Biology Paper 1 Notes and Flashcards

What is the function of the cell membrane in a plant cell?

It determines which bits go in and out of the cell.

What provides structural support to a plant cell?

The cell wall and the vacuole provide structure.

Where do most reactions take place in a plant cell?

In the cytoplasm.

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis.

What is produced in the mitochondria?

Energy is produced in the mitochondria.

Where is DNA contained in an animal cell?

In the nucleus.

What key structures differ between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall, vacuole, and chloroplasts, which animal cells do not.

What is a characteristic of bacterial cells?

Bacterial cells have a chromosome with DNA not in a nucleus.

What is the function of flagella in bacteria?

Flagella are used for locomotion.

What are differentiated specialized cells?

They are various types of cells that develop to perform specific functions.

What happens during the cell differentiation process?

Certain genes are turned on and off, allowing a cell to specialize.

What is the basic calculation for magnification in microscopy?

Magnification equals image height over object height.

What is the structure of DNA?

DNA is a long strand of deoxyribonucleic acid that twists into a double helix.

What are the stages of mitosis?

Mitosis involves DNA condensing, chromosomes lining up, being pulled apart, and forming two identical daughter cells.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells have the potential to turn into any other type of cell.

How can stem cells be used in medical treatments?

They can be used to grow new cells for treating diseases and injuries.

What is diffusion?

Diffusion is the movement from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the movement of water through a partially permeable membrane.

What does active transport involve?

Active transport moves substances from low concentration to high concentration against the concentration gradient.

What defines a tissue in biology?

A tissue is made up of one type of cell carrying out one function.

What is an organ?

An organ consists of different types of cells working together for a joint function.

What are the components of the digestive system?

It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

What does bile do?

Bile emulsifies fat and neutralizes stomach acid.

What role do digestive enzymes play?

They help break down food into smaller molecules.

What is the role of lipase?

Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

What is the role of protease?

Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids.

What is the function of amylase?

Amylase breaks down starch into sugars.

What is the structure and function of enzymes?

Enzymes have a specific shape that fits substrates to catalyze reactions.

What is the role of the respiratory system?

To facilitate the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the body.

What is the function of the heart?

The heart pumps blood throughout the body.

What are the three types of blood vessels?

Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

What is the role of red blood cells?

To carry oxygen from the lungs to the body and return carbon dioxide to the lungs.

What are the components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

What causes cardiovascular disease?

It can be caused by factors like high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure.

What is the purpose of vaccines?

Vaccines help stimulate the immune system to provide protection against diseases.

What is the significance of bacteria and antibiotic resistance?

Bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

What is photosynthesis?

It is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

What are the limiting factors of photosynthesis?

Factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.

What is aerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration uses oxygen to convert glucose into energy.

What is anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces less energy than aerobic respiration.

What is metabolic rate?

Metabolic rate is the rate at which organisms convert food into energy.

What is the process of bacterial division?

Bacterial division often occurs through binary fission.

What is a contaminated culture in microbiology?

A culture that contains unwanted microorganisms.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies produced from a single clone of cells.

What can bacteria do when exposed to antibiotics?

Some bacteria may develop resistance and survive, leading to infection recurrence.