Questions and Answers
Describe the role of carbon in biological systems.
Carbon is used by organisms as the building blocks of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. It's also used in cell formation of organisms.
Explain how the polar parts of the phospholipids from one cell will interact with the phospholipids from the other cell when membranes are fused.
The polar parts of the phospholipids (hydrophilic head) from one cell dissolve in water and form hydrogen bonds with water.
Explain how the nonpolar parts of the phospholipids from one cell will interact with the phospholipids from the other cell when membranes are fused.
The nonpolar parts of the phospholipids (hydrophobic tail) from one cell avoid water, creating a lipid bilayer where the hydrophobic tails are between the hydrophilic heads.
What is the most immediate effect on the fused B-cancer cells if the fused cells are transferred to a growth medium that lacks a source of nitrogen?
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Provide reasoning with evidence based on the composition of biological macromolecules to support your claim regarding nitrogen deficiency in B-cancer cells.
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Study Notes
Role of Carbon in Biological Systems
- Carbon is fundamental to life, serving as a primary component of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
- Functions as the backbone for complex molecules, enabling diverse structures and functions in organisms.
- Essential for cell formation and growth, highlighting its importance in biological processes.
Membrane Fusion of B Cells and Cancer Cells
- Membrane fusion involves the interaction of phospholipid molecules from both cell types.
- Polar (hydrophilic) parts of phospholipids interact with water, forming hydrogen bonds and facilitating solubility.
- Nonpolar (hydrophobic) parts of phospholipids avoid water, positioning themselves within the lipid bilayer.
- The lipid bilayer structure is formed with hydrophilic heads exposed to the aqueous environment and hydrophobic tails oriented inward, shielded from water.
Immediate Effects of Nitrogen Absence on Fused B-Cancer Cells
- Lack of nitrogen in growth media would likely lead to the denaturation of the fused B-cancer cells.
- Denaturation refers to the alteration of the cells' structure and function due to environmental changes.
Importance of Nitrogen in Biological Macromolecules
- Nitrogen is a critical element in the structure of nucleotides and amino acids, components of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
- Insufficient nitrogen would impair the functionality of B-cancer cells, obstructing essential processes and their overall survival.
- Nitrogen deficiency disrupts the synthesis of vital macromolecules, demonstrating its significance in cellular health and growth.
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Test your knowledge on key concepts of carbon's role in biological systems and membrane composition in B cells and cancer cells with these flashcards. Enhance your understanding of essential biological macromolecules and cell interaction. Perfect for AP Biology students preparing for their exams.
