Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
1. Cell Theory:
o All living organisms are made of cells.
o Cells are the basic unit of life.
o New cells arise from existing cells.
2. Cell Types:
o Prokaryotic cells: No nucleus, e.g., bacteria.
o Eukaryotic cells: Contain nucleus and organelles, e.g., animal and plant cells.
3. Detailed Structure of Cells:
o Nucleus: Contains chromatin (DNA + protein) and nucleolus (site of ribosome
production).
o Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance containing organelles.
o Cell membrane: Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
o Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, site of aerobic respiration.
o Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis (free-floating or on the rough ER).
o Endoplasmic reticulum:
Rough ER: Has ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.
Smooth ER: Lipid synthesis, detoxification.
o Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
o Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes, break down waste.
o Chloroplasts (in plant cells): Contain chlorophyll, site of photosynthesis.
o Vacuoles:
Large in plant cells (stores water, maintains turgor pressure).
Small in animal cells (storage).
o Cell wall (plants): Provides rigidity, made of cellulose.
4. Cell Specialization:
o Red blood cells: Biconcave shape, no nucleus, contains hemoglobin for oxygen
transport.
o Root hair cells: Elongated shape, large surface area for water and mineral
absorption.
o Ciliated cells: Found in respiratory tract, move mucus.
o Nerve cells: Long and branched, transmit electrical impulses.
1. Diffusion:
o Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower
concentration until equilibrium is reached.
o Factors affecting diffusion:
Temperature, concentration gradient, surface area, and distance.
o Examples:
Gas exchange in alveoli.
Diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide in leaves.
2. Osmosis:
o The movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from
an area of higher water potential to an area of lower water potential.
o Effect of osmosis on cells:
Animal cells: May burst (lysis) in hypotonic solutions, shrink (crenation)
in hypertonic solutions.
Plant cells: Turgid in hypotonic solutions, flaccid, or plasmolyzed in
hypertonic solutions.
o Examples:
Water uptake in plant roots.
Osmosis in kidney tubules during filtration.
3. Active Transport:
o Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient using energy from ATP.
o Examples:
Absorption of glucose and amino acids in the small intestine.
Mineral uptake in plant roots (e.g., nitrate ions).
4. Endocytosis and Exocytosis:
o Endocytosis: Process of taking in materials by engulfing them in the cell
membrane.
o Exocytosis: Releasing substances outside the cell by vesicles fusing with the
membrane.
Chapter 3: Enzymes
1. Carbohydrates:
o Monosaccharides: Single sugar units (e.g., glucose).
o Disaccharides: Two sugar units (e.g., sucrose).
o Polysaccharides:
Starch: Energy storage in plants.
Glycogen: Energy storage in animals.
Cellulose: Structural component of plant cell walls.
o Test for starch: Iodine solution turns blue-black.
2. Proteins:
o Structure: Made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
o Functions: Enzymes, antibodies, transport (hemoglobin), structural components
(keratin).
o Test for proteins: Biuret test turns purple.
3. Lipids:
o Structure: Glycerol and fatty acids.
o Functions: Long-term energy storage, insulation, protection of organs.
o Test for fats: Emulsion test turns milky.
4. Water:
o Essential for life: Solvent, medium for reactions, temperature regulation.
1. Photosynthesis:
o Equation: 6CO2+6H2O+light→C6H12O6+6O26CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \
rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_26CO2+6H2O+light→C6H12O6+6O2.
o Occurs in chloroplasts (chlorophyll absorbs light).
o Stages:
Light-dependent reactions (splitting of water to release oxygen).
Light-independent reactions (carbon fixation to produce glucose).
2. Limiting Factors:
o Light intensity: More light increases rate up to a point.
o Carbon dioxide concentration: Higher concentrations increase photosynthesis.
o Temperature: Optimum temperature for enzyme activity.
3. Leaf Structure:
o Cuticle: Reduces water loss.
o Upper epidermis: Transparent to let light through.
o Palisade mesophyll: Contains most chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
o Spongy mesophyll: Gas exchange.
o Stomata: Allow CO₂ entry and O₂ exit.
4. Mineral Requirements:
o Nitrate ions: Needed for protein synthesis.
o Magnesium ions: Required for chlorophyll production.