Biology: Cell Structure, Function, and Scientific Principles

What is life considered as an emergent property?

Life arises from interactions among molecules and cells.

What is an example of cellular organization in biology?

The nervous system, where neurons form nervous tissue and organs like the brain.

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning forms general conclusions from specific observations; deductive reasoning makes specific predictions from general principles.

What is a hypothesis?

A testable explanation, such as 'Plants grow taller with increased sunlight.'

What is a theory in scientific terms?

A well-supported explanation, such as the theory of evolution, backed by extensive evidence.

How does structure determine function in biology?

Biological structures are shaped to perform specific functions, like the phospholipid bilayer allowing selective permeability.

What is natural selection?

The process by which individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully.

What is the atomic structure of an atom?

Atoms consist of protons (positive), neutrons (neutral) in the nucleus, and electrons (negative) in orbitals.

What are isotopes?

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, such as Carbon-14.

What is the difference between polar and nonpolar bonds?

Polar bonds involve unequal sharing of electrons, while nonpolar bonds involve equal sharing.

What is a covalent bond?

A bond formed by sharing electrons between atoms.

What is an ionic bond?

A bond formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

What is cohesion in water?

The attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding.

What is adhesion in water?

The attraction between water and other polar substances, allowing capillary action.

What is the significance of water's high specific heat?

It stabilizes body temperature and moderates climate by absorbing heat.

What is the pH scale?

A logarithmic scale measuring hydrogen ion concentration.

What role do buffers play in biological systems?

Buffers resist pH changes, maintaining stable conditions in biological fluids.

What are biological macromolecules?

Large molecules built from smaller subunits called monomers, essential for structure and function.

What is dehydration synthesis?

The process of building polymers by removing water.

What is hydrolysis?

The process of breaking down polymers by adding water.

What is a functional group in chemistry?

A specific group of atoms that determines the chemical behavior of a molecule.

What is the role of the hydroxyl group (-OH)?

It increases the solubility of molecules in water.

What is the role of the carboxyl group (-COOH)?

It gives molecules acidic properties.

What is the significance of the carbon backbone in biological molecules?

Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing for complex molecular structures.

What is an example of molecular diversity in carbohydrates?

Glucose and fructose share the same molecular formula but differ in structure.

What process occurs when two glucose molecules form maltose?

Dehydration synthesis, releasing a water molecule.

What type of bond is formed during dehydration synthesis of carbohydrates?

Glycosidic bond.

What is the monomer of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharide (simple sugar).

What are disaccharides?

Two monosaccharides joined together, e.g., sucrose, lactose, maltose.

Give an example of a polysaccharide and its function.

Starch for energy storage in plants.

What is the difference between alpha and beta glucose?

Alpha glucose has a hydroxyl group oriented down, while beta glucose has it oriented up.

What is the monomer of proteins?

Amino acid.

What type of bond links amino acids together?

Peptide bond.

What are the three types of proteins mentioned?

Enzymes, structural proteins, and transport proteins.

What is the biological importance of hemoglobin?

A single amino acid change can cause sickle cell anemia, affecting oxygen transport.

What are the monomers of lipids?

Fatty acids and glycerol.

What type of bond is found in lipids?

Ester linkage.

What is the function of phospholipids in cell membranes?

They are amphipathic and form bilayers, creating selectively permeable membranes.

What is the monomer of nucleic acids?

Nucleotide.

What type of bond connects nucleotides in nucleic acids?

Phosphodiester bond.

What are the two types of nucleic acids and their functions?

DNA stores genetic information; RNA transfers and uses genetic information.

What does the cell theory state?

All organisms are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and cells arise from pre-existing cells.

What limits cell size?

Diffusion and surface area-to-volume ratio.

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes possess them.

What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Synthesizes proteins destined for secretion, membranes, or lysosomes.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

What do lysosomes contain and what is their function?

Digestive enzymes that break down macromolecules, old organelles, and pathogens.

What is the role of transport vesicles?

Shuttle materials between organelles, carrying proteins and lipids from the ER to the Golgi apparatus.

What is the significance of the endosymbiosis theory?

It suggests eukaryotic organelles originated from free-living prokaryotes.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton?

Maintains cell shape and facilitates movement.