Sept 8th Flashcards

What is the definition of an emergent property?

A characteristic that appears when smaller components interact and become organized into a larger system.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do.

Define osmosis in a biological context.

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

What is the role of aquaporins in cells?

Aquaporins are specialized membrane proteins that allow water to cross the membrane quickly.

What does the fluid mosaic model describe?

It describes the plasma membrane as flexible and composed of various molecules that can move within it.

What is the purpose of the nucleolus in a cell?

The nucleolus produces components needed to make ribosomes.

What is the main feature of a prokaryotic cell's nucleoid?

The nucleoid contains the cell's DNA and is not surrounded by a membrane.

Identify one main function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Lipid production.

What is the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms?

Unicellular organisms are made of one cell performing all necessary functions, while multicellular organisms are made of many cells that can specialize for different functions.

What is a plasmid?

A small circular piece of DNA found in some prokaryotic cells that is separate from the main bacterial chromosome.

What occurs during active transport?

Substances are moved against their concentration gradient, requiring energy, typically from ATP.

Define passive transport.

The movement of substances across a membrane without the use of cellular energy, moving from high to low concentration.

What is the structure and function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes are cellular structures that synthesize proteins and are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

What is the significance of the surface-to-volume ratio in cells?

As a cell increases in size, its volume increases faster than its surface area, making it harder to exchange materials efficiently.

What are channel proteins and their function?

Channel proteins form a passage through the membrane that allows specific substances to move through.

What are the primary components of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane is primarily composed of phospholipids and proteins.

What is the role of the nuclear envelope?

The nuclear envelope surrounds the nucleus and separates the DNA from the cytoplasm.

What is the function of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?

The cell wall provides structural support and helps protect the cell.

What is the primary function of cilia in eukaryotic cells?

Cilia are used to move substances across the surface of the cell.

Define facilitated diffusion.

Facilitated diffusion is a type of passive transport that uses membrane proteins to help substances cross the cell membrane.

What is the significance of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

Compartmentalization allows different chemical reactions to occur in separate regions of the cell, enhancing efficiency.