Biological Sciences for Biomedical Engineering

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on biological sciences relevant to biomedical engineering, including cell structure, function, and the distinctions between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

What are the basic units of structure and function in organisms?

Cells are the basic units of structure and function in organisms.

Who was the first human to observe a living cell?

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was probably the first human to observe a living cell.

What does the cell theory state?

Cells are the basic units of structure and function, all organisms are composed of cells, and cells come only from preexisting cells.

What are the characteristics that define a living entity?

Organization, metabolism, homeostasis, growth, response, reproduction, and evolution define a living entity.

What major types of molecules are cells composed of?

Cells are composed of amino acids, nucleotides, sugars, and fats.

What are macromolecules?

Macromolecules are large molecules made from smaller subunits (monomers) and include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

The central dogma refers to the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein.

What is gene expression?

Gene expression is when different cells use their genetic instructions differently to produce specific proteins.

How do prokaryotic cells reproduce?

Prokaryotic cells reproduce quickly by dividing in two.

What distinguishes prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes carry out protein synthesis by linking amino acids together.

What is the size difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes?

Prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes, while eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes.

What are the components of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane is composed of lipid and protein molecules.

What is the role of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

The nucleus stores and replicates the genome, the complete set of genes composed of DNA.

What are the different domains of life?

The three domains of life are Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, and Eukaryotes.

What factors limit cell size?

Cell size is limited by the surface area-to-volume ratio and the rate of diffusion.