Biology topic B

Biology topic B

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Carbohydrates serve as energy sources and structural components in organisms.

How are macromolecules formed from monomers?

Macromolecules are formed through condensation reactions that link monomers to create polymers.

What is hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is a reaction that breaks down large molecules into smaller ones using water.

What type of reaction breaks down polysaccharides into monosaccharides?

Hydrolysis.

What is the role of glycogen in organisms?

Glycogen serves as a storage form of glucose in animals.

Define essential amino acids.

Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

What is the significance of the genetic code?

The genetic code is a universal language that provides the instructions for protein synthesis.

What effect does extreme pH have on proteins?

Extreme pH can cause denaturation of proteins, disrupting their 3D shape and function.

What are the four main types of interactions that stabilize the tertiary structure of proteins?

Hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, disulfide covalent bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.

What is a phospholipid bilayer?

A phospholipid bilayer consists of hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails that form the fundamental structure of cell membranes.

How do glycoproteins function in cell recognition?

Glycoproteins act as markers or antigens on the cell surface that facilitate cell recognition and interactions.

What are the primary functions of membrane proteins?

Transport, receptors, cell adhesion, cell-cell recognition, and immobilized enzymes.

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane.

What are aquaporins?

Aquaporins are channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water across cell membranes.

What is the role of stomata in plants?

Stomata regulate gas exchange and water loss in leaves.

What are the three types of muscle tissues in the human body?

Skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle.

What is the sliding filament theory?

The sliding filament theory explains how muscles contract when actin filaments slide over myosin filaments.

What is the function of titin in muscle cells?

Titin prevents overstretching and helps return the sarcomere to its original length after contraction.

How do blood vessels differ in function?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, capillaries facilitate exchange between blood and tissues, and veins return blood to the heart.

What is the role of hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in red blood cells to transport it throughout the body.

What mechanisms do organisms use to adapt to their environment?

Organisms adapt through genetic, physiological, and behavioral mechanisms.

What are the two types of ecological niches?

Fundamental niche (potential role) and realized niche (actual role under competition).

What is competitive exclusion?

Competitive exclusion occurs when two species compete for the same niche, potentially leading to the extinction of one.