Essential Biology and Cellular Function Study Notes

Research on Alcohol and Fertility

Research supported by the National Institute of Child Health suggests that alcohol consumption may affect women's fertility.

• Infertility Risks: According to the passage, women who are infertile may consume more than seven cans of beer per week.
• Heavy Drinking: The passage indicates that women who drink heavily face an increased risk of infertility.

Cellular Structure and Function

Plasma Membrane and Organelles

• Selectively Permeable Membrane: Its function is to control what enters and leaves the cell.
• Phospholipid Bilayer: Contains polar and nonpolar ends, forming the plasma membrane.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum: Its structure facilitates the breakdown of chemical bonds.
• Golgi Apparatus: Producing proteins is not a function of the Golgi apparatus.
• Nuclear Membrane: Surrounds the nucleus and controls what enters and leaves it.

The Nucleus and Nucleolus

• Functions of the Nucleus: It acts as the cell's managing structure, controls access to RNA, and contains most of the cell's DNA.
• Location and Composition of the Nucleus: Located at the center of the cell; composed of proteins and nucleic acids.
• Nucleolus Details: Located inside the nucleus; composed of proteins and nucleic acids; functions as the site where ribosomes are produced.
• Golgi Apparatus and Lysosomes: The Golgi apparatus produces lysosomes, which protect the cell from bacteria, viruses, and harmful molecules.

Metabolism and Energy

Thermodynamics and Energy Conversion

• First Law of Thermodynamics: Energy is conserved.
• Photoautotrophs: Organisms that convert light energy into chemical energy.
• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism's cells.
• Cellular Respiration: A primary catabolic reaction occurring in the cycle.
• Heterotrophs: Organisms that depend on an external source of organic compounds.
• ATP: The main source of chemical energy stored and released by cells.

Glycolysis and Fermentation

• Glycolysis: An anaerobic process occurring in the first stage of energy production.
• Fermentation: The anaerobic process that occurs after glycolysis.
• Citric Acid: An important substance used in this reaction.
• Lactic Acid Fermentation: Pyruvate is converted to lactic acid.