12 topics with brief reviews: definitions, key facts, and seminar questions.
This section is dedicated to the molecular foundation of life: the chemical composition and morphology of the cell. Here we examine how inorganic substances (water and mineral salts) and complex organic macromolecules work within a single system to ensure metabolism and vital activity.
The section's materials sequentially describe all key components. You will study the structure of amino acids, protein formation, and enzyme function. Carbohydrates and lipids, responsible for energy storage and structural integrity, are covered in detail. A separate fundamental block is dedicated to nucleic acids: from the basic structure of nucleotides to the functions of DNA, RNA, and the universal source of cellular energy, ATP.
Seminars and colloquia most frequently test the spatial structure of proteins, mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis, complementarity in DNA and RNA, and the role of high-energy ATP bonds. A firm grasp of these topics is your ticket to successfully mastering biochemistry, histology, and molecular genetics in upper years.
The volume of cells of a specific type in animal tissues is always constant and does not change depending on the size of the organism itself. Differences in organ mass are achieved solely through cell number.
Which chemical elements are responsible for nerve impulse conduction?
In the processes of cell excitation and impulse conduction in nervous and muscular tissues, sodium (Na) and potassium (K) ions play the main role.
What water loss is considered critical for living systems?
The loss of 20% of the total intracellular water volume is fatal to the organism.
Why are amino acids called amphoteric compounds?
This is due to the presence of two functional groups with opposing properties in their molecule. The amino group ($—NH_2$) is responsible for basic properties, while the carboxyl group ($—COOH$) provides acidic characteristics.
What is the difference between reversible and irreversible denaturation?
Reversible denaturation implies the preservation of the primary structure (amino acid sequence), allowing the protein to restore its shape when conditions normalize. During irreversible denaturation, the primary structure is permanently destroyed.
What is the basis for the classification of enzymes?
The classification is based exclusively on the type of chemical reaction catalyzed by the enzyme. According to this criterion, they are divided into 6 classes.
Master the entire topic in the "Biology" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
3,793 pages of study guides across all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium