Biology portion Flashcards
Identify the building blocks and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
Carbohydrates (monosaccharides)= function mainly as a source of chemical energy for generating ATP needed to drive metabolic reactions
Lipids (fatty acids)= stores energy
proteins(amino acids)= help repair and build your body’s tissues
Describe the structure and functions of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
DNA (double helix) = forms the inherited genetic material inside each human cell
RNA (single-stranded)= relays instructions from the genes to guide each cell’s synthesis of proteins from amino acids.
ATP (three phosphate groups attached to adenosine)= is the“energy currency” of living systems
Name and describe the three main parts of a cell.
The plasma membrane forms the cell’s flexible outer surface. The cytoplasm consists of all the cellular contents between the plasma membrane and the nucleus. The nucleus is a large organelle that houses most of a cell’s DNA.
Relate cell size to diffusion principles
Many types of cells have to minimize the volume and maximize surface area in order to properly exchange gasses and gather resources.
Explain the role of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells, and the part played by the phospholipid bilayer
Compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells allows for distinct functions to occur in microenvironments that wouldn’t be possible if performed at the same time. Phospholipids, arranged in one or two layers, make up the basic fabric of the cellular organelles, wrapping around them. The cellular organelles are arranged separately and in an isolated manner to prevent overlap in tasks.
Describe the structure and functions of the plasma membrane.
The structure of the plasma membrane is the lipid bilayer, two back-to-back layers made up of phospholipids, cholesterol, and glycolipids.
Functions:
- protects the cell by acting as a barrier.
- regulates the transport of substances in and out of the cell.
- receives chemical messengers from other cells.
- acts as a receptor.
- cell mobility, secretions, and absorptions of substances.
Distinguish between cytoplasm and cytosol.
The cytoplasm consists of all the cellular contents between the plasma membrane and the nucleus.
The cytosol is the fluid portion of the cytoplasm that contains water, dissolved solute, and suspended particles.
Explain the concept of selective permeability.
Selective permeability of the cell membrane refers to its ability to differentiate between different types of molecules, only allowing some molecules through while blocking others
Define the electrochemical gradient and describe its components.
The electrical gradient is the combined influence of the concentration gradient and the electrical gradient on the movement of an ion across the plasma membrane. The chemical gradient is the difference in solute concentration across a membrane and the electrical gradient is the difference in charge across a membrane.
Describe the extracellular matrix and its role in cell biology
An extracellular matrix is an interconnected network of fibers and ground substances that surround, support, and give structure to cellular tissues in the body.
Describe the processes that transport substances across the plasma membrane. Compare and contrast passive vs. active processes, as well as forms of endocytosis and exocytosis
In passive processes, a substance moves down its concentration or electrical gradient to cross the membrane using only its own kinetic energy (energy of motion).
In active processes, cellular energy is used to drive the substance “uphill” against its concentration or electrical gradient
endocytosis= vesicles detach from the plasma membrane while bringing materials into a cell
exocytosis= the merging of vesicles with the plasma membrane to release materials from the cells
Describe the structure and function of cytoplasm, cytosol, and organelles, including components of the cell skeleton.
The cytoplasm consists of all the cellular contents between the plasma membrane and the nucleus, it has two components the cytosol and organelles
Organelles are tiny structures that perform functions in cellular growth, maintenance, and reproduction.
The cytosol is the fluid portion of the cytoplasm that surrounds organelles. It’s the site of many chemical reactions required for the cell’s existence
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that extends throughout the cytosol. Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules contribute to the cytoskeleton’s structure and other organelle’s structure.
Describe the structure and function of the nucleus.
The nucleus consists of a double nuclear envelope; nuclear pores, which control the movement of substances between the nucleus and cytoplasm; nucleoli, which produce ribosomes; and genes arranged on chromosomes, which control cellular structure and direct cellular activities.
Understand the purpose, events, and processes involved in mitotic cell division and the cell cycle that determines mitotic division.
During mitosis, a cell duplicates all of its contents, including its chromosomes, and splits to form two identical daughter cells. The major purpose of mitosis is for growth and to replace worn-out cells.
Relate mitotic division to cancer
Cancer cells have an uncontrolled division which results in neoplasms or tumors. Anticancer drugs used in chemotherapy stop cell division by inhibiting the formation of the mitotic spindle.
