Midterm Biology Review

Front

What are lipids?

Back

Lipids are a group of organic compounds that include fats, oils, and waxes. They are hydrophobic (do not mix with water) and are important for storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes.

Front

What two elements make up water?

Back

Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O).

Front

What is a virus?

Back

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that is not considered alive because it cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes without a host cell.

Front

What is a prokaryote?

Back

Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Examples include bacteria and archaea.

Front

What is a eukaryote?

Back

Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes. Examples include plants, animals, and fungi.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes?

Back

Ribosomes are cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.

Front

What is DNA?

Back

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

Front

What is a nucleus?

Back

The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.

Front

What is a plasma membrane?

Back

The plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is selectively permeable, allowing certain substances to enter or exit the cell.

Front

What is cytoplasm?

Back

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within a cell that contains organelles, enzymes, and other components necessary for cellular processes.