Biology 211 Exam 1 Review: Cell Structures, Lipids, Nucleic Acids, and Cell Processes

Monomer

The basic building block of a polymer, typically a small molecule that can join together with other monomers to form a larger structure.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers) connected by covalent chemical bonds.

Triglycerides

A type of lipid formed from one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids; can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated (one or more double bonds).

Phospholipids

Lipids that contain a phosphate group; they have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) 'head' and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) 'tails', making them essential for cell membrane structure.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made up of one or more chains of amino acids, essential for various biological functions.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules, including DNA and RNA, that store and transmit genetic information; composed of monomers called nucleotides.

Differences between RNA and DNA

RNA is usually single-stranded, contains ribose sugar, and has uracil instead of thymine, while DNA is double-stranded, contains deoxyribose sugar, and has thymine.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis and processing.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

A type of endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Mitosis vs Meiosis

Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that produces four genetically diverse gametes.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.

Tonicity

The ability of a solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water, typically described as isotonic, hypertonic, or hypotonic.