BIOL 101 Unit 2 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to biomolecules, cells, energy, and photosynthesis as outlined in the study guide.

What are the four classes of large biological molecules (biomolecules)?

Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids.

What is the difference between a monomer and a polymer?

A monomer is a single unit, while a polymer is a chain of repeating monomers.

What is the chemical property that all lipids share?

All lipids are hydrophobic or nonpolar.

What is a fatty acid?

A fatty acid is a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at one end.

How does the shape of a trans fatty acid differ from a cis fatty acid?

Trans fatty acids have hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, while cis fatty acids have them on the same side.

What are the three classes of lipids and their functions?

Fats and Oils (energy storage), Phospholipids (membrane structure), Steroids (hormonal functions).

What is the structure of a monosaccharide?

A single sugar molecule, such as glucose, typically has a ring or straight-chain structure.

What are the structures of polysaccharides?

Long chains of monosaccharides, examples include starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin.

What are proteins primarily made of?

Proteins are made up of amino acids.

What does it mean for a protein to be 'folded'?

A protein is 'folded' when it assumes its specific three-dimensional shape necessary for its function.

What is protein denaturation? What conditions can cause it?

Denaturation is the loss of a protein's structure and function due to factors like heat, pH changes, or chemical exposure.

What is the flow of genetic information in a cell?

DNA → RNA → Protein.

Compare the structure of DNA and RNA.

DNA is double-stranded, RNA is single-stranded; DNA uses deoxyribose sugar, RNA uses ribose sugar.

What are the general features that all cells have?

All cells have a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material.

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells do.

Describe the function of the nucleus.

The nucleus houses genetic material and controls cellular functions.

What are the components that make up biological membranes?

Biological membranes consist of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

What is passive transport?

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a membrane without using energy, down their concentration gradient.

What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy based on position.

What is ATP and its role in the cell?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells.

What is the overall reaction of aerobic cellular respiration?

C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O + ATP.

What is the function of enzymes during chemical reactions?

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

What is the active site of an enzyme?

The active site is the specific region where substrates bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Why is the structure of enzymes important for their function?

The specific shape of an enzyme allows it to bind to its substrate with precision, determining its catalytic activity.