biology_flashcards_full_corrected
What is the function of the cell membrane?
Controls what enters and exits the cell.
What is the basic structure of the cell membrane?
Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Define diffusion.
Movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
What is osmosis?
The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Describe active transport.
Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.
What are lipids?
A group of organic compounds including fats, oils, and waxes.
What is the function of lipids?
Energy storage, insulation, and making up cell membranes.
What are proteins made of?
Amino acids.
What is the primary function of enzymes?
Speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.
What is natural selection?
Process where organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
What are the four main types of organic molecules in living organisms?
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.
What is a monomer?
A single building block of a larger molecule (polymer).
What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.
What are carbohydrates used for?
Providing energy for cells.
What is ATP?
A molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular processes.
What is the function of nucleic acids?
Store and transmit genetic information.
What is a mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence.
What is homeostasis?
The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.
What are the three parts of the cell theory?
All living things are made of cells, cells are the basic units of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.
What is a polymer?
A large molecule made up of repeating monomers.
What is an enzyme-substrate complex?
The intermediate formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.
How does temperature affect enzyme activity?
Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to an optimal point, then decreases with higher temperatures.
What is denaturation?
Loss of enzyme function due to changes in temperature, pH, or other environmental factors.
What are nucleotides?
The monomers of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
What is a gene?
A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein.
What is transcription?
The process of copying a gene’s DNA sequence into mRNA.
What is translation?
The process where ribosomes read mRNA to synthesize proteins.
What is a catalyst?
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed.
What are the functions of the cytoskeleton?
Provides structural support, cell shape, and aids in cell movement.
What is apoptosis?
Programmed cell death.
What is mitosis?
The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis produces two identical cells; meiosis produces four genetically unique cells.
What are homologous chromosomes?
Pairs of chromosomes that carry the same genes but may have different alleles.
What is a zygote?
The fertilized egg cell formed by the fusion of sperm and egg.
What is the role of ribosomes?
Synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.
What are the products of cellular respiration?
ATP, water, and carbon dioxide.
What are the stages of cellular respiration?
Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Where does photosynthesis take place?
In the chloroplasts of plant cells.
What is the main pigment involved in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll.
What are autotrophs?
Organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants).
What is anaerobic respiration?
Respiration that occurs without oxygen, producing lactic acid or ethanol and ATP.
What are the two types of fermentation?
Lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation.
What is the function of lysosomes?
Digest and recycle cellular waste and worn-out organelles.
What is the fluid mosaic model?
Describes the structure of the cell membrane as a flexible layer with various proteins embedded in or attached to the phospholipid bilayer.
