Biology

Question 1

Describe the function of the cell membrane

Answer 1

The cell membrane is the protective barrier that chooses what enters and exits the cell.

Question 2

Describe the chemical structure of the cell membrane

Answer 2

The cell membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer, which is like a double layer of fat molecules.

Question 3

Define simple diffusion and give an example

Answer 3

Simple diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration

Ex: oxygen

Question 4

Define facilitated diffusion and give an example

Answer 4

Facilitated diffusion is the movement of molecules across a membrane through transport proteins

Ex:glucose entering a cell

Question 5

Define osmosis

Answer 5

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from an area of lower concentration of solute

Question 6

Define the following terms:

Isotonic
Hypertonic
Hypotonic

Answer 6

Isotonic: Isotonic refers to a solution where the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside of a cell

Hypertonic: Hypertonic is a solution where the concentration of solutes is higher outside the cell than inside

Hypotonic: Hypotonic is a solution where the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside

Question 7

Explain how osmosis work, ensure that you explain the direction of water movement

Answer 7

Osmosis works when water moves from an area of low solute concentration (where there is more water and less dissolved substances like salt or sugar) to an area of high solute concentration

Question 8

Explain what would happen to a red blood cell if in the following solution:

isotonic

hypertonic

hypotonic

Answer 8

Isotonic: In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the red blood cell.
Hypertonic: In a hypertonic solution, the solute concentration is higher outside the red blood cell than inside.
Hypotonic: In a hypotonic solution, the solute concentration is lower outside the red blood cell than inside.

Question 9

Define active transport and describe when a cell would perform active transport

Answer 9

Active transport is the movement of molecules or ions across a cell membrane from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration

Question 10

Explain the process of endocytosis

Answer 10

Endocytosis is the process by which a cell takes in substances from its external environment by engulfing them with its plasma membrane

Question 11

Explain the process of exocytosis:

Answer 11

Exocytosis is the process by which a cell expels substances to the external environment. Vesicles containing materials, such as proteins, waste products, or hormones, fuse with the plasma membrane.

Question 12

Explain how hydrogen bonding allow water molecules to have unique properties:

Answer 12

Hydrogen bonding occurs when the slightly positive hydrogen atoms of one water molecule are attracted to the slightly negative oxygen atoms of another water molecule.

Question 13

Describe the difference between adhesion and cohesion

Answer 13

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances, letting water cling on to surfaces. Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves, causing them to stick together.

Question 14

Define the following terms:
Solution
Solute:
Solvent:
Suspension

Answer 14

Solution: A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance is completely dissolved in another.
Solute: The substance that is dissolved in a solution
Solvent: The substance in which the solute dissolves
Suspension: A mixture in which particles are dispersed throughout a liquid or gas but are not dissolved, and they may settle over time

Question 15

What is the pH scale and how is it used

Answer 15

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a
solution is, ranging from 0 to 14.

Question 16

Describe what an acid is

Answer 16

An acid is a substance that can release hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water.

Question 17

Describe what a base is

Answer 17

A base is a substance that decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, often by releasing hydroxide ions.

Question 18

Explain what a biomolecule is

Answer 18

A biomolecule is a molecule that is essential to life, made primarily of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements.

Question 19

Define the following terms:
Monomer:
Polymer:

Answer 19

Monomer: A monomer is a small, single molecule that can bond with other similar molecules to form larger, more complex structures called polymers.
Polymer: A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating units of monomers bonded together in a chain-like structure.

Question 20

Explain each of the following biomolecules as well as give an example of each of their function
Carbohydrates:
Lipids:
Nucleic Acids:
Proteins:

Answer 20

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They serve as a primary source of energy and provide structural support in some organisms. (Mononitride)
Lipids: Lipids are hydrophobic molecules, including fats, oils, and steroids, made mostly of carbon and hydrogen. They store energy, form cell membranes, and act as signaling molecules. (None)
Nucleic Acids: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are molecules that store and transmit genetic information. They are composed of nucleotides, which include a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base. (Nuclieties)
Proteins: Proteins are large, complex molecules made of amino acids. They perform a wide variety of functions, including catalyzing reactions (enzymes), transporting molecules, providing structural support, and facilitating communication within the body. (amino Acides)