Biology Quiz Cheat Sheet Review

Practice flashcards for key biology concepts from the lecture notes.

Why are viruses considered obligate cellular parasites?

They cannot reproduce or make proteins on their own and must use a host cell's machinery.

What is the difference between antigenic drift and antigenic shift in the flu virus?

Antigenic drift involves small mutations causing yearly outbreaks, while antigenic shift involves a big genetic mix leading to pandemics.

What is a virus's host range?

The types of species a virus can infect.

What is tissue tropism?

The specific cells or tissues a virus targets within a host.

What is a genome vaccine?

A vaccine that uses DNA or RNA instructions to elicit an immune response.

What are functional groups?

Small groups of atoms that give molecules specific chemical properties and functions.

What are isomers?

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

What are the four main types of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What are the key structural differences between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine, while RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

How do amino acids contribute to a protein's 3D shape?

The sequence of amino acids folds into a specific and functional three-dimensional shape.

What is the basic composition of a triglyceride?

One glycerol molecule linked to three fatty acids.

Why are fats efficient for long-term energy storage?

They contain many chemical bonds, which store a large amount of energy.

How do phospholipids contribute to the structure of cell membranes?

Their hydrophilic heads face the water, and their hydrophobic tails hide inwards, forming a bilayer.

What elements make up hydrocarbons?

Only carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).

What is a polymer?

A large molecule (macromolecule) composed of many repeated smaller units.

What is a monomer?

A single, repeating unit that can be linked together to form a polymer.

What is the process of dehydration synthesis (or condensation reaction) in forming polymers?

Monomers are joined together by losing a molecule of water.

What is hydrolysis in the context of breaking down polymers?

Polymers are broken down into monomers by adding a molecule of water.

What is a polysaccharide?

A carbohydrate made up of many sugar (monosaccharide) units linked together.

What is the main function of starch in plants?

It serves as an energy storage molecule.

What is the main function of cellulose in plants?

It is a major component of plant cell walls, providing structural support.

What is the main function of glycogen in animals?

It serves as an energy storage molecule, primarily in the liver and muscles.

What is the primary role of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA?

To store and transmit genetic information.

What is the primary function of ATP?

It serves as the main energy currency of the cell.

What is the general role of proteins in a cell?

They are the 'work molecules' involved in nearly all cellular functions.

What are the building blocks of proteins?

Amino acids.

What type of bond links amino acids together in a protein?

A peptide bond.

What is denaturation in the context of proteins?

The process by which a protein loses its specific 3D shape and, consequently, its function.

What category of biological macromolecules do fats belong to?

Lipids.

What are the characteristics of a saturated fat?

Its fatty acid chains are straight (no double bonds between carbons) and it tends to be solid at room temperature.

What are the characteristics of an unsaturated fat?

Its fatty acid chains have bends (due to double bonds between carbons) and it tends to be liquid at room temperature.

What is the basic composition of a phospholipid?

A hydrophilic head (phosphate group) and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.