Key Concepts in General Biology PDF

***[Key Concepts]*** **Transport Mechanism** -- It refers to the different pathways and processes a cell must move. **Cell Membrane** -- It serves as boundary between cell's internal and external environments. **Passive Transport** -- this type of transport relies on the concentration gradient of...

***[Key Concepts]*** **Transport Mechanism** -- It refers to the different pathways and processes a cell must move. **Cell Membrane** -- It serves as boundary between cell's internal and external environments. **Passive Transport** -- this type of transport relies on the concentration gradient of solutes to move the across the plasma membrane. No energy will spent to move the solutes across. **Simple diffusion** -- The movement of ions and molecules from high to low concentration. **Facilitated Diffusion** -- Ion channels inside aid the charged ions to move across. **Osmosis** -- It is the ability to pass through membrane. **Tonicity** -- It is the difference in osmotic concentration which leads to the movement of water. **Aquaporins** -- These channels allow water molecules to move across the membrane in large quantities. **Active transport** -- This type of transport mechanism relies on the expense of cell energy. **Endocytosis** -- process by which cells takes in substance from outside of the cell by engulfing them in vesicle. **Pinocytosis** -- It takes fluid and solutes. **Phagocytosis** -- takes larger substances. **Exocytosis** -- process by which cells release particles from within the cell into extracellular space. **Biochemistry** - is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. **structural biology** - It the study of thethree-dimensionalstructure of biological important molecules and macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids. **Enzymology** -- it is a branch of biochemistry aiming to understand how enzyme works. **Metabolism** -- It is the chemical reactions in the body's cells that change food into energy. **Carbon** -- The main composition of organic compound. **Hydrogen** -- The major source of fuel in the production of energy. **Oxygen** -- Essential part of water molecules and organic compounds. **Nitrogen** -- Key element in proteins. **Phosphorous** -- Major component of nucleic acids and energy rich compounds. **Sulfur** -- part of amino acids and vitamins. **Iodine** -- acts as a thermostat to regulate body temperature. **Molybdenum** -- Needed by plants to incorporate nitrogen into biologically useful substance. **Chromium** -- Part of insulin receptor. **Selenium** -- prevents peroxidation of reduced compounds such as glutathione. **Atoms** -- the basic building block of all matter and chemistry. **Elements** -- Are pure substances made up of only one type of atom. **Compounds** -- Pure substances made up of two of more different types of element. **Ionic Bonding** -- These are attractions between ions and opposite charges. **Covalent Bonding** -- this occurs when atoms share their outermost shell electron. **Acids - Are compounds that release hydrogen ions in solution. It has a sour taste and turn certain dyes red.** **Bases** - these are also produced in the body just like acids. Has a bitter taste and are slippery. **Buffer -- It is a mixture of weak acid and its corresponding base that controls pH of a given substances.** **Electrolytes** - Are compounds that can be acid, base or salt. They are important for cells and normal function **Bicarbonate** -- Regulates heart function. **Calcium** -- Components of bones and teeths. **Chloride** -- Maintains water balance. **Magnesium** -- Contributes to normal nerve and muscle function and enhance immune system. **Potassium** -- Aids in generating electrical impulses in the body for normal brain and muscle functioning. **Sodium** -- Helps with electrical signals in the body and part of water regulation.