MCAT Prep (Biology)

What is cell theory?

The belief that all living things are made of cells, they are the most fundamental building blocks, & they only arise from preexisting cells

What is the difference between eukaryotic & prokaryotic cells?

The former contains a nucleus, while the latter doesn’t have one

What is the nuclear membrane?

The double membrane which is used to separate the cytosol from the nuclear environment

What are the nuclear pores?

Used to allow for transport between the cytoplasm & the nucleus

What are genes?

The coding regions of DNA

What are histones?

A type of protein which DNA is wrapped around

What is the nucleolus?

The location of synthesis of ribosomal RNA

What is the mitochondria comprised of?

The outer & inner membrane

What is the cristae?

The folds of the inner membrane which allows for more surface for the ETC

What is cytoplasmic inheritance?

The transmission of genetic information independent of the nucleus

What are lysosomes & who do they work with?

An organelle which has hydrolytic enzymes that help break down different substrates & work with endosomes

What is autolysis?

A process where the lysosome releases its enzymes & causes apoptosis

What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Has ribosomes which translate proteins for itself

What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Involved in lipid synthesis & detoxification

What is the golgi apparatus?

The organelle responsible for modifying cellular products & signaling their final destination

What is exocytosis?

The merging of secretory vesicle with the cell membrane

What are peroxisomes?

Organelles which facilitate the breakdown of long fatty acid chains

What is the cytoskeleton?

Helps to provide shape & structure for a cell

What are microfilaments?

Comprised of actin & allow for structural protection —> interact with myosin to coordinate movement

What is cytokinesis?

The separation of daughter cells during mitosis characterized by cleavage furrows in the actin

What are microtubules?

Comprised of tubulin & facilitate the movement of motor proteins & their vesicles

What the similarities & differences between cilia & flagella?

While both have the 9 + 2 structure, the former moves across a cell surface & the latter moves the cell itself

What are centrioles?

Part of the centrosome which plays a role in the separation of sister chromatids using kinetochores

What are intermediate filaments?

Proteins which are used to maintain cell structural integrity & can withstand massive tension

What is the epithelial tissue?

Covers the body & provides protection against pathogen invasion

What is the basement membrane?

The connective tissue that holds together epithelial tissue

What is the parenchyma?

The functional part of an organ

What are the shape classifications of epithelia? (SCC)

Squamous, columnar, & cuboidal

What are the layer classifications of epithelia? (PSS)

Psuedostratified, simple, & stratified

What is connective tissue?

Supports the body and provides a framework, while aiding formation of extracellular matrix

What is the stroma?

The supportive structure of the body

What is light microscopy?

Uses light to create a magnified image for larger specimens

What is confocal microscopy & immunohistochemistry?

The former layers images to create image, while the latter uses flagged antibodies to create better resolution

What is scanning electron microscopy?

Creates good resolution image through electrons reflecting off surface of a metal

What is transmission electron microscopy?

The best resolution technique that allows for visualization of subcellular componens

What are prokaryotes?

A type of cell whose singular, circular DNA is contained in the nucleoid region

What are archaea?

A single-celled organism that shares visual similarities to bacteria but functional similarities to eukarya

What are extremophiles?

Organisms which can survive in harsh environments

What are bacteria?

Organisms which contain a cell membrane, cytoplasm, & occasionally flagella

What are pathogens & parasites?

Bacteria that provide no benefits for humans & cause disease

What are the bacteria shape classifications? (CBS)

Cocci, bacilli, & spirilli

What are obligate aerobes?

Bacteria which require oxygen for survival

What are obligate anaerobes?

Bacteria which cannot survive within oxygenated conditions

What are facultative anaerobes?

Bacteria which switch between using oxygenated & non-oxygenated conditions

What are aerotolerant anaerobes?

Bacteria which can’t utilize oxygen, but aren’t harmed by its presence

What is the cell wall & cell membrane referred to as in bacteria?

Envelope

What do gram positive bacteria contain?

Peptidoglycan & lipoteichoic acid

What do gram negative bacteria contain?

Periplasmic space, outer membrane w/ lipopolysaccharides —> provoke immune response

What is chemotaxis?

The ability to detect chemicals & move in a particular way after