Biology Lecture Notes Review

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the elements of life, properties of water, cellular classification, and the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Major elements of life

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur.

Properties of water

Essential for life; serves as a medium for biochemical reactions, has unique structure and properties like adhesion and cohesion.

Capillary action

The ability of water to flow in opposition to gravitational forces, essential for transporting water in plants.

Hydration shell

A sphere of water molecules surrounding each solute ion based on polarity.

Density of water

Water is denser in liquid form than in solid (ice), allowing ice to float and support life below.

pH of blood

Typically maintained at 7.4; buffered to prevent drastic changes affecting physiological processes.

Classification of life

Organisms classified into domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota, encompassing various kingdoms.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells without a defined nucleus, containing circular DNA and lacking membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells with a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; found in plants, animals, fungi.

Endosymbiotic theory

Explains the evolution of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic ancestors, including mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Endomembrane system

A system of organelles in eukaryotic cells that regulates protein traffic and performs metabolic functions.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines made of rRNA and proteins, involved in synthesizing proteins by translating mRNA.

Prions

Infectious proteins that cause degenerative diseases and cannot replicate themselves.

Lysozyme

A water-soluble protein that has ionic and polar regions to interact with water, found in tears and saliva.

Amphoteric nature of water

Water can act as both an acid and a base, capable of ionization to produce H+ and OH-.

Specific heat capacity of water

Water's ability to absorb high amounts of thermal energy before increasing in temperature.