LEC 1

• What is a unicellular organism?

  an organism that consists of a single cell
• What is a multicellular organism?

  many cells that are specialised for different functions forming tissues and organs
• what is the rule of cell theory

  cells are the fundamental units of life

  all cells come from pre-existing cells

  all organisms are composed of cells
• what is the central dogma of molecular biology

  DNA makes RNA and RMA makes proteins
• how do proteins contribute to cellular function

  catalyse the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and other proteins
• which process allows cells to replicate themselves

  through synthesis and regulation of DNA, RNA and proteins
• how are DNA, RNA and protein related in terms of cellular function

  DNA serves as a genetic blueprint which is transcribed into RNA. RNA is then translated into proteins, which carry out various cellular functions and catalyse the synthesis of DNA, RNA and other proteins
• What distinguishes prokaryotes from eukaryotes in terms of DNA?

  prokaryotes have no nucleus so their DNA floats freely in the cells
• do prokaryotes have internal membrane

  no
• describe the cytoskeleton of prokaryotes

  very basic cytoskeleton
• what are the two domains of prokaryotes

  bacteria and archaea.
• name some examples of bacteria


  E. coli, Salmonella, and Streptococcus.
• Where do many archaea live, and why is this significant?

  Many archaea live in hostile environments such as acidic hot springs and cows' stomachs. It demonstrates their ability to survive in extreme conditions.
• What is the key difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

  Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus containing DNA, while prokaryotic cells do not.
• What is the function of the nucleolus in eukaryotic cells?

  makes ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosomes.
• Describe the nuclear envelope in eukaryotic cells.

  double membrane that surrounds the nucleus
• What is the role of organelles being surrounded by lipid bilayers?

  form physical barriers from the cytosol, allowing each organelle to maintain a different chemical environment and perform specialized functions.
• what is the function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells

  have a double membrane with the inner membrane extensively folded to increase surface area for cellular respiration and is the site of oxidative phosphorylation.
• what is the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

  makes secretary and membrane proteins as well as lipids it is also the entry point to the secretary pathway
• what are the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum

  abundant in human cells active in lipid metabolism and in the liver for detoxification of lipid soluble compounds
• What is the sarcoplasmic reticulum and what is its role

  an ER- derived calcium store in muscle cells that plays an important role during muscle contractions
• what is the function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells

  responsible for processing and packaging portions and lipids derived from the ER
• what are the main functions of the cytosol in eukaryotic cells

  protein synthesis, protein degradation, intermediary metabolism, and location of the cytoskeleton. It is the largest single compartment in the cell.
• What are higher eukaryotic model organisms?

  Vertebrate cells in culture
• What are N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation?

  types of post-translational modifications of amino acids.
• What are the effects of phosphorylation on proteins?

  addition of a phosphate group from ATP to serine, threonine, or tyrosine, controls protein function and is involved in cell growth, gene expression, cell survival, cell cycle, cell division, and metabolism.
• What type of bond can form between two cysteine side chains?

  A disulphide bond can form
• what can nucleotide binding control

  proteins shape, activity and function (ATP and GTP)
• Fast hydrolysis of ATP drives

  movement (motor proteins)
• A slow hydrolysis rate gives a

  switch activity