Topic 1 Key Concepts In BIO Flashcards
Picometre (pm)
A quantitative unit of length. One picometre is equal to × 10-12 metre.
Plasmid
Loops of DNA found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells
A type of cell found in bacteria that does not contain a nucleus.
Proteases
- Enzymes that break down proteins into amino acids.
Protein
A large molecule that is synthesised from amino acids.
Rate of reaction
The speed at which reactants are converted into products.
Ribosomes
Ribosomes - Sub-cellular structures that are the site of protein synthesis.
Specialised cell
A cell that has a structure which makes it adapted to its function.
Sperm cell
Sperm cell - A specialised male sex cell that is involved in reproduction.
Vacuole
An organelle found in plant cells which stores cell sap and supports the cell.
Mitochondria
An organelle that is the site of respiration.
Nucleus
Nucleus - An organelle found in most eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material of the cell and controls the activities of the cell.
Osmosis
The diffusion of water molecules from a region of high water concentration to a region of lower water concentration across a partially permeable membrane.
.
Plasmid
Plasmid - Loops of DNA found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
Enzyme
Enzyme - A biological catalyst that increases the rate of reactions in living organisms.
Eukaryotic
A type of cell found in plants and animals that contains a nucleus.
Flagella
A long hair-like structure found on bacterial cells that is used for cell movement.
Haploid
A cell that contains a single copy of each chromosome (i.e. half the number of chromosomes).
Iodine test
A chemical test that produces a blue/black colour when iodine solution is added to a sample containing starch.
Light microscopes
Light microscope - A type of microscope that uses a series of lenses to magnify the visible light reflecting off a specimen. It has a lower magnification and resolution than an electron microscope.
Lipases
Enzymes that break down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
Lipid
Lipid - A large molecule that is synthesised from fatty acids and glycerol.
Magnification
Magnification - The number of times bigger an image appears compared to the original object, calculated using the formula:
Diffusion
The net spreading out of particles from a high concentration to a lower concentration (down their concentration gradient).
Diploid cell
Diploid cell - A cell that contains two copies of each chromosome (i.e. a full set of chromosomes).
Egg cell
A specialised female sex cell involved in reproduction.
Electron microscope
Electron microscope - A type of microscope that uses a beam of electrons, focused using magnets, to produce an image of a specimen. It has a greater magnification and resolution than a light microscope.
Emulsion test
A chemical test that produces a cloudy emulsion when performed on lipids.
Active transport
The movement of substances from a low concentration to a higher concentration (against the concentration gradient) across a membrane, with the use of energy from respiration.
Benedict’s test
A chemical test used to test for reducing sugars that produces a different colour based on the amount of reducing sugar present.
Biuret test
*Biuret test - A chemical test that produces a purple colour when it is added to a solution containing protein.
Carbohydrate
Carbohydrate - A large molecule that is synthesised from simple sugars.
Cell
The basic building block of all living organisms.
Cell membrane
A partially permeable barrier that surrounds the cell.
Cell wall
An outer layer made of cellulose that strengthens plant cells.
Chloroplast
An organelle that is the site of photosynthesis.
Chromosomes
A long, coiled molecule of DNA that carries genetic information in the form of genes.
Cilia
Cilia - Hair-like structures found on ciliated epithelial cells which waft substances across the surface of the tissue in one direction.
Active site
A specific region on an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction takes place.
Active transport
The movement of substances from a low concentration to a higher concentration (against the concentration gradient) across a membrane, with the use of energy from respiration.
