Download Study Questions for Unit 1 (Chemistry and Cell Biology)

Study Questions for Unit 1 (Chemistry and Cell Biology)
Topics
Basic chemistry
Biological molecules
Cell theory
Diffusion and cellular transport
Cellular metabolism and enzymes
Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration and fermentation
Questions
1. Describe the events that have made it possible to observe and understand cell structure
and function.
2. Describe the major features of modern cell theory.
3. Why is a typical cell so small?
4. Describe the structure of cell membranes. What is the role of water in maintaining this
structure?
5. Materials enter and leave a cell through a variety of means. Describe several of these
means. For each one, describe the circumstances under which a cell utilizes it.
6. When the osmotic pressures inside and outside a cell are unequal, what processes can
occur to bring the pressures into equilibrium?
7. Compare and contrast active and passive transport.
8. Describe the structure and function of the cell nucleus.
9. Name ten structures commonly found inside cells. For each, elaborate on its structure
and function.
10. Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
11. Define the term oxidation. What is the role of oxidation in cellular respiration?
12. Describe the process of glycolysis. At one time, glycolysis was referred to as “anaerobic
respiration”—in what sense is this a good name for glycolysis? Not such a good name?
13. How is the rate of glycolysis regulated by enzymes?
14. What is the relationship between the Krebs cycle and glycolysis?
15. What is the difference between ATP and ADP? What role dot he two molecules play in
cellular respiration?
16. What happens in an electron transport chain? How is this involved in cellular
respiration? Where in the cell do respiration-related electron transport chains exist?
17. Why do fats contain more free energy than carbohydrates (in equal weights)?
18. Chlorophyll is the best-known photo-pigment. What are some of the others? Why is it
advantageous for a plant to have several of them?
19. What are some factors that limit the productive capacity of photosynthesis?
20. Compare and contrast cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation?