BISC 101 up to Midterm #2 Flashcards
What are the three domains of life?
Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya
What are the four main types of macromolecules in the cell?
Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins
Is a C-H bond polar covalent or non-polar covalent?
Non-polar covalent
Is a O-H bond polar covalent or non-polar covalent?
Polar covalent
When salt (sodium chloride) dissolves in water, two ions are formed. What are the ions, and what are their charges?
Na+ (sodium), Cl- (Chloride)
What are the names and functions of eukaryotic organelles?
Nucleus - control center, stores genetic information
Ribosomes - site of protein synthesis
Do plant cells have mitochondria?
Yes, plants require oxygen for cellular processes (i.e. when they need energy from cellular respiration, therefore they have mitochondria)
What is the main function of the plasma membrane?
To provide structure and support for the cell; also to selectively allow certain molecules to pass through into the cell
What are the components of the plasma membrane?
The plasma membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer, as well as proteins, carbohydrates, and many other things
Amphipathic
Compounds that contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements
Hydrophobic
Usually non-polar, not attracted to water
Hydrophilic
Usually polar, attracted to water
Polar
A compound carrying a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other; usually hydrophilic
Non-polar
No charge on the compound; usually hydrophobic
How does the structure of the phospholipid bilayer make it ideal for its function (forming a selectively permeable bilayer in water?)
In water, the hydrophobic tails will face and interact with each other, while the hydrophilic heads will face outwards (towards the solution); more stable - hydrophobic tails don’t interfere with interactions; prevents large, charged/polar molecules from passing through easily (cannot get through hydrophobic tails)
Why does CO2 cross the membrane easily, but Na+ does not?
CO2 is uncharged, while Na+ is
Are cell membranes and phospholipid bilayers the same thing?
No, cell membranes contain carbohydrates, proteins and more, while phospholipid bilayers are just phospholipids
What is meant by membrane “fluidity”?
Membrane is a mosaic of phospholipids and proteins; overall structure is dynamic and fluid
What is the difference between active and passive transport?
Active transport requires energy (usually (but not always) ATP), while passive does not (diffusion is a form of passive)
What is the difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion?
Facilitated diffusion requires protein carriers, while passive does not
Between DNA and RNA nucleotides, which carbon has a different group attached?
2’ Carbon; OH in RNA, H in DNA
Describe the difference between the 5’ end and the 3’ end of the nucleotide
5’ end = unlinked phosphate
3’ end = unlinked 3’ carbon in sugar
How many rings do pyrimidines have? Which bases are pyrimidines?
One ring; Cytosine (C), Uracil (U), Thymine (T)
How many rings do purines have? Which bases are purines?
Two rings; Adenine (A), Guanine (G)