Biology Flashcards: Solutions and Proteins

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of a hypertonic solution?

A solution with no solutes

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as the cell

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the cell (correct)

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than the cell

What is the definition of a hypotonic solution?

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as the cell

A solution with no solutes

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the cell

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes than the cell (correct)

What is the definition of an isotonic solution?

A solution with the same concentration of solutes as the cell.

What is recombinant proteins' use?

Recombinant proteins are used for various applications, including research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Signup and view all the answers

What is Taq polymerase?

A DNA polymerase isolated from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus; it is used in PCR amplification of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is reverse transcriptase?

A viral enzyme found in retroviruses that converts their RNA genome into a DNA copy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Solutions and Their Concentrations

Hypertonic: Contains a higher concentration of solutes compared to the cell, leading to water movement out of the cell and potential shrinkage.
Hypotonic: Has a lower concentration of solutes than the cell, resulting in water movement into the cell, which can cause swelling or bursting.
Isotonic: Has an equal concentration of solutes as the cell, leading to no net movement of water and maintaining cell shape.

Recombinant Proteins and Enzymes

Recombinant proteins: Engineered proteins produced through recombinant DNA technology, used in various applications including therapeutic treatments, diagnostics, and research.

Taq Polymerase

Taq polymerase: A DNA polymerase extracted from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus; functions optimally at elevated temperatures and is a critical enzyme in the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for amplifying DNA.

Reverse Transcriptase

Reverse transcriptase: An enzyme present in retroviruses; it catalyzes the synthesis of DNA from an RNA template, allowing for the integration of the viral genome into the host's DNA.

Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts in biology with these flashcards focused on hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic solutions, as well as recombinant proteins. Understand the definitions and applications of these terms to strengthen your grasp of cellular biology.