Tech Flashcards
What are the levels of organization in the body?
- Atoms
- Molecules
- Organelles
- Cells
- Tissues
- Organs
- Organ Systems
- Organism
Basic units of life to living beings.
What are the characteristics of life?
- Organization
- Metabolism
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Response to Stimuli
- Homeostasis
- Adaptation
These characteristics define living organisms.
Define metabolism.
All chemical reactions in the body, including catabolism and anabolism.
Catabolism breaks down molecules; anabolism builds them up.
What is homeostasis?
The process of maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Essential for survival and proper functioning of organisms.
What are isotopes?
Variants of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Isotopes can have different physical properties.
What is phagocytosis?
A process where cells engulf large particles or pathogens.
Commonly performed by white blood cells.
What is positive feedback?
Enhances or amplifies a process.
Examples include childbirth contractions and blood clotting.
What is negative feedback?
Reverses a change to maintain stability.
Regulates processes like blood sugar and body temperature.
List the four most common atoms in the body.
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Oxygen (O)
- Nitrogen (N)
These elements are fundamental to biological molecules.
How is atomic weight calculated?
Atomic Weight = Number of Protons + Number of Neutrons.
Example: An atom with 6 protons and 6 neutrons has an atomic weight of 12.
What pH levels classify acids and bases?
- Acids: pH less than 7
- Bases: pH greater than 7
- Neutral: pH = 7
Examples include lemon juice (acid) and soap (base).
What is the function of nucleic acids?
Store and transmit genetic information.
Examples include DNA and RNA.
What is a selectively permeable membrane?
A membrane that allows some substances to pass while blocking others.
Regulates what enters and exits the cell.
List parts of a cell and their functions.
- Nucleus: Controls cell activities, stores DNA
- Mitochondria: Produces energy (ATP)
- Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins
- Rough ER: Processes proteins
- Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies proteins
- Lysosomes: Breaks down waste
- Cytoskeleton: Maintains shape
- Plasma Membrane: Regulates entry/exit
- Centrioles: Cell division
- Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance
Key organelles and their roles in cellular function.
What are hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic solutions?
- Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration than the cell
- Isotonic: Equal solute concentration
- Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration than the cell
These terms describe the osmotic conditions relative to a cell.
What are the events of the cell cycle?
- Interphase (G1, S, G2)
- Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase)
- Cytokinesis
Describes the process of cell division and replication.
What is dehydration synthesis?
Bonds molecules by removing water.
Example: Forming proteins from amino acids.
What is hydrolysis?
Breaks bonds by adding water.
Example: Breaking down carbohydrates into sugars.
Define enzymes.
Proteins that speed up chemical reactions.
They lower the activation energy of reactions.
What is the difference between anabolism and catabolism?
- Anabolism: Builds molecules
- Catabolism: Breaks down molecules
Both are metabolic pathways.
What is the function of epithelial tissue?
Covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.
Functions include protection, absorption, secretion, and filtration.
What type of tissue is found in respiratory passages?
Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium.
Often ciliated to aid in mucus movement.
Differentiate between merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine glands.
- Merocrine: Secrete via exocytosis
- Apocrine: Part of the cell breaks off
- Holocrine: Entire cell disintegrates
These glands differ in their secretion mechanisms.
What is the major tissue type in tendons and ligaments?
Dense Regular Connective Tissue.
Provides strength and support.