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General Biology Exam 1: Chapters 1-5

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the basic unit of life?
    The cell is the basic unit of life.
  • Define homeostasis.
    Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment.
  • What are the four main types of biological macromolecules?
    Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  • What is the function of enzymes?
    Enzymes act as biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
  • Describe the structure of a phospholipid.
    A phospholipid has a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.
  • What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
    DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein.
  • What is the role of mitochondria?
    Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration.
  • Define osmosis.
    Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
  • What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
    Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes have both.
  • What is an ionic bond?
    An ionic bond forms when electrons are transferred between atoms, creating charged ions.
  • What is the function of ribosomes?
    Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.
  • What is the significance of the cell membrane?
    The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
  • Define diffusion.
    Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.
  • What is the role of DNA polymerase?
    DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands during replication.
  • What are the components of nucleotides?
    A nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.
  • What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
    The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use in the cell.
  • Explain the fluid mosaic model.
    The cell membrane is a fluid structure with proteins embedded in or attached to a bilayer of phospholipids.
  • What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
    Saturated fats have no double bonds; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains.
  • What is the function of chloroplasts?
    Chloroplasts conduct photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy.
  • Define ATP.
    ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells.