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General Biology Key Concepts

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Terms in this set (30)

  • Range of object sizes for light microscope
    Light microscopes visualize objects roughly from 200 nm to 1 mm; smaller structures require electron microscopes.
  • Difference between SEM and TEM
    SEM scans surfaces producing 3D images; TEM transmits electrons through thin samples for internal structure.
  • Purpose of stains in light microscopy
    Stains increase contrast by coloring specific cell components, making structures visible under light microscopes.
  • Function of cell fractionation
    Cell fractionation separates cellular components by size and density for detailed study.
  • Organelles found in both plant and animal cells
    Nucleus, mitochondria, ER, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, peroxisomes, cytoskeleton.
  • Organelles unique to plant cells
    Chloroplasts, central vacuole, cell wall, plasmodesmata.
  • Role of ribosomes
    Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.
  • Nuclear envelope and nuclear pores
    The nuclear envelope is a double membrane surrounding the nucleus; nuclear pores regulate molecule passage.
  • Functions of smooth and rough ER
    Smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies; rough ER has ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.
  • Role of the Golgi apparatus
    Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.
  • What are lysosomes?
    Lysosomes contain enzymes that digest macromolecules and recycle cellular waste.
  • Phagocytosis definition
    Phagocytosis is the process of engulfing large particles or cells for digestion.
  • What is the tonoplast?
    The tonoplast is the membrane surrounding the central vacuole in plant cells.
  • Function of mitochondria
    Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration.
  • Endosymbiont theory evidence
    Mitochondria and chloroplasts have double membranes, own DNA, and reproduce independently.
  • Components of the cytoskeleton
    Microtubules (tubulin), microfilaments (actin), intermediate filaments (varied proteins).
  • Function of motor proteins kinesin and dynein
    They move cargo along microtubules using ATP.
  • Structural organization of cilia and flagella
    9+2 arrangement of microtubules with dynein arms for movement.
  • Primary vs secondary plant cell walls
    Primary walls are flexible and formed first; secondary walls are thicker and rigid.
  • Types of animal cell junctions
    Tight junctions (seal cells), desmosomes (anchor cells), gap junctions (communication).
  • Main components of the plasma membrane
    Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, glycolipids, and glycoproteins.
  • Fluid mosaic model
    Membrane is a fluid bilayer of lipids with proteins floating within.
  • Difference between active and passive transport
    Active transport requires energy to move substances against gradients; passive transport does not.
  • Osmosis definition
    Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
  • Membrane potential
    Voltage difference across a membrane due to ion distribution.
  • Sodium-potassium pump function
    Uses ATP to pump 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ into animal cells, maintaining gradients.
  • Catabolic vs anabolic pathways
    Catabolic pathways break down molecules releasing energy; anabolic build molecules consuming energy.
  • First and second laws of thermodynamics
    1st: Energy conserved; 2nd: Entropy increases in isolated systems.
  • Free energy and spontaneity
    Negative free energy change means spontaneous (exergonic); positive means nonspontaneous (endergonic).
  • Role of enzymes
    Enzymes lower activation energy to speed up reactions without being consumed.