Module 2 Flashcards
What is the main difference between gram positive and gram negative bacteria?
Gram positive bacteria have thicker cell walls which can hold the gram-stain. Gram negative bacteria are counter-stained red
How is image magnification calculated?
Magnification equals ‘size of image’ divided by ‘actual size’
What are the main differences between light microscopes and electron microscopes?
Electron microscopes require a vacuum to operate, produce a black and white image, and can magnify up to 500000 times, but specimens must be dead. Light microscopes can only magnify up to 2000 times, but specimens can be alive
Describe the features of a Eukaryotic nucleus, including the nucleolus
The nucleus contains the cell’s DNA, wrapped in histone-complexes during interphase, to form chromatin. It has a double membrane and within it lies the nucleolus, which is the site of ribosome production
Outline the structure and basic role of mitochondria
Mitochondria are the site of the final stages of cellular respiration, and have two membranes. The inner membrane contains folds called cristae and holds the matrix (fluid). Mitochondria also have their own DNA, known as mtDNA
What are Vesicles and lysosomes?
Vesicles are membranous sacs which transport molecules in a cell. Lysosomes are vesicles with hydrolytic enzymes, which break down waste products
What is the Cytoskeleton (of a eukaryotic cell)?
The cytoskeleton is a three-component system that gives support. Microfilaments control movement, microtubules provide structure and intermediate-fibres give the cell strength and rigidity
What are centrioles?
Centrioles are an extra component of the cytoskeleton composed of microtubules - a pair is called a centrosome - they organise the spindle fibres in mitosis
What are the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticula?
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesises lipids and carbohydrates and the rough endoplasmic reticulum (which can be identified by the ribosomes on its surface) synthesises proteins from amino acids
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?
The modify and package proteins (into vesicles)
What is the cell wall made from in a plant cell?
Cellulose
What is a vacuole and what is the name given to its membrane?
A vacuole is a sac of sap in the cytoplasm of plant cells that helps to maintain turgor, its membrane is called a tonoplast
What is the basic structure and function of a chloroplast?
Chloroplasts are the organelle involved in photosynthesis. They have a double membrane which contains a stroma (fluid) and thylakoids, which are connected by lamellae. A stack of thylakoids is called a granum. Starch grains can also often be found in the stroma
List three main differences between the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Prokaryotic cells contain a small molecule of DNA, with many operons, and have 70-subunit (70s) ribosomes, instead of 80s, and have no membrane bound organelles
Briefly explain the theory of endosymbiosis
The suggestion that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living prokaryotes who migrated into other cells
What is the difference between alpha and beta glucose?
Alpha glucose has the OH group ‘that switches places’ at the ‘bottom’ of the molecule / below the plane
Which polysaccharides does alpha glucose form?
1-4 Amylose and 1-4/1-6 Amylopectin A.K.A: Starch and also glycogen (branched). Both are insoluble
Which polysaccharides does beta glucose alternate to form?
Cellulose, which is straight and unbranched
Explain Benedict’s Test for Reducing Sugars
Reducing Sugars reduce copper (2+) ions of the solution and turn it progressively ‘redder’ after boiling
Explain Benedict’s Test for Non-Reducing Sugars
The sugars are boiled with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate is added to neutralise the solution. Then the reagent is added and boiled again - the non-reducing sugars now show a colour change
Explain the Iodine Test
A test for starch, where aqueous iodine is added and a positive result turns the solution (from orange) to purple/black
How are triglycerides formed?
A molecule of glycerol binds to 3 fatty acid chains in a condensation reaction (making ester bonds)
Which type of fats are considered more healthy?
Unsaturated fats
What are sterols?
sterols are complex alcohol molecules (such as cholesterol)
Explain the Emulsion Test
This tests for lipids and fats. When the sample is mixed with ethanol and water, a cloudy white emulsion will form if lipids are present
What is a peptide bond and how is it formed?
A peptide bond is a bond between a carboxylic acid group and an amine group, formed by condensation
Explain the four levels of protein structure
Primary: sequence of amino acids
Secondary: hydrogen bonding into alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets
Tertiary: Final folding, inter-molecular forces and disulphide bridges, hydrophobic r-groups fold inwards, away from water
Quarternary: Combination of multiple protein subunits to make enzymes and hormones
Explain the Biuret Test
It identifies proteins, the biuret solution (NaOH and copper sulphate) turns lilac/violet if positive
What are the three main protein types?
Globular: compact and generally water soluble
Fibrous: long and insoluble
Conjugate: contain a non-protein prosthetic group
Describe Keratin
A strong, protein in hair and nails