Exam Review Flashcards
Chapter 3: Biological Molecules
Understanding the relationship between the structure of biological molecules and their functions is crucial. Biological molecules play a vital role in cellular processes and overall organism functionality.
Monomer-Polymer Patterns:
Recognizing how monomers, the smaller units, assemble into polymers, the larger macromolecules, is key to understanding biological macromolecules. For example:
- Carbohydrates: Composed of sugars (monosaccharides) that can form disaccharides and polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose. They serve as energy sources and structural components.
- Lipids: Include fats, oils, and phospholipids, which are not soluble in water. Fatty acids combine to form triglycerides, while phospholipids are crucial for cell membranes.
- Proteins: Made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. They act as enzymes, hormones, and structural components, influencing cell structure and function.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA are polymers made of nucleotides and are responsible for storing and transferring genetic information.
Chapter 4: Cell Structure
Organelles and Their Functions:
Understanding the various organelles within a cell and their specific roles is important for grasping overall cellular operation. Key organelles include:
- Nucleus: Houses genetic material and coordinates cell activities such as growth and reproduction.
- Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, they generate ATP through cellular respiration.
- Ribosomes: Sites for protein synthesis, free ribosomes create proteins for use within the cell, while bound ribosomes produce proteins for export.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Rough ER is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins, while Smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
Differentiating between these cell types is a fundamental concept:
- Prokaryotic Cells: Single-celled organisms (e.g., bacteria) that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Eukaryotic Cells: More complex cells found in plants, animals, and fungi that contain a nucleus and organized organelles.
Chapter 5: Membrane and Transport
Understanding the relationship between the structure of the plasma membrane and its functions is essential:
- Osmosis: The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, crucial for maintaining cellular turgor.
- Exocytosis and Endocytosis: Processes for transporting large molecules across the membrane by vesicle formation.
- Simple Diffusion: Movement of small nonpolar molecules across membranes without energy input.
- Facilitated Diffusion: Passive transport of molecules across the membrane via protein channels.
- Active Transport: Movement of molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).
- Electrical Charge Gradient: Changes across membranes contribute to membrane potential, crucial for processes like nerve impulse transmission.