Biochemistry and Cell Biology Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering macromolecules, cellular energetics, water chemistry, ABG interpretation, and cell structure.

The body's primary rapid fuel source, broken down through glycolysis to provide immediate energy.

Carbohydrates

Proteins

The body's primary structural components, vital for tissue repair and immune function.

Lipids

Molecules used for cellular structure and long-term energy storage; they also serve as precursors for steroid hormones.

ATP

The universal energy currency of the cell produced through cellular energetics.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts for regulation that accelerate chemical reactions essential for metabolism.

Glycolysis

The process occurring in the cytoplasm that splits one $6$-carbon glucose molecule into two $3$-carbon pyruvate molecules.

Krebs Cycle

A process in the mitochondrial matrix that processes pyruvate derivatives in the presence of oxygen.

Electron Transport Chain

The major ATP-producing stage occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane, utilizing oxygen as the final electron acceptor.

Glycolysis Net Gain

$$2\,ATP$$

Electron Carriers

$NADH$ and $FADH_2$, generated during the Krebs Cycle.

Krebs Cycle Waste

Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$)

Hypoglycemia Risk

A clinical concern where the brain's dependence on glucose leads to severe neuroglycopenic symptoms.

Neuroglycopenic Symptoms

Symptoms including confusion, diaphoresis, lethargy, and seizures due to glucose depletion.

Structural Matrix

The essential framework provided by lipids for cell membranes, ensuring cellular stability.

Hemolysis

Cellular destruction that can be directly caused by the disruption of membrane lipids.

Auto-ionization of Water

A process where water self-ionizes through proton transfer: $H_2O + H_2O \rightarrow H_3O^+ + OH^-$

Amphoteric

A substance that can act as either an acid or a base depending on the reaction conditions.

Amphiprotic

Specifically refers to the ability of a substance to either donate or accept a proton ($H^+$).

Hydronium Ion

$$H_3O^+$$

Hydroxide Ion

$$OH^-$$

Ion Product Constant ($K_w$)

$[H_3O^+][OH^-] = 1 \times 10^{-14}$ at room or body temperature.

Arrhenius Theory (Acids)

Defines acids as substances that release hydrogen ions ($H^+$) into water.

Arrhenius Theory (Bases)

Defines bases as substances that release hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) into water.

Bronsted-Lowry Theory (Acids)

Defines acids as proton ($H^+$) donors; the ones who "throw the proton away".

Bronsted-Lowry Theory (Bases)

Defines bases as proton ($H^+$) acceptors; the ones who "catch" the proton.

Lewis Theory (Acids)

Defines acids as electron pair acceptors; important for metal ion binding.

Lewis Theory (Bases)

Defines bases as electron pair donors.

Hydrochloric Acid ($HCl$)

A strong acid that completely transfers its $H^+$ to water.

Arterial pH

The concentration of hydrogen ions $[H^+]$ in the blood, indicating acid-base balance.

Normal Arterial pH Range

$$7.35-7.45$$

Acidosis (pH value)

An arterial pH measured at less than $7.35$.

Alkalosis (pH value)

An arterial pH measured at greater than $7.45$.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

A diagnostic tool used to measure pH, $PaCO_2$, $HCO_3^-$, and $PaO_2$.

Normal $PaCO_2$ Range

$$35-45\,mmHg$$

Normal $HCO_3^-$ Range

$$22-26\,mEq/L$$

Normal $PaO_2$ Range

$$80-100\,mmHg$$

R.O.M.E.

Interpretation method meaning Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal.

Respiratory Opposite

Rule where pH and $PaCO_2$ move in opposite directions.

Metabolic Equal

Rule where pH and $HCO_3^-$ move in the same direction.

COPD Exacerbation

A condition leading to respiratory acidosis due to $CO_2$ retention from impaired ventilation.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A metabolic acidosis condition where insulin deficiency leads to ketone production, consuming bicarbonate.

Respiratory Acidosis ABG

pH $\downarrow$ and $PaCO_2$ $\uparrow$

Respiratory Alkalosis ABG

pH $\uparrow$ and $PaCO_2$ $\downarrow$

Metabolic Acidosis ABG

pH $\downarrow$ and $HCO_3^-$ $\downarrow$

Metabolic Alkalosis ABG

pH $\uparrow$ and $HCO_3^-$ $\uparrow$

Lethal pH Low Limit

$$6.8$$

Lethal pH High Limit

$$7.8$$

CNS Effect of Acidosis

Depresses the central nervous system, making neurons sluggish.

