CSEP420-2025 Exam Review Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes for exam preparation, covering topics from DNA/RNA structure to cellular respiration and chemical properties.

Nucleic Acid

A macromolecule composed of nucleotide monomers. DNA and RNA are examples.

DNA Replication

The process of duplicating DNA, involving stages such as initiation, elongation, and termination.

Function of DNA and RNA

DNA provides the genetic instructions for all known living organisms and many viruses. RNA is a polymeric molecule essential in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes.

Transcription

A process where genetic information from DNA is copied into mRNA.

Translation

A process where mRNA is decoded by a ribosome to produce a specific amino acid chain or polypeptide.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

Molecule responsible for carrying genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome, being translated.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

Molecule that helps decode a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein.

Ribosome (rRNA)

A complex molecule of proteins and rRNA that catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds, linking amino acids together.

Function of Triglycerides

Functions as a source of energy and insulation in the body.

Function of Phospholipids

Forms the structural components of cell membranes.

Acid

A substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water.

Acid-Base Reaction

Reactants: Acid + Base; Products: Salt + Water

Active Cell Transport

A type of cell transport that requires energy (usually in the form of ATP) to move substances against a concentration gradient.

Passive Cell Transport

A type of cell transport that does not require energy, moving substances down a concentration gradient.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Buffer

A substance that resists changes in pH by neutralizing added acid or base.

Polysaccharide

Large carbohydrate polymers composed of many monosaccharide units linked together.

Primary (1°) Structure of Protein

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary (2°) Structure of Protein

Local folding patterns like alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary (3°) Structure of Protein

The overall three-dimensional structure of a protein, determined by various interactions between R-groups.

Exothermic Reaction

A process that releases energy; Cellular Respiration.

Molar Mass

The number of grams of a substance per mole.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration than another solution.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration than another solution.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with the same solute concentration as another solution.

Solvent

A substance capable of dissolving other substances. Water is an excellent solvent due to its polarity.

Radioisotopes

Atoms with unstable nuclei that emit particles or energy to become stable.

Hydrocarbons

Organic compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Hydrogen Bond

A type of weak bond formed between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom.