biological catalysts that lower activation energy.
Factors affecting activity: Temperature, pH level, and substrate concentration.
Magnification Levels:
10x (ocular lens) × 4x (objective lens) = 40x (low magnification)
10x (ocular lens) × 10x (objective lens) = 100x (high magnification)
10x (ocular lens) × 40x (objective lens) = 400x (high magnification)
Cytoplasm
Semi-liquid environment that suspends organelles
Nucleus
Function: Control center of the cell; houses DNA.
Chloroplasts
Location: Only in plant cells.
Function: Site of photosynthesis.
Ribosomes
Function: Protein synthesis; composed of RNA and proteins
Mitochondria
Function: Energy production through cellular respiration.
Golgi Apparatus
Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
Rough ER: Synthesizes proteins.
Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids, detoxifies chemicals, and stores calcium
Lysosomes
Function: Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials.
Vacuoles
Function: Storage of nutrients, water, and waste
Cell Membrane
Function: Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell; selectively permeable
Membrane Structure: Fluid Mosaic Model
Phospholipid Bilayer: Composed of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
Cholesterol: Stabilizes the membrane, making it less permeable to water-soluble substances.
Proteins:
Channel Proteins: Facilitate passive transport of molecules.
Carrier Proteins: Facilitate active transport.
Transport Mechanisms
Diffusion:
Definition: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
Driven By: Concentration gradient.
Osmosis:
Definition: Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.
Active Transport:
Definition: Movement of molecules against the concentration gradient.
Requires: Energy (ATP) and carrier proteins.
Endocytosis:
Definition: Process by which the cell engulfs material into a vesicle.
Types:
Phagocytosis: Engulfment of solid particles.
Pinocytosis: Engulfment of liquid.
Exocytosis
Definition: The process of expelling materials from the cell via vesicles.
Examples: Release of enzymes, antibodies, and waste.
Organic Compounds:
Carbohydrates: Serve as energy sources and structural components (e.g., glucose, starch).
Lipids: Energy storage molecules with hydrophobic properties (e.g., fats, oils).
Proteins: Structural and functional roles (e.g., enzymes, hemoglobin).
Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, which carry genetic information and assist in protein synthesis.
Inorganic Compounds
Water: Universal solvent, essential for biochemical reactions.
Minerals: Important for cellular processes (e.g., sodium, calcium).
Gases: Involved in respiration and photosynthesis (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide).
Light-Dependent photosynthesis
Location: Chloroplast (thylakoid membrane).
Function: Splits water into oxygen, hydrogen ions, and electrons. Produces ATP.
Light-Independent photosynthesis (calvin cycle)
Location: Chloroplast (stroma).
Function: Uses carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce glucose. ATP from the light-dependent stage powers this reaction.
Cellular Waste Removal
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide: Removed via diffusion.
Excess Water: Removed by osmosis.
Waste from Protein Breakdown: Exits through diffusion or exocytosis.
Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity
Temperature: Optimal temperature needed for maximum activity.
pH Level: Enzymes work best in specific pH ranges.
Substrate Concentration: Enzyme activity increases with more substrate until saturation occurs.