BIOL 1345: Module 1 Study Notes

Learning Objectives

  • Understand cell structure and function.
  • Explain organization of the human body (cells to organisms).
  • Define characteristics of life in cells.
  • Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • Outline structures and functions of macromolecules.

Organization of the Human Body

  • Composed of approximately 30 trillion cells.
  • Cells -> Tissues -> Organs -> Organ Systems.

Cells: Basic Unit of Life

  • Must:
    • Be separate from environment
    • Extract energy from food
    • Grow
    • Reproduce

Types of Cells

Prokaryotic Cells

  • DNA in nucleoid region.
  • Smaller and simpler.
  • Example: Bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

  • DNA in membrane-bound nucleus.
  • Contains organelles.
  • Examples: Animal and Plant cells.

Common Features of Cells

  • Contain DNA & RNA, ribosomes, plasma membrane, and cytoplasm.
  • Cytoplasm includes organelles, salts, and macromolecules.

Nucleic Acids

  • Made of nucleotides (monomers).
  • DNA: double-stranded; RNA: single-stranded.
  • Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.

Proteins

  • Chains of amino acids; shape is crucial for function.
  • Functions:
    • Enzymes for reactions
    • Structural roles (cytoskeleton)
    • Transport and recognition (glycoproteins).

Carbohydrates

  • Monosaccharides (single sugars), disaccharides (two sugars), polysaccharides (multiple sugars).
  • Function: primary energy source.

Lipids

  • Hydrophobic substances important for energy storage, membranes, hormones.
  • Types: triglycerides (energy storage), phospholipids (cell membranes), cholesterol (membrane stability and hormone production).

Metabolism

  • Catabolic reactions: larger molecules broken down, releasing energy.
  • Anabolic reactions: smaller molecules built into larger ones, requiring energy.

Water in Chemical Reactions

  • Hydrolysis: water used to break bonds in catabolic reactions.
  • Dehydration synthesis: water produced when bonds are formed in anabolic reactions.