MCAT Bio Flashcards
(404 cards)
Describe the Cell Theory
The Cell Theory states that:
1) all living things are composed of cells
2) cells are the basic functional unit of life
3) cells arise only from pre-existing cells
4) cells carrry their genetic info in the form of DNA
Name the two distinct groups into which all celsl can be categorized
prokaryotes
eukaryotes
What is the key differentiating criterion between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic celsl have membrane bound organelles; however, prokaryotic cells do not
T/F: Bacteria and viruses are examples of prokaryotic cells
False. Bacteria are prokaryotice cells but viruses are nonliving acellular structure
Describe bacterial DNA
Bacterial DNA consists of a single circular chromosome
What is a plasmid?
A smaller extrachromosomal ring of DNA sometimes found in bacteria.
It replicates independently of the bacterial chromosome
T/F: Bacteria contain ribosomes
True. BUT prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes
Name the components of a typical bacterial cell
cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, flagella, DNA, ribosomes
Where does respiration occur in the bacterial cell?
the cell membrane is the site of respiration in bacteria
T/F: All multicellular organisms are composed of eukaryotic cells
True
Which type of eukaryotic cells have a cell wall?
Plant cells and fungal cells
What is cytosol?
The fluid component of cytoplasm
What are the primary components of the cytoskeleton?
the primary components of the cytoskeleton are:
1) microtubules
2) microfilaments
3) intermediate fibers
Define the fluid mosaic model
The fluid mosaic model states that a cell membrane consists of a phospholipid bilayer with proteins embedded throughout
Is the interior of the cell membrane hydrophilic or hydrophobic?
The interior of the cell membrane is hydrophobic
What is the function of a transport protein?
A transport protein helps move polar molecules and certain ions across the cell membrane
What is a membrane receptor?
A membrane receptor is a protein (or glycoprotein) that binds to molecules in the extracellular environment
Can small polar and non-polar molecules easily cross the cell membrane?
Yes, because of their size, small polar and non-polar molecules can easily traverse the cell membrane
How does a large charged molecule cross the cell membrane?
A large charged particle usually crosses the cell membrane with the help of a carrier protein
T/F: The nucleus is surrounded by a single-layered membrane
False. the nuclear membrane is double-layered.
How is material exchanged between the nucleus and the cytoplasm?
the nuclear membrane contains nuclear pores that selectively allow for the exchange of materials
What is a histone?
A histone is a structural protein complexed with eukaryotic DNA to form a chromosome
What is the function of the nucleolus?
The nucleolus synthesizes ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
What is the function of a ribosome?
The ribosome is the site of protein TRANSLATION (assembly) during protein synthesis