Life at a Cellular Level Flashcards

1
Q

How do energy transformations in general affect overall entropy?

A

Energy transformations ultimately lead to increased entropy in the universe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How come processes in living organisms that increase order dont actually decrease entropy?

A

Although the processes create more order, the heat released increases overall entropy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define a dynamic steady state?

A

A continuous state of materials being supplied & waste removed.
In terms of bio reaction pathways, products from one are used in the next pathway & so never allowed to reach equilibrium.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Define Metabolism:

A

Chemical processes in a living organism that allow food to be used for growth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define Anabolism:

A

Non-spontaneous reactions, i,e, occur with a +ve delta-G value

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Define Catabolism?

A

Spontaenous reactions. I.e. occur with a -ve delta-G value

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How are catabolic & anabolicreactions related?

A

Energy produced in catabolic is used in anabolic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is ATP/ADP?

A

A free energy carrier

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does ATP/ADP do?

A

Couples anabolic & catabolic reactions through the movement of energy by phosphate group transfers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

NAme the 10 major elements in humans?

A
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Carbon
Sodium
Potassium
Sulphur
Phosphorous
Chlorine
Calcium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are functional groups important?

A

They determine how a molecule acts with others.

E.g. OH lets H bonds & water-solubility. S groups allows di-sulphide bridges

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Define configuration of a molecule?

A

Fixed arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

E.g. Cis & trans

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Define Conformation of a molecule?

A

Precise not fixed arrangement of atoms in a molecule. (those with free rotation etc)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

List the 5 types of chemical ractions that occur in living organisms:

A
  • Redox Reactions
  • C-C bonds makin/brakin
  • Internal rearrangements
  • Group transfers
  • Condensation/Hydrolysis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Example of redox reaction:

A

Glucose->pyruvate->lactate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Example of Internal reaarangement:

A

Glucose-6-Phosphate -> Fructose-6-Phosphate

part of glycolysis

17
Q

What is cytosol?

A

The organelles & fluid of the cytoplasm

18
Q

What do nucleoli do?

A

Site of ribosomal RNA synthesis & ribosomal assembly

19
Q

What does the Smooth ER do?

A

Synthesises lipids, membranes & repairs them.

20
Q

How many subunits make up a ribosome?

21
Q

What does the golgi apparatus synthesise?

A

Complex polysaccharides

22
Q

What do peroxisomes do?

A

Contain:=

  • Catalases that regulate Hydrogen Peroxide conc.
  • Oxidases that do the first part of long chain FA beta-oxidation
23
Q

Whats the function of the cytoskeleton?

A

Provide strength & support whilst still allowing for cell motility

24
Q

What 2 things make up the cytoskeleton?

A

Microfilaments

Microtubules

25
What are microfilaments?
Fine actin strands | Components of cytoskeleton
26
What are microtubules?
Components of cytoskeleton
27
What other things do microfilaments/tubules do?
- Microfilaments form microvilli in small intestine | - 9 pairs of Microtubules form cilia
28
Whats the flagellum?
Thin threadlike appendages on cells that allow for movement
29
Define a hydrogen bond?
A special bond between an electronegative atom (usually N or O) and an electropsositve H. The H must be attached to an electronegative atom already
30
How are H bonds involved in water solubility?
The solute-solute H bond & water-water H bond are replaced by water-solute H bonds
31
Are uncharged molecules water soluble?
No
32
How do uncharged molecules arrange in water?
So as to minimise disruption to water molecules, forming 'cages'
33
Define Ampithatic?
Contains both hydrophobic & hydrophilic parts.
34
Example of ampithatic molecules?
Phospholipids have hydrophilic phosphate heads & hydrophobic FA tails
35
How do phospholipids arrange in water to minimise disruption?
Into bilayers or round micelles which distance the hydrophobic end from the water molecules.
36
What is pH?
proton conc. | pH = -log[H+]
37
Henderson-Hasselbach equation:
pH = pKa + log [conjugate base]/[acid]
38
What is a buffer?
A weak acid solution which maintains pH despite having acid/alkali added
39
What do NAD, NADH & FAD do?
Act as electron carriers in redox reactions