Biomolecules and Cellular Structure Overview

These flashcards cover various fundamental concepts in biomolecules, cellular structure, and microscopy as outlined in the lecture notes.

Isomers

Molecules that have the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements.

Terpene

A class of biomolecules composed of two or more isoprene units, often found in essential oils.

Prostaglandin

A class of lipid compounds that are derived from fatty acids and have important functions in signaling.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate a chemical reaction.

Anabolic Steroid

A class of synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of male sex hormones and promote muscle growth.

Chaperone Protein

A protein that assists in the proper folding and assembly of other proteins.

Motif (in protein structure)

A recurring pattern of secondary structure in proteins.

Amylopectin

A branched polymer of glucose that is part of starch, differing from amylose which is unbranched.

Helical Structure

A structural arrangement commonly formed by polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Planet Earth Age

Estimated to be approximately 4.6 billion years old.

First Prokaryotic Cells Appearance

Approximately 3.5 billion years ago.

Photosynthetic Prokaryotic Algae Appearance

Referred to as having first appeared about 2.7 billion years ago.

Environmental Consequence of Photosynthetic Prokaryotic Algae

Increase in atmospheric oxygen levels.

First Eukaryotic Cells Appearance

Approximately 2.1 billion years ago.

First Multicellular Organisms Emergence

Approximately 1.5 billion years ago.

Three Domains of Life

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota.

Primitive Microscope Developer

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

Observation of Cork Under Microscope

By Robert Hooke.

Cell as Basic Unit of Life Suggestion

By Schleiden and Schwann.

Cell Theory Third Tenet

Cells arise only from pre-existing cells.

Micrometers to Millimeters

1000 micrometers (μm) are equivalent to 1 millimeter (mm).

Typical Diameter of Plant or Animal Cell

Ranges from 10 to 30 micrometers (μm).

Single-Cell Green Alga Exception

Acetabularia, which can grow up to 5 cm.

Total Protein Molecules in a Single Cell

Approximately 7.9 billion.

Comparing Sizes: Virus vs Cell

A 10 μm cell is larger than a 100 nm virus.

Size Order: Virus, Bacteria, Frog Egg, Animal Cell, Lipid

Frog egg > Animal cell > Bacteria > Virus > Lipid.

High Surface-Area-to-Volume Ratio Importance

Allows efficient exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste.

Surface-Area-to-Volume Ratio: Small vs Large Cube

Small cubes have a larger ratio than large cubes.

Prokaryotic Cell Characteristic

Absence of a nucleus.

Magnification vs Resolution in Microscopy

Magnification increases image size while resolution increases discriminable detail.

Fluorescence Microscopy

Uses UV light to make stained dyes emit light.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Resolution

Achieves higher resolution because electrons have much narrower wavelengths than light.

Live Specimens and TEM

Cannot be observed due to the vacuum required in the microscope column.

Technique for 3D Internal Contour Production

Freeze fracture or freeze etching.

Primary Purpose of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

To observe the surface detail of cells.

Specimen Coating in SEM

Coated with gold to stimulate the scattering of surface electrons when hit by the electron beam.

Structure Surrounding Cell Nucleus

Nuclear envelope, a double-membrane structure.

Communication between Nucleoplasm and Cytoplasm

Nuclear pores, which are protein-lined structures.

Tube-like Structure of Microtubules Subunits

Composed of alpha and beta tubulin.

Role of Spindle Fibers in Cell Division

To bond to kinetochores and pull chromatids apart.

Microtubules Arrangement in Centrioles

Arranged in triplets in a ring formation.

Microtubule Arrangement in Cilia and Flagella

A 9+2 arrangement (nine doublets surrounding two singlets).

Microtubule Organizing Center of Flagellum

Basal body.

Flagellum Motion in Sperm Cell

Whip-like motion that pushes the cell.

Specific Sequence of Motion for Cilium

Power stroke followed by a recovery stroke.

Microfilament Protein Lining Inside Cells

Actin.

Function of Contractile Ring of Microfilaments

To pinch the cell into two daughter cells during animal cell division.

Amoebas Movement Using Microfilaments

By polymerizing actin to extend pseudopods.

Motor Protein for Vesicle Movement

Kinesin, which uses ATP.

Difference Between Smooth ER and Rough ER

Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface, while Smooth ER does not.

Function of Golgi Body's 'Trans' Face

Involved in secretion and shipping products.

Organelle Responsible for Synthesizing Lysosomes

The Golgi body.

Term for Cell Consuming Its Own Organelles

Autophagy.

Lysosomal Enzyme Structure in Sperm

The acrosome, which helps penetrate an egg.

Syndrome from Defective Lysosomal Enzymes

Hurler's Syndrome.

Function of Catalase in Microbodies

To break down hydrogen peroxide.

Plant Organ with High Leucoplast Concentration

A potato or other starch-storing tubers.

Primary Function of Chromoplasts in Tomato

To give cells their red color.

Evidence for Endosymbiosis of Mitochondria and Chloroplasts

They possess their own DNA, ribosomes, and the ability to produce proteins.

Cell Membrane Contains Cholesterol

Found only in animal cell membranes.

Integral vs Peripheral Membrane Proteins

Integral proteins are embedded in the membrane; peripheral proteins are located on the surface.

Location of Hydrophobic Amino Acids in Transmembrane Protein

In the portion of the protein spanning the interior of the phospholipid bilayer.

Water Movement Across Phospholipid Bilayer

Generally limited due to being a polar molecule in a hydrophobic interior.

Factors Making Molecule Passage Difficult Through Membrane

Large size and the presence of an electrical charge.

Primary Functions of Membrane Proteins

To communicate messages and to facilitate transport of particles.