SSTs ( Module 1) Flashcards
To
Cell Wall
The cell wall is a rigid, protective layer surrounding the cell membrane in plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria. Composed primarily of cellulose in plants, chitin in fungi, and peptidoglycan in bacteria, the cell wall provides structural support, helps maintain cell shape, and serves as a barrier against external pressures.
Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells and some algae, responsible for photosynthesis. These membranous structures contain chlorophyll pigments, facilitating the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, thereby enabling the synthesis of organic compounds and oxygen production.
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm is the semi-fluid substance that fills a cell, encompassing organelles and providing a medium for various cellular processes. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of organelles, supporting biochemical reactions, and maintaining the structural integrity of the cell.
Eukaryote
Eukaryotes represent a diverse domain of organisms characterized by cells with a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. This advanced cellular structure distinguishes them from prokaryotes, and eukaryotes encompass a broad spectrum of life forms, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
Light Microscope
The light microscope is an optical instrument employing visible light to magnify and observe specimens. Utilizing lenses and illumination, it enables the study of cellular and subcellular structures, offering a fundamental tool in biological research and diagnostics.
Magnification
Magnification is the process of enlarging the apparent size of an object, often achieved through optical instruments such as microscopes. It allows for detailed observation and analysis of structures or phenomena not easily discernible by the naked eye, thereby enhancing our understanding of intricate biological, physical, or chemical systems.
Mitochondrion
The mitochondrion is a vital, membrane-bound organelle within eukaryotic cells, recognized for its central role in energy production through aerobic respiration. This double-membraned structure harbors enzymes crucial for the conversion of nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), serving as the cellular powerhouse and underscoring its significance in metabolic processes.
Nucleus
The nucleus is a highly organized, membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells, serving as the command center for genetic information. It houses the cell’s DNA, orchestrating essential cellular functions through the regulation of gene expression and the synthesis of RNA, thereby playing a pivotal role in the cell’s growth, development, and reproduction.
Organelle
An organelle is a specialized, membrane-bound substructure within a cell that performs distinct functions, contributing to the overall cellular organization and function. These intracellular entities, such as the mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum, play integral roles in various cellular processes, emphasizing their significance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and supporting life functions.
Phospholipid
Phospholipids are essential molecules in cellular membranes, characterized by a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails. As the fundamental building blocks of lipid bilayers, they arrange themselves to form the structural basis of cell membranes, contributing to selective permeability and compartmentalization in biological membranes.
Plasma Membrane
The plasma membrane is a semipermeable barrier that surrounds and defines the boundaries of a cell. Composed of phospholipids and proteins, it regulates the passage of substances, maintains cellular integrity, and facilitates communication with the extracellular environment.
Prokaryote
A prokaryote is a unicellular organism lacking a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Found in the domains Bacteria and Archaea, prokaryotes represent a structurally simpler form of life, yet they exhibit remarkable adaptability and play crucial roles in various ecological processes.
Resolution
Resolution, in the context of microscopy, refers to the clarity and detail discernible in an image. It is a measure of the microscope’s ability to distinguish between closely spaced objects, providing a higher level of precision and information in the visualization of fine structures.
Active Transport
Active transport is a cellular process that expends energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient, typically from an area of lower concentration to higher concentration. Utilizing energy from ATP or other sources, this mechanism ensures the transportation of ions and molecules across cell membranes, maintaining cellular homeostasis and enabling the cell to accumulate essential substances.
Cell Wall
The cell wall is a rigid extracellular structure surrounding the cell membrane in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Composed of materials such as cellulose, it provides structural support, protection, and shape to the cell, contributing to the overall integrity of plant cells.
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells and some algae, responsible for photosynthesis. These green-pigmented structures contain chlorophyll, enabling the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, playing a pivotal role in the synthesis of organic compounds and oxygen production.
Cytoplasm (simpler)
Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within a cell that houses organelles and facilitates various cellular activities. Comprising cytosol and organelles, it serves as a medium for biochemical reactions supports cellular structures, and allows for the intracellular transport of substances.
Endocytosis
Endocytosis is a cellular process by which cells engulf external materials by wrapping the cell membrane around them, forming vesicles. This active transport mechanism enables the uptake of substances such as nutrients, signaling molecules, and pathogens, contributing to cellular nutrient acquisition and communication.
Enzyme
Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions within cells by lowering the activation energy required. Highly specific, these protein molecules play crucial roles in metabolism, facilitating processes such as digestion, energy production, and cellular regulation.
Fluid Mosaic Model
The fluid mosaic model describes the dynamic and flexible nature of the cell membrane. Composed of a mosaic of diverse proteins embedded in a fluid lipid bilayer, this model reflects the membrane’s ability to adapt, allowing for cellular functions such as selective permeability and signal transduction.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the complex biochemical process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. Occurring in chloroplasts, it involves the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water, utilizing the energy captured by chlorophyll during exposure to sunlight.
Respiration
Respiration encompasses cellular processes that release energy from organic molecules, typically through the consumption of oxygen. Cellular respiration, occurring in mitochondria, involves the breakdown of glucose to produce ATP, the cell’s primary energy currency, essential for various cellular activities.
Investigate
Meaning: To conduct a systematic inquiry or examination into a subject or phenomenon.
Example: “The researchers decided to investigate the impact of climate change on local biodiversity.”
