Define osmosis and describe its importance in maintaining cell homeostasis.
Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, crucial for maintaining balance.
Describe the overall equation for cellular respiration.
C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+ATP
What are the four major types of macromolecules, and what are their primary functions?
What is the function of the mitochondria, and why is it called the powerhouse of the cell?
Generates ATP via cellular respiration.
List and describe the phases of mitosis.
What is the difference between active transport and passive transport?
Active requires energy (moves substances against the gradient); passive does not (moves along the gradient).
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
Aerobic requires oxygen; anaerobic does not
Describe the structure of an enzyme and explain how it lowers activation energy.
Stabilizing the transition state, reducing energy required for reactions.
Describe the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum.
What is cytokinesis, and how does it differ in plant and animal cells?
Division of cytoplasm; in plants, forms a cell plate, in animals, forms a cleavage furrow.
Explain the process of facilitated diffusion.
Uses transport proteins to move molecules across membranes without energy.
Where in the cell does glycolysis occur, and what are its main products?
Occurs in cytoplasm; produces 2 ATP, 2 NADH, and 2 pyruvate molecules.
How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?
Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to an optimal point and declines sharply after; extreme pH can denature enzymes.
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?
Modifies, packages, and ships proteins and lipids.
Explain binary fission in prokaryotic cells.
Simple division in prokaryotes producing two identical cells.
How does the sodium-potassium pump function in a cell?
Pumps 3 Na⁺ ions out and 2 K⁺ ions into the cell using ATP.
Explain the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
Saturated fats have no double bonds (solid at room temperature); unsaturated fats have double bonds (liquid at room temperature).
How do lysosomes contribute to cellular health?
Break down waste and cellular debris using enzymes.
How does asexual reproduction benefit an organism?
Faster reproduction, no need for a mate.
What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?
Water exits the cell, causing it to shrink.
How do photosynthesis and cellular respiration complement each other?
Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen, which are used in cellular respiration to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
Explain the role of ATP in cellular processes.
Provides energy for cellular processes by releasing a phosphate group (converting to ADP).
Compare and contrast plant and animal cells.
What is the significance of the G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle?