Year 11 ATAR Human Biology Semester 1 Notes

Cell Membrane

A selectively permeable barrier made of a phospholipid bilayer that controls the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell.

Selective Permeability

The ability of the cell membrane to allow certain molecules to pass through more easily than others.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across the cell membrane without the need for energy, including diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.

Active Transport

The process of moving molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP), such as the sodium-potassium pump.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid inside the cell that contains organelles and is the site for biochemical reactions.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains DNA and controls cell functions, enclosed by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, where cellular respiration occurs and ATP is produced.

Ribosomes

The cellular structures where protein synthesis (translation) occurs, can be free or attached to the rough ER.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that plays a role in protein synthesis (rough ER) and lipid synthesis (smooth ER).

Golgi Apparatus

The organelle that modifies and packages proteins for secretion or use within the cell.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers surfaces, providing protection, secretion, absorption, and excretion.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues, examples include bone, cartilage, and blood.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that contracts to produce movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits electrical impulses; composed of neurons and glial cells.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism.

Anabolic Reactions

Reactions that build complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy (ATP).

Catabolic Reactions

Reactions that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body by lowering activation energy.

Aerobic Respiration

A metabolic process that uses oxygen to produce ATP from glucose.

Heart Structure

The heart consists of four chambers: right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

Blood Vessels

The network of arteries, veins, and capillaries that transport blood throughout the body.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs; oxygen diffuses into the blood and carbon dioxide diffuses out.

Digestive System

The system responsible for the ingestion and breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.

Kidney Function

The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products, regulate electrolyte balance, and produce urine.

Musculoskeletal System

The organ system that enables humans and other animals to move using the muscular and skeletal systems.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body despite changes in the external environment.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to research and experimentation that involves forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

Cell Membrane Transport Mechanisms

Differentiate between passive and active transport across the cell membrane.

Organelle Functions

Describe the primary functions of the main organelles within a cell.

Tissue Types and Functions

Outline the four main types of tissues in the human body and their primary roles.

Metabolism Overview

Briefly explain the processes of anabolism and catabolism.

Enzyme Catalysis

Summarize how enzymes affect chemical reactions by reducing activation energy.

Aerobic Respiration Stages

List the main stages of aerobic respiration and their importance.

Heart Anatomy

Identify the four chambers of the heart and their functions.

Blood Vessel Types

Name the three types of blood vessels and describe their roles in circulation.

Alveolar Gas Exchange

Explain how oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the alveoli.

Digestive Processes

Outline the main steps involved in the digestion of food.

Kidney Filtration

Describe the processes by which kidneys filter blood and produce urine.

Musculoskeletal System Interaction

Explain how the muscular and skeletal systems work together to produce movement.

Homeostatic Mechanisms

Give examples of how the body maintains stable internal conditions.

Steps in the Scientific Method

List the key steps involved in the scientific method.

Phospholipid Bilayer Structure

Describe the arrangement of phospholipids in the cell membrane and its importance for selective permeability.

Role of Cholesterol in Cell Membrane

What role does cholesterol play in maintaining the fluidity of the cell membrane?

Aquaporins

What are aquaporins, and why are they significant in cell membranes?

Exocytosis

Explain the process of exocytosis and its role in cellular secretion.

Endocytosis

Describe the different types of endocytosis (phagocytosis, pinocytosis, receptor-mediated endocytosis) and their functions.

Role of the Nuclear Envelope

How does the nuclear envelope regulate the movement of substances between the nucleus and the cytoplasm?

Structure and Function of Nucleolus

Describe the structure and primary function of the nucleolus within the nucleus.

Role of Cristae in Mitochondria

What are cristae, and how do they enhance the function of mitochondria?

Matrix of Mitochondria

What is the function of the mitochondrial matrix and what key processes take place there?

Skeletal Muscle

Describe the structure and function of skeletal muscle tissue, including the arrangement of muscle fibers and their role in voluntary movement.

Cardiac Muscle

How does cardiac muscle differ from skeletal muscle in terms of structure and function, particularly in the context of heart contractions?

Smooth Muscle

Explain the role of smooth muscle tissue in the body, including its location and function in involuntary movements such as digestion and blood vessel constriction.

Neurons Structure

Describe the structure including dendrites, axons, and synapses and how it facilitates nerve impulses

Importance of Myelin Sheath

What is the importance of myelin sheath on axons, including the cells that create them?

Role of Neurotransmitters

What is the role of neurotransmitters between nerve cells?

Glycolysis

Detail the steps and products of glycolysis.

Krebs Cycle

Outline the Krebs cycle, including its inputs, outputs, and significance in ATP production.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Explain how the electron transport chain works to produce ATP, and its role in oxidative phosphorylation.

Hydrostatic Pressure in Kidney Filtration

Explain how hydrostatic pressure affects the volume status of the kidney and it's effect on the overall human body

Process of Reabsorption

Where does most reabsorption take place in the nephron?