Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Review

Flashcards to review key concepts from biochemistry, cellular biology, and foundational scientific math.

What are the three types of subatomic particles in an atom?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What defines a non-polar covalent bond?

A non-polar covalent bond is formed when two non-metal atoms share electrons equally.

What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

The independent variable is manipulated in an experiment, while the dependent variable is measured as a response.

What is the Octet Rule in relation to electron configuration?

Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to have eight electrons in their outer shell.

What does the term 'hydrolysis' refer to?

The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

What are the three main characteristics of prokaryotic cells?

Lack a nucleus, smaller than eukaryotic cells, and simpler in structure.

Define ‘pH’.

A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, where lower values are more acidic and higher values are more basic.

What are the two types of metabolism?

Catabolism (breakdown of molecules) and anabolism (synthesis of molecules).

How do you calculate the mass number of an atom?

By adding the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

What is dehydration synthesis?

A reaction that joins two molecules together by removing a molecule of water.

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Regulate what enters and leaves the cell and maintain homeostasis.

What are the three states of matter?

Solid, liquid, and gas.

Define ‘significant figures’.

The digits in a number that contribute to its precision.

What does the term ‘active transport’ mean in cellular biology?

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

The process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins.

What is the purpose of transcription?

To create RNA copies of genes from DNA.

Where does transcription occur in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

In eukaryotic cells, transcription occurs in the nucleus; in prokaryotic cells, it occurs in the cytoplasm.

Who are the key players involved in transcription?

DNA, RNA polymerase, and various other enzymes.

What are the three main steps of transcription?

1. Initiation: RNA polymerase binds to the DNA sequence near a gene. 2. Elongation: RNA polymerase moves along the DNA, creating a complementary RNA molecule. 3. Termination: The RNA polymerase encounters a signal to stop transcription, and the RNA molecule is released.

What is the purpose of translation?

To synthesize proteins using the information encoded in RNA.

What is the basic unit of matter?

An atom, which consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What are subatomic particles and their characteristics?

1. Protons: positively charged, located in the nucleus. 2. Neutrons: neutral, located in the nucleus. 3. Electrons: negatively charged, orbit the nucleus.

What are isotopes and ions?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different neutron counts. Ions are atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net charge.

What are valence electrons?

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that determine bonding.

How are elements categorized?

Elements are categorized as Metals, Non-Metals, or Metalloids.

What is a molecule?

A group of atoms bonded together.

What is a compound?

A molecule comprised of different elements.

What are organic molecules?

Molecules containing carbon, typically associated with living organisms.

What is inductive reasoning?

The process of forming broader generalizations from specific observations.

What is deductive reasoning?

Applying general principles to specific cases.

What is an independent variable?

The variable that is changed in an experiment.

What is a dependent variable?

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

What trends in the periodic table are important?

Key trends include atomic size, ionization energy, and electronegativity.

What is charge in relation to atoms and ions?

Charge refers to the electrical property of atoms and ions, which affects their interactions and bonding behavior.

How is the charge of an atom determined when it ionizes?

The charge of an atom when ionizing is determined based on electron transfer.

What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

Acts as the control center of the cell, containing genetic material (DNA) and regulating gene expression.

What is the main function of mitochondria?

They produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration, known as the powerhouse of the cell.

What is the role of ribosomes?

Sites of protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins.

What are the functions of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Rough ER is studded with ribosomes and involved in protein synthesis and processing; Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What is the function of lysosomes?

Contain digestive enzymes for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.

What role do peroxisomes play in a cell?

Contain enzymes that detoxify harmful substances and metabolize fatty acids.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis, and is composed of phospholipids and proteins.

What is cell theory?

Fundamental concepts about the characteristics of cells.

What are the main components of the cell membrane?

Composed of phospholipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and cholesterol, involved in concentration gradients and transport mechanisms.

What is passive transport?

Movement across the cell membrane that does not require energy.

What is diffusion?

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

What is osmosis?

A special case of diffusion that specifically involves the movement of water.

What are the steps involved in protein synthesis?

1. Transcription: From DNA to RNA. 2. Translation: From RNA to Protein.

What happens during transcription?

Transcription involves creating RNA copies from DNA.

What happens during translation?

Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins by translating RNA into amino acid sequences.