The Vault of Viruses
What two main structures are common to ALL viruses?
Nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat called a capsid.
True or False: The cell membrane is a rigid, completely unyielding structure.
False (the cell membrane is flexible, fluid, and self-repairing).
Because the cell membrane allows only certain molecules into or out of the cell, it is described by what key phrase?
semi-permeable
Which organelle acts as a storage warehouse inside plant and animal cells, often holding water or nutrients?
The vacuole (or central vacuole in plants).
If an organism is single-cellular, has its DNA tangled in the cytoplasm, and lacks a nucleus, what type of cell is it?
A prokaryote (such as bacteria)
What is the primary purpose of the projections found on the surface of a virus?
To attach to a host cell
Phospholipids have a split personality: what are their water-loving and water-fearing components called?
Hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
In simple passive diffusion, molecules always move from an area of ______ concentration to an area of ______ concentration.
high to low
After a protein is made and folded, it travels to which specific organelle to be processed, packaged, and shipped out?
The Golgi apparatus
What major cellular feature does a eukaryotic cell have that a prokaryotic cell completely lacks?
A membrane-bound nucleus (or membrane-bound organelles).
If an insect vectors a virus and the infected patient shows severe symptoms within 1 to 5 days, which viral reproductive cycle is occurring?
The lytic cycle (due to the quick onset of symptoms and cell destruction).
What lipid molecule is embedded within the bilayer to specifically regulate the membrane's fluidity?
Cholesterol.
If a cell has a high concentration of oxygen outside and a low concentration inside, which way will oxygen naturally diffuse?
Into the cell.
What tiny, numerous organelles are responsible for synthesizing (making) proteins?
Ribosomes.
In biology, if a root word means "disease" (like in the word pathogen), what is the root?
path-
During the lysogenic cycle, what does the viral genetic material do inside the host cell?
It embeds itself directly into the host cell's DNA (becoming a latent prophage).
What role do carbohydrates play when they are attached to the outer surface of a cell membrane?
They serve as identification tags that allow white blood cells to recognize the cell.
Where is the genetic material (DNA) located inside a eukaryotic cell?
Inside the nucleus.
Which organelle is responsible for generating energy for the cell and is often called the powerhouse?
The mitochondria.
Translate the biological word roots "aero-" and "exo-".
Aero-" means needing oxygen, and "exo-" means out.
True or False: Viruses attach to host cells and insert their genetic material in both the lytic and lysogenic cycles.
True
What do you call a membrane protein that has a carbohydrate chain attached to it?
A glycoprotein.
Cellular transport across a membrane helps a cell manage which two big-picture biological processes simultaneously?
Homeostasis and the transport of molecules.
If a diagram shows a cell membrane actively moving glucose from an area of high concentration to low concentration, what two big-picture biological processes is it modeling?
Transport of molecules and homeostasis.
If a student note card states that a cell has membrane-bound organelles and its DNA chromosomes are contained inside a nucleus, what major classification type of cell is it describing?
A eukaryotic cell (or eukaryote).