BIO1011 Week 3 Building Life: The Evolution of Diversity

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the essential characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, membrane transport processes, and genetic concepts in the context of evolution and diversity in biology.

Prokaryote

A unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, characterized by small size and single circular DNA molecule.

Eukaryote

Organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, which are typically larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.

Active transport

The process of moving molecules against their concentration gradient (from low to high concentration) using energy (ATP) and specific transport proteins.

Passive transport

The movement of molecules across the cell membrane without the use of energy, usually along the concentration gradient.

Osmosis

The net movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Amphipathic molecules

Molecules that possess both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) characteristics, such as phospholipids.

Selective permeability

The property of a cell membrane that allows certain substances to pass through while restricting others.

Cholesterol

A type of lipid that helps stabilize the fluidity of the cell membrane at varying temperatures.

Facilitated diffusion

The process of transport of molecules across a membrane via a protein channel or transporter, without expenditure of energy.

Gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance across a space, which drives the movement of molecules.

Isotonic solution

A solution with an equal concentration of solutes as another solution, resulting in no net movement of water.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move out of cells and potentially leading to cell shrinkage.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution, causing water to move into cells and potentially leading to cell lysis.

Phylogenetic tree

A diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among organisms, showing how species have diverged from common ancestors.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Horizontal gene transfer

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment.