Biology Flashcard

Front

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?

Back

Nucleic acids

Answer explanation

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are the macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information. Proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids serve different functions in the body, but only nucleic acids are responsible for genetic storage.

Front

What type of bond forms between amino acids in a protein?

Back

Peptide bond

Answer explanation

A peptide bond forms between amino acids in a protein, linking the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another. This covalent bond is essential for protein structure, making 'C) Peptide bond' the correct answer.

Front

Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell"?

Back

Mitochondria

Answer explanation

The mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse of the cell" because they generate ATP, the main energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration. This distinguishes them from ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.

Front

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Back

Regulating entry and exit of substances

Answer explanation

The primary function of the cell membrane is C) Regulating entry and exit of substances. It acts as a selective barrier, controlling what enters and leaves the cell, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis.

Front

Which process describes the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen?

Back

Cellular respiration

Answer explanation

Cellular respiration is the process that breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce energy. Fermentation occurs without oxygen, photosynthesis produces glucose, and glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration.

Front

Which structure is responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells?

Back

Chloroplasts

Answer explanation

Chloroplasts are the organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. Mitochondria generate energy, ribosomes synthesize proteins, and the nucleus contains genetic material, but none perform photosynthesis.

Front

Enzymes are categorized as which type of macromolecule? Options: Nucleic acids, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins

Back

Proteins

Answer explanation

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. They are primarily made of proteins, which are macromolecules composed of amino acids, making 'Proteins' the correct answer.

Front

What term describes the sum of all chemical reactions that occur in a cell?

Back

Metabolism

Answer explanation

Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions in a cell, including both catabolism (breaking down molecules) and anabolism (building up molecules). Thus, it is the correct term for the sum of these processes.

Front

What type of protein helps facilitate biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymatic proteins

Answer explanation

Enzymatic proteins, or enzymes, are crucial for facilitating biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy, thus speeding up the processes. Other protein types serve different functions, but only enzymatic proteins catalyze reactions.

Front

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
Options:
They have a nucleus,
They are larger than eukaryotic cells,
They lack membrane-bound organelles,
They have linear DNA

Back

They lack membrane-bound organelles

Answer explanation

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by the absence of membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells which have a nucleus and organelles. They are generally smaller and have circular DNA, not linear.