STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS

Experiment 1: The Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells

1. In a tabular form, differentiate prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
PROKARYOTIC CELLS EUKARYOTIC CELLS
 Absent nucleus  Present nucleus
 No membrane bound-organelles  Have membrane-bound organelles
 unicellular  Multicellular
 DNA is bundled together in the  eukaryotes store their genetic
nucleoid region, but it is not stored information in the nucleus.
within a membrane-bound nucleus.  Eukaryote DNA consists of multiple
 prokaryote DNA is double-stranded molecules of double-stranded linear
and circular. DNA
 Transcription and translation are  Not coupled
coupled

2. State the importance of the three major parts of the cell, concerning the identification
of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
3. Define the function of each biomolecule in the cellular membrane.
 Lipids- are responsible in the formation of the bilayer that stops the water-soluble
materials from passing inside the cell.
 Proteins- create the channels that control the passage of these substances into
and out of the cell.
 Carbohydrates- contribute in cell recognition and adhesion, either cell-cell
signaling or cell-pathogen interactions, and they have a structural role as a
physical barrier.

Experiment 2: Cellular Transport and Processes

1. State the role of concentration gradient in diffusion.
2. Describe effects of different types of solutions in the red blood cells.
3. Relate the process of dialysis to the function of kidney in maintaining the internal
environment of the body.
4. What is the role of bile salts during digestion process?
5. What is a surfactant? How does it lower the surface tension? Cite soap as an
example.
Experiment 3: pH and buffers
1. Cite the biochemical relevance of pH? How important is it to be maintained at a
specific range?
2. What is meant by buffering action?
3. What are the buffering systems in the blood? Describe their actions.
4. What are the two organs active in acid-base regulation? How do they maintain
homeostasis in the body?
Calculations
1. The [H+] concentration in the blood is equal to 80nmol/L. Calculate the pH of the
blood.
2. A patient arterial blood gas has the pH of 7.40. What is the concentration of [H +]?
Express your answer in nmol/L.
3. Bicarbonate buffer is the principal buffer system in the plasma. It maintains the pH of
blood at 7.35-7.45, approximately 7.4. Given that the pKa is 6.1. What should be the
ration of the components of bicarbonate buffer to maintain the pH of blood?
4. What concentration should be used to prepare the bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer
with pH of 7.50? (Ka=4.2x10-7).