Biology 20A – Cell and Molecular Biology

This set of flashcards is designed to help students review key concepts in Cell and Molecular Biology, focusing on biochemistry, macromolecules, enzymes, cellular structures, and reproductive processes.

What are the predominant atoms found in a typical cell?

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

What is the significance of polar covalent bonds in water?

They allow molecules to interact via hydrogen bonding.

What is the pH scale used to measure?

The concentration of protons in a solution.

What is the role of buffers in biological systems?

Buffers help maintain a stable pH in biological systems.

What are macromolecules?

Large biological molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids.

What is a peptide bond?

A covalent bond formed between amino acids in a protein.

What do ribose and deoxyribose have in common?

They are both five-carbon sugars found in nucleotides.

What is the fluid-mosaic model?

A model of cell membrane structure that describes the membrane as a mosaic of diverse protein molecules embedded in a fluid bilayer of phospholipids.

What is the function of the sodium-potassium ATPase?

It maintains the electrical potential across the plasma membrane by moving sodium out and potassium into the cell.

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both.

What is the role of microtubules in cells?

Microtubules provide structure, shape, and aid in cell movement and transport.

What triggers the cell cycle progression?

Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases regulate the cell division process.