Origin of Life & Astrobiology: Essential Concepts
Essential Compounds for Life
Inorganic Compounds
Water and mineral salts are essential for the function of living beings.
Organic Compounds
Found only in living beings, characterized by covalent bonds.
- Polymers: Macromolecules formed by monomers.
- Carbohydrates: Primary source of energy.
- Lipids: Store energy and have regulatory functions.
- Proteins: Perform transport, structural, and hormonal functions; enzymes act as chemical catalysts.
- Nucleic Acids: Store and transmit genetic information.
Defining Life and
Read MoreDental Implant Placement: Principles and Considerations
Principles of Dental Implant Positioning: Anatomical Limitations
To maximize the probability of success, an implant should be placed entirely within the bone and away from significant anatomical structures. Ideally, there should be 10 mm of vertical bone dimension and 6 mm of horizontal dimension to place the implant. This size prevents the invasion of anatomical structures. There should also be adequate space between adjacent implants; usually, 3 mm is acceptable. This space is required to ensure
Read MoreEnzyme Kinetics and Regulation Mechanisms
Enzyme Reactions and Characteristics
1. CH3CH2COO– to CH3CH3 + CO2 – Lyase
2. D-amino acid to L-amino acid – Isomerase
3. Adenylribose + H2O – Hydrolase
4. An enzyme is inhibited competitively, but to varying degrees, by the same concentration of three different inhibitors – Lower Km indicates higher affinity.
5. The figure corresponds to the kinetics of inhibition of an enzyme assay. Curve I could correspond to a curve in the absence of an inhibitor.
6. Isoenzyme is defined as: e. None of the above
Biology Basics: Key Concepts and Definitions
Surface Tension in Water
What is surface tension in water? Water molecules forming a ‘skin’ on the surface.
Levels of Organization in Living Things
Which level of organization in living things is directly above the cell? Tissue.
Ecology
What does the field of ecology study? Interactions between organisms and their environment.
Elements in Biomolecules
Elements that form carbohydrates and proteins: C, H, O.
The Scientific Method
What is the purpose of forming a hypothesis in the scientific method? To make
Read MorePhotosynthesis, Respiration, Reproduction & Stimuli Response
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
1. What is Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration?
Photosynthesis: It is a process carried out by living organisms, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, to synthesize organic molecules from inorganic molecules absorbed from the environment, using the sun’s energy. Photosynthesis primarily takes place in the leaves and stems where chlorophyll is present.
Cellular Respiration: It is a process of decomposition of glucose molecules to release energy, which
Read MoreCell Structures, Mitosis, and Meiosis
Cell Structures and Their Functions
Mitochondria: These have a double membrane. The outer membrane is flat, and the inner is folded, forming cristae. Cellular respiration takes place inside.
Ribosomes: Made up of two subunits, ribosomes synthesize cell proteins.
Golgi Apparatus: Stacks of flattened membrane sacs called cisternae, which form vesicles. It processes and packages substances.
Endoplasmic Reticulum: A network of flattened membrane sacs and tubes. It transports proteins and sends them to the