CNS Effect of Alkalosis

Over-excites the nervous system, leading to hyperactive responses.

Symptoms of Acidosis

Lethargy, Confusion, Coma, and Cardiac conduction blocks.

Symptoms of Alkalosis

Muscle spasms, Tetany, Seizures, and Fatal arrhythmias.

Robert Hooke ($1665$)

Observed cork and coined the term "cell" after observing monk rooms.

Robert Brown ($1831$)

Discovered and named the nucleus of the cell.

Matthias Schleiden ($1838$)

Concluded that all plants are composed of cells.

Theodor Schwann ($1839$)

Extended the cell theory to animals, stating all animals are made of cells.

Rudolf Virchow ($1855$)

Proved "Omnis cellula e cellula," meaning all cells arise from cells.

Cell Theory Tenet 1

All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

Cell Theory Tenet 2

The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.

Cell Theory Tenet 3

All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Plasma Membrane

The cell's "Security Gate" that selectively controls entry and exit.

Nucleus

The cell's "Boss's Office" which stores DNA and directs activities.

Nucleolus

The cell's "Hiring Agency," located inside the nucleus, which manufactures ribosomes.

Ribosomes

The cell's "Factory Workers" that assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains.

Rough ER

The cell's "Assembly Line," studded with ribosomes, which folds and modifies proteins.

Smooth ER

The cell's "Detox & Lipid Lab" which synthesizes lipids and steroids.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and tags proteins for their final destination.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing functional enzymes that stay inside the cell.

Exocytosis

The process by which secreted products, like insulin, leave the cell.

mRNA

The blueprint transcribed from DNA in the nucleus that carries instructions to the cytoplasm.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure made of cellulose present in plants for rigidity but absent in animals.

Chloroplasts

Organelles exclusive to plant cells that enable photosynthesis by capturing light.

Large Central Vacuole

A massive reservoir in plant cells that maintains turgor pressure.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing the cell to shrink.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with an equal solute concentration relative to the cell, maintaining cell shape.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than the cell, causing the cell to swell.

PISO Mnemonic

Potassium IN, Sodium OUT; identifies electrolyte distribution.

Intracellular Potassium

According to the PISO principle, potassium remains inside the cell.

Extracellular Sodium

According to the PISO principle, sodium remains outside the cell.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure maintained by the large central vacuole in plant cells.

Cellular Transport

A highly regulated, non-random process moving materials like proteins and mRNA.

Primary structural matrix

Lipids provide this foundation for cell membranes.

Photosynthesis

The conversion of sunlight into glucose, occurring in chloroplasts.

Animal Cell Shape

More flexible and irregular due to the lack of a rigid cell wall.

6-carbon glucose

The starting reactant molecule for glycolysis.

3-carbon pyruvate

The end product molecule of glycolysis; two are produced from one glucose.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The specific site where the Krebs Cycle occurs.

Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The specific site where the Electron Transport Chain occurs.

Glucose

The primary sugar the brain depends on for function.

Steroid Hormone Precursors

A secondary function of lipids in the body's chemical signaling.

Proton Donor

The defining characteristic of an acid in the Bronsted-Lowry theory.

Proton Acceptor

The defining characteristic of a base in the Bronsted-Lowry theory.

Electron Pair Acceptor

The defining characteristic of an acid in Lewis theory.

Electron Pair Donor

The defining characteristic of a base in Lewis theory.

Aqueous solution acid

Arises from substances that release $H^+$ into water (Arrhenius).

Aqueous solution base

Arises from substances that release $OH^-$ into water (Arrhenius).

Bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$)

A buffer consumed during metabolic acidosis events like Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Respiratory Compensation

A physiological response where $PaCO_2$ levels change to adjust for metabolic acidosis.

Muscle Spasms and Tetany

Clinical hallmarks of an alkaline blood pH ($>7.45$).

Confusion and Lethargy

Clinical hallmarks of an acidic blood pH ($<7.35$).

$$Kw$$

The ion product constant for the auto-ionization of water.