Biochem

• What is the role of enzymes in cells?

  They facilitate biochemical reactions
• Why are eukaryotic cells larger than prokaryotic cells?

  They contain more organelles
• What is the diameter range of eukaryotic cells?

  10 to 100 micrometers
• What is the plasma membrane's function?

  It acts as a chemical barrier
• What are some examples of organisms with eukaryotic cells?

  Plants, animals, protozoa
• What are the main components of the plasma membrane?

  Made of lipids and proteins
• What does compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells allow?

  Efficient biological processes
• What is the cytoplasm also known as?

  Cytosol
• What is the composition of cytoplasm?

  20 to 30 percent protein
• What is the primary function of the cytoskeleton?

  It gives the cell its shape
• What does the nucleus store?

  Genetic information
• What is the structure of the nucleus?

  Bound by a double membrane
• What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

  Smooth ER and Rough ER
• What does the smooth endoplasmic reticulum produce?

  It makes lipids
• What is the function of ribosomes in the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

  They synthesize proteins
• What is a vesicle?

  A structure that transports materials
• How are vesicles described in the context of the cell?

  As transport trucks for materials
• What are the key functions of the cytoplasm?

  • Thick aqueous environment
  • Contains concentrated proteins (20-30%)
  • Major site for cellular metabolism
  • Involved in glycolysis
• What is compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

  • Presence of organelles
  • Allows specific functions in compartments
  • Increases efficiency of biological processes
• What are the differences between plant and animal cells?

  • Animal cells lack cell walls
  • Plant cells have cell walls
  • Both have plasma membranes
• What is the role of the cytoskeleton?

  • Provides shape to the cell
  • Guides organelle movement
  • Composed of protein fibers
• What are the functions of the endoplasmic reticulum?

  • Smooth ER: synthesizes lipids
  • Rough ER: synthesizes proteins
  • Network of membrane-bound vesicles
• What is the significance of the double membrane of the nucleus?

  • Provides protection for genetic material
  • Allows selective transport
  • Maintains nuclear environment
• What is the importance of studying biochemistry?

  • Helps understand cellular processes
  • Aids in medical advancements
  • Provides insights into disease mechanisms
• What are vesicles in a cell?

  Structures that transport materials
• How do vesicles function in a cell?

  They transport materials like enzymes and proteins
• If a cell is a factory, what role do vesicles play?

  They act as transport trucks for materials
• What is the relationship between vesicles and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

  The ER produces materials that vesicles transport
• What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

  To make and transport cellular materials
• What are ribosomes made from?

  RNA and proteins
• Where are ribosomes found in relation to the ER?

  Bound to the ER
• What is the primary function of ribosomes?

  To synthesize proteins
• How do ribosomes and the ER work together?

  Ribosomes make proteins, ER transports them
• What is the role of lysosomes in a cell?

  To destroy old or defective cells
• What is the internal pH of lysosomes?

  About 5
• What do enzymes in lysosomes do?

  They degrade polymers into monomers
• What are polymers made from?

  Monomers
• How do lysosomes relate to defective products?

  They destroy defective products in the cell
• What type of structures make up the Golgi complex?

  Flattened vesicles
• What is the function of the Golgi complex?

  To process and distribute proteins and fats