Describe
Meaning: To provide a detailed account or representation of the characteristics, features, or qualities of something.
Example: “The author aimed to describe the intricate details of the ancient artifact in the historical manuscript.”
Modelling
Meaning: To create a simplified representation or simulation of a system or process to understand, analyze, or predict its behavior.
Example: “Scientists used computer models to simulate the potential effects of a new drug on the progression of a disease.”
Compare
Meaning: To examine the similarities and differences between two or more items, concepts, or phenomena.
Example: “The study aimed to compare the efficiency of two different methods in water purification.”
Examine
Meaning: To inspect, analyze, or scrutinize in detail, often to understand or assess the nature or qualities of something.
Example: “The researchers decided to examine the correlation between sleep patterns and cognitive performance.”
Relate
Meaning: To establish a connection, association, or link between different elements or variables.
Example: “The scientist sought to relate the levels of environmental pollution to the health outcomes of the local population.”
Organelles Continued Distinct Functions
Organelles in a cell perform diverse and specific functions crucial for the cell’s survival and overall functionality. For example:
Mitochondria: Generate energy through cellular respiration, producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Facilitates protein and lipid synthesis, with rough ER involved in protein synthesis and smooth ER in lipid metabolism.
Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to various cellular destinations.
Nucleus: Houses and protects genetic material (DNA), and orchestrates gene expression and cellular activities.
Chloroplasts (in plant cells): Perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy and producing glucose.
Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for breaking down and recycling cellular waste and debris.
Vacuoles: Store nutrients, and waste products, and provide structural support in plant cells.
Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins by translating genetic information from mRNA.
These distinct functions collectively contribute to the overall organization, survival, and specialized activities of eukaryotic cells.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
ATP is a high-energy molecule crucial for cellular energy transfer. Acting as a primary energy currency in cells, ATP stores and releases energy through the hydrolysis of its phosphate bonds, providing the necessary energy for various cellular processes.
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
RNA is a nucleic acid involved in the transmission of genetic information and protein synthesis. It differs from DNA in structure and function, playing essential roles in processes such as transcription and translation.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
DNA is a complex molecule that carries genetic information in cells. It consists of two strands forming a double helix and serves as a blueprint for the synthesis of RNA and, ultimately, protein production.
Cells
Cells are the basic structural and functional units of living organisms. They vary in structure and function, comprising organelles and a cell membrane, and are the building blocks of tissues, organs, and entire organisms.
Parts Of Cells
Cells consist of various organelles, including the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and others, each with specific functions contributing to the overall cellular processes.
Cytosol
Cytosol is the liquid component of the cytoplasm, excluding organelles. It contains water, ions, and organic molecules, serving as the medium for cellular activities and supporting the structural integrity of the cell.
Cellulose
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and a major component of plant cell walls. Its fibrous structure provides strength and rigidity to plant cells, contributing to the overall structural integrity of plant tissues.
Chitin
Chitin is a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods (insects, crustaceans) and the cell walls of fungi. It provides rigidity and support to these organisms.
Peptidoglycan
Peptidoglycan is a structural component of bacterial cell walls. It forms a mesh-like structure, providing strength and protection to bacterial cells.
Protists
Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, encompassing various single-celled organisms such as amoebas, algae, and protozoa. They exhibit considerable diversity in structure, habitat, and life cycle.
Aerobic Respiration
Aerobic respiration is a cellular process that utilizes oxygen to break down organic molecules, typically glucose, into carbon dioxide and water. This process occurs in the mitochondria, producing a significant amount of ATP for cellular energy.
Hydrophilic Proteins
Hydrophilic proteins have an affinity for water molecules. They often play roles in cellular signaling, transport, and maintaining the structural integrity of membranes.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis. It consists of a rough endoplasmic reticulum (with ribosomes) and a smooth endoplasmic reticulum (lacking ribosomes), each serving distinct functions in cellular processes.
Organic Compounds (with examples)
Organic compounds are carbon-based molecules found in living organisms. Examples include carbohydrates (e.g., glucose), lipids (e.g., fats), proteins (e.g., enzymes), and nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA), serving various structural and functional roles in cells.
Proteins
Proteins are complex macromolecules composed of amino acid chains, intricately folded into three-dimensional structures. These versatile biomolecules play crucial roles in virtually every aspect of cellular structure and function. Serving as enzymes, receptors, transporters, antibodies, and structural components, proteins participate in cellular signaling, metabolism, and maintaining the overall integrity and dynamic equilibrium of living organisms.
Photosynthesis (formula explained)
Photosynthesis is a complex biological process that can be represented by a simplified chemical equation. The overall formula for photosynthesis is:
6CO 2+6H 2 O→C 6 H 12 O 6 +6O 2
arrow = light energy + chlorophyll
In other words, this equation can be interpreted as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll, being transformed into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). This captures the essence of the process where plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Keep in mind that this is a simplified representation, and the actual process involves several intermediate steps within the chloroplasts.
Lipid Bilayers
Lipid bilayers are structural arrangements in cell membranes composed of two layers of phospholipid molecules. These molecules, characterized by hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails, organize themselves to form a flexible and dynamic barrier. This bilayer structure provides selective permeability, regulating the passage of substances in and out of cells, and serves as a fundamental foundation for the integrity and functionality of cellular membranes.
