Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Biology

Photosynthesis produces glucose using

Photosynthesis produces food in plants, called glucose. It happens in chloroplasts. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, that absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Oxygen is also produced. EQUATION: CARBON DIOXIODE + WATER= GLUCOSE + OKYGEN. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy.

Adaptation for efficient photosynthesis

Leaves are broad so there is a large surface area exposed to light. Most of chloroplasts are found in the palaside layer. This is so that they are near the top of the leaf where they can get the most light. The upper epidermis is transparent so that light can pass through it to the palisade layer. Leaves have a network of vascular... Continue reading "Photosynthesis and Efficient Adaptations for Multicellular Organisms" »

Introduction

In this process, energy, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is released and utilized by the cell for basic biological functions. This guide will delve into the intricacies of cellular respiration, exploring its different stages and the molecules involved.

Steps in Cellular Respiration

Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions

Electrons are transferred from one molecule to another, playing a pivotal role in cellular respiration.

ATP Synthesis Methods

• Substrate-Level Phosphorylation: Depends on the interaction between enzymes.
• Oxidative Phosphorylation: Powered by the proton motive force and occurs through the use of ATP Synthase.

Glycolysis

Glycolysis produces 4 ATP molecules, all formed through the use of a substrate-enzyme complex.... Continue reading "Cellular Respiration: A Comprehensive Guide to Energy Production" »

Proteins are composed of 20 amino acids.

Functional groups influence reactivity.

Nonpolar side chains are green.

Polar side chains are pink.

Electrically charged side chains:

• Acidic: red
• Basic: blue

Condensation reactions form a peptide bond by bonding the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another. Multiple peptide bonds create a polypeptide. Polypeptides containing more than 50 amino acids are called proteins.

Protein Structure

Primary structure: The unique sequence of amino acids.

Secondary structure: Hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another form a protein's secondary structure.

Secondary structure depends on the primary structure.

Tertiary structure: Results from interactions between... Continue reading "Understanding Protein Structure, Enzymes, and Nucleic Acids" »

Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection

The principal merit of Darwin's theory, in addition to the many evidence that he provided to it, is the discovery of the mechanism that governs the entire evolutionary process of species: the natural selection.

1. Firstly, when environmental resources become scarce, an inevitable competition occurs and, consequently, the struggle for survival begins in which most individuals die.
2. Secondly, it is also obvious that individuals of the same species have different features or characteristics that appear randomly and make individuals different from each other.
3. Third, these characteristics make some individuals more advantaged than others. Those whose characteristics are favorable to the demands of the environment

Kidney and Urinary Tract Conditions

Renal Failure Explained

Renal failure signifies insufficient filtration of blood at the Malpighian glomeruli. This leads to reduced urine production and inadequate elimination of excretory substances.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and fainting. If untreated, it can lead to death.

Common causes include:

• Renal injuries
• Deficient blood pressure in the kidneys
• Urine retention due to an obstruction in the urinary tract

Nephritis: Kidney Inflammation

Nephritis is kidney inflammation resulting from infectious or non-infectious causes. Symptoms typically include pain, goosebumps, and fever.

Cystitis: Bladder Inflammation

Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder, generally caused by an infection. It results... Continue reading "Human Body Systems: Renal, Reproductive, and Cellular Functions" »

Cellular Energy Production

Cells use energy for all their reactions and processes. These vital processes include:

• Movement
• Making new substances from small molecules
• Growth and repair
• Active transport
• Nerve impulses
• Heat production

Aerobic Respiration: Energy with Oxygen

Aerobic respiration is the release of energy using oxygen. Oxygen is carried by the blood in red blood cells within hemoglobin and diffuses into cells. Glucose also travels to the cells in the blood.

In the cytoplasm of cells, there are specific organelles called mitochondria. Oxygen diffuses into the mitochondria and is used to react with glucose to produce carbon dioxide and water. The chemical energy is transferred to a substance called ATP, which stores a small amount of energy.

The... Continue reading "Cellular Respiration and Human Breathing Explained" »

All Cells Form from Existing Cells

• Centipedes: 1 pair of legs per each section
• Millipedes: 2 pairs per each section

• All organisms are composed of one or more cells
• The cell is the basic unit of life in all living things
• Cells are produced by the division of pre-existing

Excretion

Elimination of waste substances from blood is performed by the urinary system and other organs.

Urinary System

• Kidneys: bean-shaped organs behind the abdomen, filtering blood to form urine.
• Ureter: thin tubes transporting urine to the bladder.
• Urinary bladder: elastic bag storing urine.
• Urethra: duct transporting urine outside.

Other organs involved in excretion are lungs, liver, and sweat glands.

The Circulatory System

Function: Transporting O2, nutrients, and collecting CO2 and waste substances.

Blood

• Blood Plasma: 55% of blood, transporting nutrients, waste substances, and CO2.
• Blood Cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Blood Vessels

Arteries, veins, and blood capillaries carry blood around the body.

Heart

Hollow muscular... Continue reading "Excretion and Circulatory System Overview" »

Protein Structure:

It is a three-dimensional structure. Polypeptides are folded to produce a globular shape. The structure is stabilized by intermolecular bonds between amino acids.

Primary Structure:

Is the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain. It is codified by a gene. The sequence of nucleotides in a gene codify the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure:

3-dimensional conformation. It's the formation of beta-pleated and alpha helices, established by hydrogen bonds. It's the bond formed between the carboxyl group and the amino group.

Tertiary Structure:

The polypeptide chain is folded and established by interactions between R groups. The conformation is established by intramolecular bonds and interactions... Continue reading "Protein Structure and Functions" »

Polymerization –plus and minus ends of actin, Kd, critical concentration, phases of growth of polymers (lag, growth, and steady-state), nucleating factors, why growth occurs preferentially at plus end.

a.High Kd and Cc= ADP + Factin lower affinity actin so dissociate

b.Lower kd and Cc= Gactin/Factin + ATP higher affinity actin so dissociate

c.Profilin and thymosin: Profilin binds to (-) end = plus end grow fast

d.Thymosin buffer + actin monomer = prevent polymerization or ATP hydrolysis.

e.Actin monomer (is above Kd) & regulates actin filament assembly.

Arp2/3 comples to make a seed (nucleate) acting growth. Can create tree-like web

Myosin II structure: motor protein makes force in skeletal contraction muscles.

a.Heavy chain with NT head (ATPase... Continue reading "Cell Biology: Actin, Myosin, and Microtubules" »