Cell Processes Flashcards
What is the difference between multicellular and unicellular organisms?
Unicellular organisms are made of just one cell that does everything needed for life (like bacteria).
Multicellular organisms have many cells that work together, with each cell having a specific job (like animals and plants).
What are the roles of Chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts help plants make food through photosynthesis by using sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. They also produce energy and essential compounds for the plant.
What are the two types of Metabolic reactions?
Anabolic Reactions: Build up molecules and require energy.
Catabolic Reactions: Break down molecules and release energy
Describe the types of Active Transport and the types of Passive Transport, state if energy is required and how it moves along a concentration gradient
Active transport requires ATP (energy) and its types of transport are : active transport, endocytosis and exocytosis It Moves Against Concentration Gradient (low to high)
Passive transport does not reqire energy and its types of transport are: diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis
It moves with the concentration gradient (High to low)
Outline active transport, endocytosis and exocytosis in Active transport processes
Active Transport: Moves molecules against the gradient using energy.
Endocytosis: Takes substances into the cell via membrane engulfing. Phagocytosis, cell eating large particles or cells are engulfed, Pinocytosis, cell drinking liquids or small particles are ingested
Exocytosis: Expels substances from the cell via vesicle fusion
Outline diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis in passive transport processes?
Diffusion: Molecules move from high to low concentration until evenly distributed.
Facilitated Diffusion: Molecules move through specific transport proteins from high to low concentration.
Osmosis: Water moves across a membrane from low to high solute concentration.
why does surface area to volume ratio effect exchange of materials across membranes?
Larger Surface Area: Increases the efficiency of material exchange across the membrane.
Smaller Volume: Reduces the distance substances need to travel inside the cell, enhancing exchange efficiency.
why does concentration gradients effect the rate of transfer of material across a semi permeable membrane?
Greater Gradient: Faster transfer of materials due to a larger difference in concentration.
Lesser Gradient: Slower transfer because the concentration difference is smaller.
What does hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic mean?
Hypertonic: Solution has more solutes; water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.
Hypotonic: Solution has fewer solutes; water moves into the cell, causing it to swell.
Isotonic: Solution has equal solute concentration; no net water movement, so the cell remains the same.
what is photosynthesis? Include its chemical formular
photosynthesis is a biochemical process that uses light energy to synthesise organic compounds. It produces energy for use by the autotroph and for use later down the food chain.
Co2 + H2O = O2 + C6 H12 O6
6CO2 + 12H2O = C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
Where do the chemical elements enter the plant during photosynthesis
Water + Nutrience = through the roots
CO2 = Through the stomata
Oxygen gas and Water Vapour = through stomata
Sunlight = Chloroplasts
Outline light independant and light dependant phases through photosynthesis
Light-Dependent Reactions, location: Thylakoid membranes.
Process, Uses light to split water, produces oxygen, and makes energy carriers (ATP and NADPH).
Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle), location: Stroma.
Process: Uses ATP and NADPH to turn carbon dioxide into glucose.
Describe Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy, which is essential for driving the process of photosynthesis.
outline the structure of a chloroplast
Enclosed by an evelop
Consists of two membranes
Separated by very narrow intermembrane space
membranes devide the interior of the chloroplast
Name the compartments in a chloroplast
Thykaloid, flattened sacks that are then stacked into grana
the stroma (fluid) outside
the thylakoids.
How can the rate of photosynthesis be affected?
Availability of Light: Increasing light intensity can enhance the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain point.
Carbon Dioxide Levels: Higher concentrations of carbon dioxide can boost the rate of photosynthesis, assuming light and temperature are also optimal.
Temperature: Photosynthesis rates increase with temperature to an optimal point, beyond which high temperatures can inhibit the process
What is cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is a biochemical process that metabolizes organic compounds to release usable energy in the form of ATP.
In which locations within a cell does cellular respiration occur?
Cellular respiration occurs in the cytosol and the mitochondria.
How does cellular respiration differ when it occurs aerobically versus anaerobically?
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more ATP, while anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and produces less ATP with varying byproducts depending on the organism.
What are the products of anaerobic respiration in yeast?
The products of anaerobic respiration in yeast are ethanol and carbon dioxide.
What are the products of anaerobic respiration in animals?
The products of anaerobic respiration in animals are lactic acid and ATP.
What are the products of anaerobic respiration in bacteria?
The products of anaerobic respiration in bacteria can vary but may include substances like hydrogen gas, methane, or other organic acids depending on the type of bacteria.
What is the balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration?
A: The balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration is: C6H12O6 + 6O2 = 6CO2 + 6H2O+ ATP
Why is ATP important in cellular respiration?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells, used to power various biological processes.
What are the primary stages of aerobic respiration?
The primary stages of aerobic respiration are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain.
Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?
Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol.
Where do the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain occur in the cell?
The Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain occur in the mitochondria.
What are some key differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and yields more ATP, while anaerobic respiration does not require oxygen and yields less ATP with different byproducts.
What is the role of oxygen in aerobic respiration?
Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, allowing the production of ATP.
Can cellular respiration occur in the absence of oxygen?
Yes, cellular respiration can occur anaerobically in the absence of oxygen, but it produces less ATP and different byproducts compared to aerobic respiration.
What is the overall purpose of cellular respiration?
The overall purpose of cellular respiration is to convert organic compounds into usable energy (ATP) for cellular activities.
What factors can affect the rate of cellular respiration?
The rate of cellular respiration can be affected by the availability of oxygen, glucose, and temperature.
How does the availability of oxygen influence the rate of cellular respiration?
The availability of oxygen affects the rate of cellular respiration because aerobic respiration requires oxygen to produce ATP efficiently. Limited oxygen reduces the rate of aerobic respiration and may lead to anaerobic respiration.
How does the availability of glucose impact cellular respiration?
The availability of glucose influences cellular respiration by providing the essential substrate for glycolysis, which is the first step in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
How does temperature affect the rate of cellular respiration?
Temperature affects the rate of cellular respiration by influencing enzyme activity. Optimal temperatures increase the rate of respiration, while temperatures too high or too low can decrease enzyme efficiency and slow down the process.
In what areas is current research focused regarding cellular respiration and photosynthesis?
Current research focuses on the production of food, beverages, and biofuels, as well as the breakdown of rubbish.
How is cellular respiration controlled in the production of biofuels?
Cellular respiration is controlled in biofuel production to optimize the conversion of organic materials into biofuels by manipulating conditions such as oxygen levels and substrate availability.
How does controlling cellular respiration and photosynthesis contribute to food and beverage production?
Controlling cellular respiration and photosynthesis helps optimize the fermentation processes in food and beverage production, improving yield and quality.
What role does cellular respiration play in the breakdown of rubbish?
A: Cellular respiration plays a role in the breakdown of organic waste by decomposing materials through microbial activity, which helps in waste management and recycling processes.
What is the significance of optimizing glucose availability in industrial applications?
Optimizing glucose availability is significant because it ensures efficient energy production and metabolic processes, improving the outcomes in industries like biofuel production and fermentation.
What factors influence biochemical processes in a cell?
The nature and arrangement of internal membranes and the presence of specific enzymes.
How do internal membranes impact biochemical processes?
Internal membranes compartmentalize the cell, allowing specialized environments for different biochemical processes.
Name four factors that control enzyme function.
Temperature, pH, presence of inhibitors, and concentration of reactants.
How does temperature affect enzyme activity?
Temperature affects enzyme activity by altering enzyme structure, increases kinetic energy each enzyme has an optimal temperature range for activity.
What is the effect of pH on enzyme activity?
pH can affect enzyme activity by changing the enzyme’s charge and shape, impacting its ability to bind to substrates.
What are enzyme inhibitors, and what types exist?
Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that decrease enzyme activity; they can be competitive or non-competitive.
Briefly describe the lock and key model of enzyme function.
The lock and key model suggests that the enzyme’s active site is a specific shape that exactly fits the substrate.
How does the induced-fit model differ from the lock and key model?
The induced-fit model proposes that the enzyme’s active site changes shape to better fit the substrate after binding.
Why is the concentration of reactants important for enzyme function?
Higher concentrations of reactants increase the likelihood of enzyme-substrate collisions, boosting reaction rates.
What do cells require to survive?
Cells require energy inputs (like light energy or chemical energy in complex molecules), matter (including gases, simple nutrients, and ions), and the removal of wastes.
What does metabolism describe?
Metabolism describes the sum total of the physical and chemical processes by which cell components transform matter and energy needed to sustain life.
How are biological molecules synthesized?
Biological molecules are synthesized from monomers to produce complex structures, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
What types of energy inputs can cells use?
Cells can use light energy or chemical energy in complex molecules as energy inputs.
What types of matter are necessary for cells to survive?
Cells need gases, simple nutrients, and ions as types of matter to survive.
What role does metabolism play in cells?
Answer: Metabolism is crucial for transforming matter and energy to sustain life through physical and chemical processes.
What are some examples of complex biological structures synthesized from monomers?
Examples include carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
What is cellular metabolism, and what does it involve?
Cellular metabolism is the combination of all chemical pathways in an organism, involving the transformation of matter and energy.
What are the essential energy and matter inputs for living organisms?
Essential inputs include energy (such as light energy or chemical energy in complex molecules) and matter (including gases, simple nutrients, and ions).
Question: Summarize the four types of biomacromolecules by their monomers, functions, and sources.
Carbohydrates
Monomers: Monosaccharides
Functions: Energy source, structural support
Sources: Plants, fruits, grains
Proteins
Monomers: Amino acids
Functions: Enzymes, structural components, signaling
Sources: Meat, beans, nuts
Lipids
Monomers: Fatty acids and glycerol
Functions: Energy storage, cell membrane structure, signaling
Sources: Oils, fats, avocados
Nucleic acids
Monomers: Nucleotides
Functions: Genetic information storage and transfer
Sources: All living cells
What are the key components of the fluid mosaic model?
Phospholipid Bilayer: The fundamental structure consisting of two layers of phospholipids.
Proteins: Embedded within or attached to the phospholipid bilayer, including integral and peripheral proteins.
Cholesterol: Embedded among the phospholipids, contributing to membrane fluidity.
Carbohydrates: Attached to proteins (glycoproteins) or lipids (glycolipids) on the extracellular surface of the membrane.
How does the phospholipid bilayer contribute to the fluid mosaic model?
The phospholipid bilayer provides the basic structural framework of the membrane, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward, creating a semi-permeable barrier.
What role do membrane proteins play in the fluid mosaic model?
Membrane proteins facilitate various functions including transport (channel and carrier proteins), signaling (receptor proteins), and maintaining cell structure (cytoskeletal proteins).
How does cholesterol affect the fluid mosaic model?
Cholesterol stabilizes the membrane’s fluidity, making it less permeable to very small water-soluble molecules and preventing the fatty acids from sticking together.
What are glycoproteins and glycolipids, and what is their function?
Glycoproteins and glycolipids are carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids, respectively. They play key roles in cell recognition, signaling, and adhesion.
