UPCAT BIOLOGY PROFICIENCY POINTERS

Cell Membrane

• double layer of lipids that sorrounds the cell

• also known as “gatekeeper”, controlling what moves in and out of the cell

Nucleus

• separated from the cytoplasm by a thickened membrane that is more selective than the cell membrane

• known as the “control center”, for it contains all the genetic information

Cytoplasm

• semi-fluid liquid (jelly-like) that fills the cell and holds the components of a cell organelles and other cellular contents that are immersed or suspended

• holds dissolved nutrients such as amino acids and sugars

• contains high-organized structure called “organelles”

Mitochondria

• “powerhouse of the cell” (MERALCO)

• energy carrier obtained from food consumed

• ___________ - plural form

  mitochondrion - singular form

Chloroplast

• site of photosynthesis

• contains green chlorophyll (which gives off the green pigment to leaves)

Lysosomes

• breaks down cell waste using enzymes (SEPTIC TANK)

• contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest materials entering the cell

• enzymes are in the vacuoles so that they don’t destroy the cell itself

Rough Endoplamastic Reticulum (ER)

• has ribosomes attached

Smooth Endoplamastic Reticulum (ER)

• has NO ribosomes attached (kaya nga smooth)

• transportation system of the cell

Golgi Apparatus/Bodies

• manufactures, synthesizes, stores, and distributes hormones, enzymes and other protein materials (WAREHOUSE/PROCESSING CENTER)

Peroxisomes

• contain enzymes

• serves as metabolic assistance to organelles

• specialize in synthesizing and breaking down lipids

Vacuoles

• fluid-filled sacs that serve as storage of water, organic nutrients, proteins, pigments, a variety of salts, sugar, and some weak acids (CABINET/ARCHIVES)

Basal Bodies

• short, cylindrical microtubules which play a role in cell movement by directing the formation of cilia (tiny hair) and flagella (long tail)

Cell Wall

• rigid structure that sorrounds and protects cell membrane

• made up of cellulose

• only found in plant cells and bacteria

Centrioles

• small cylindrical bodies which lie just outside the nucleus in animal cells

• play a role in cell division and cell motility (ability of cell to move one place from another)

Nucleolus

• organelle within the nucleus which contains RNA, proteins, and some DNA

• plays a role in the synthesis of ribosomal DNA

Chromosomes

• composed mainly of DNA (form of DNA) arranged in genes

• hereditary information of the cell

Ribosome

• organelles that use instruction from the nucleus

• written in mRNA

• to build proteins (FACTORY TO MAKE PROTEINS)

Turgor Pressure

• type of pressure that determines the amount of water maintained inside the cell to counterbalance the environment outside the cell

• necessary for the cell to adjust to its needs and environment

Protein Degradation

• process by which proteins are broken down into the smallest units, called amino acids

Protein Synthesis

• process of combining amino acids to produce peptide chains to reconstruct proteins

Cell Division

• process of cell reproduction following several stages to produce 2 daughter cells

Respiration

• release of energy by oxidation (breaks down glucose and releases high-energy electrons) of food

Assimilation

• absorption of nutrients

Regulation

• maintaining stability of organism’s chemical makeup under constantly changing internal and external environment (homeostasis)

Synthesis

• building up of complex molecules from simpler compounds

Irritability

• response to stimuli

Movement

• ability to change position

Bioluminescence

• production of internal light within some organisms

Transportation

• movement of nutrient, water, ions, and other materials into and out of various cells and tissues of organisms

• this process includes absorption of small molecules across cell membranes and secretion of biochemical substances such as enzymes, mucous, and hormones

Metabolism

• the whole sum of reactions that occur throughout the body within each cell and that provide the body with energy

Anabolism

• building up/forming more complex molecules for growth, repair, and reproduction

• EX. photosynthesis

Catabolism

• breaking down complex molecules to release energy from chemical bonds

• EX. cellular respiration

Ingestion

• taking in food

Digestion

• special form of catabolism that breaks down food into smaller molecules (nutrients) and releases energy

Secretion

• formation of useful substances

Absorption

• taking in/absorbing nutrients by cells

• allows gas exchange, in some species such as plants and fungi

Excretion

• getting rid of wastes of the cells

Reproduction

• process by which an organism produces offspring either sexually or asexually

Sexual Reproduction

• requires the union of male and female gametes called “fertilization”

Asexual Reproduction

• without the use of gametes (sex cells)

• one parent can reproduce by itself

Fission

• splitting of the body of an organism into 2 identical parts

• EX. bacteria

Budding

• growing of bud out of the parent cells or bodies which when detached can grow into another organism that resembles the appearance of the parent

• for aquatic animals

• EX. sponge

Sporulation

• spore formation as in fern plant and mushrooms

External Fertilization

union of sperm cells outside the body of female organisms

EX. seashells, starfishes, frogs, fishes, etc.

Internal Fertilization

• union of sperm cells and egg cells inside the body of female organisms

• EX. higher forms of animals and humans