Cell Biology and Metabolism Seminar Review

A series of flashcards summarizing the key concepts and details from the seminar on cellular structure and metabolism.

What is the key takeaway from the seminar on cell metabolism?

Understanding the overall systems such as the citric acid cycle versus focusing on finer details.

What do we refer to the structure that houses ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough endoplasmic reticulum.

What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Lipid synthesis, such as cholesterol and steroid hormones.

What does the Golgi apparatus do in a cell?

Modifies and packages proteins for secretion.

What organelle is primarily responsible for energy production in the cell?

Mitochondria.

What is the term used for the copying of DNA information into RNA?

Transcription.

What does translation involve in protein synthesis?

Converting the RNA sequence into a sequence of amino acids to form proteins.

What is the nucleolus responsible for?

Ribosomal RNA synthesis.

What is ATP and why is it important?

Adenosine triphosphate, it is the primary energy carrier in cells.

What is catabolism?

The breakdown of organic molecules to produce energy.

What is anabolism?

The synthesis of new organic molecules, requiring energy.

What are the three main macronutrients?

Proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

What is the primary electron carrier used in cellular respiration?

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

What is glycolysis?

The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP in the process.

What happens to pyruvate in the absence of oxygen?

It is converted to lactic acid.

What is oxidative phosphorylation?

The production of ATP using energy derived from the electron transport chain.

In which part of the cell does the citric acid cycle occur?

Mitochondrial matrix.

What byproduct is produced during aerobic respiration?

Water and carbon dioxide.

What is the role of creatine kinase in ATP production?

It catalyzes the conversion of phosphocreatine into ATP.

What is the net gain of ATP from glycolysis?

2 or 3 ATP, depending on whether glucose or glycogen is broken down.

What is the purpose of the electron transport chain?

To generate ATP by creating a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Why is oxygen critical in aerobic respiration?

It acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

What are free hydrogen ions a result of?

The metabolism of glucose during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

What structural advantage do cardiac muscle cells have?

A high density of mitochondria for continuous ATP production.

What is a major function of lysosomes?

Digestion of macromolecules and repair of the plasma membrane.

What term describes the temporary unzipping of DNA during transcription?

Denaturation.

What types of cells typically have a large amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Pancreatic cells, due to their role in protein synthesis.

What are vesicles' function in cellular activity?

Transporting materials within the cell and to the cell's exterior.

Why do red blood cells lack a nucleus?

To maximize oxygen-carrying capacity and allow for a biconcave shape.

What occurs at the Golgi apparatus after proteins are synthesized?

Proteins are modified, packaged, and directed to their destination.

What is the function of centrioles in a cell?

They play a role in cell division and organizing microtubules.

What happens to hydrogen ions in the electron transport chain?

They are used to establish a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

Where does the majority of ATP produced by cells come from?

The electron transport chain and citric acid cycle.

What is a benefit of utilizing anaerobic metabolism?

It supplies energy quickly during high-intensity exercise.

What enzyme is responsible for converting pyruvate to acetyl CoA?

Pyruvate dehydrogenase.

What condition can occur if lactic acid accumulates in muscles?

Muscle fatigue and soreness.

What does the term 'complementary' mean regarding DNA strands?

Two strands that fit together, such as A with T and G with C.

What is the relationship between catabolism and anabolism in terms of energy?

Catabolism releases energy that is used to fuel anabolic reactions.

What cellular component helps maintain acid-base balance through respiration?

Carbon dioxide.

What conclusion can be drawn about protein metabolism?

Proteins are a less preferred energy source and are mostly used for repair.

What effect does high-intensity exercise have on aerobic metabolism?

It can lead to a shift towards anaerobic metabolism for quick energy.

Which process converts ADP back to ATP?

Phosphorylation.

What does the term 'metabolism' encompass?

All the chemical reactions that occur within an organism.

What does it mean for a muscle to be 'plastic'?

The muscle's ability to adapt and remodel based on activity.

During what process are muscle fibers most likely to undergo hypertrophy?

Resistance training.

How does the structure of alveoli relate to their function?

Their simple squamous structure enables efficient gas exchange.

Why is glucose a preferred energy source for the body?

It can be metabolized quickly for immediate energy needs.

What is the impact of ATPase on ATP?

ATPase breaks down ATP to release energy.

Why is it significant that the cell membrane regulates entry and exit?

To maintain homeostasis and protect the cell's internal environment.