Topic 1 Using Spec Flashcards
In the sperm cell how has the acrosome adapted to its function
Contains enzymes so that the sperm can penetrate an egg - at tip of head
How has the haploid nucleus adapted to its function
As the head contains the genetic material for fertilisation in a haploid nucleus
How has the mitochondria adapted to its function in the sperm cell
The middle piece is packed with mitochondria to release energy needed to swim and fertilise the egg
How was the tail in the sperm cell adapted to its function
The tail enables the sperm to swim
Why do the egg cells contain nutrients in the cytoplasm
To provide nourishment to the fertilised egg as it needs nutrients for further growth
How was the cell membrane adapted to its function in the egg cell
The cell membrane changes after fertilisation by a single sperm so that no more sperm can enter
How are ciliated epithelial adapted to their function
They have cilia which are hair like structures on the top of the cell they move substances in one direction and move mucus up the throat where it can be swallowed
What has the change in microscope technology allowed
Brought in electron microscopes which allow us to see sub cellular structures with more clarity and detail and increase our understanding of the structures
Explain the mechanism of enzyme action including the active site and enzyme specificity
Enzymes fold into complex 3D shapes that allow smaller molecules to fit into them. Where the molecules fit is called the active site. The shape of the active site matches the shape of its substrate molecules. This makes enzymes highly specific
Explain how enzymes can be denatured due to changes in the shape of the active site
When enzymes are exposed to extremes of ph or high temperatures the shape of their active site may change. Them the substrate will no longer fit into the enzymes
Why are enzymes important as biological catalysts
As they have to break down the larger molecules of food into smaller ones to get absorbed into the blood stream
Explain how the energy contained in food can be measured using calorimetry
a piece of food is burned and the released energy is used to heat a known quantity of water. The temperature change (∆T) of the water is then used to determine the amount of energy in the food.
Osmosis in potatoes
When potato is places in salt water all the water inside the potato moves out by osmosis
