VCE Biology Question Thread

[MM1]

Also would like to add that cells do not break down glucose or other organic compounds including lipids solely to yield energy, there are a number of reasons behind these cellular processes including growth, repair,etc.

Hmm, isn't the goal of cellular respiration to yield energy to facilitate other cellular processes like those you mentioned [growth, repair]?

[vox nihili]

That was makes so much sense now; thanks Mr.T-Rav!
Any idea about what's the purpose behind avoiding major veins when cutting leaf discs? This is for the photosynthesis prac. Thanks!

No idea I'm afraid. I have (thankfully) managed to have completely skipped over botany

Hmm, isn't the goal of cellular respiration to yield energy to facilitate other cellular processes like those you mentioned [growth, repair]?

Quite boringly, most of the cell's ATP is used for active transport, with another large chunk used for cell signalling.

[Jason12]

is H20 counted as an output of the light independent reaction of photosynthesis and if asked to write the equation would H20 be included as a product?

[nerdmmb]

is H20 counted as an output of the light independent reaction of photosynthesis and if asked to write the equation would H20 be included as a product?

Yes only if you write 6H20 as a reactant. The water that is produced is metabolic water.

[MM1]

is H20 counted as an output of the light independent reaction of photosynthesis and if asked to write the equation would H20 be included as a product?

Yes,  this water is termed metabolic water as it is formed from the condensation reactions that take place. Although if asked where water is mainly concerned in photosynthesis, probably mention the light dependent reactions.
So it would be 6CO2 + 12H20 (solar energy+chlorophyll) -----> C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O.

[millie96]

to what detail do we need to know about the process of the light dependent and light independent phases?

[nerdmmb]

To what extent do we need to know about rational drug design?

[howlingwisdom]

to what detail do we need to know about the process of the light dependent and light independent phases?

I'm pretty sure it's just the inputs and outputs of each stage and perhaps just a basic understanding of what happens in both .

[alchemy]

To what extent do we need to know about rational drug design?

Do we actually need to know this???

[nhmn0301]

Do we actually need to know this???

It's off the course in some extent, but in reality, it directly links to enzyme context in which they can hit you with any question about how enzyme exhibition helps in rational drug design. So I think as long as we have a strong concept about enzyme, we should be fine. But just have a quick look through Rational drug design, it's actually pretty fun !

[jessica666]

Hi all, can someone tell me if the golgi apparatus packages only proteins? or does it package and export other materials as well? Thanks!

[nerdmmb]

Hi all, can someone tell me if the golgi apparatus packages only proteins? or does it package and export other materials as well? Thanks!

Yup it packages other organic molecules into vesicles for export into the membrane or from the cell.

[alchemy]

Hi all, can someone tell me if the golgi apparatus packages only proteins? or does it package and export other materials as well? Thanks!

For VCE, you only need to know that it modifies and packages proteins into membrane bound vesicles.

EDIT: Beaten by nerdmmb

[Chang Feng]

For electron transport chain. Does the cytochrome physically release energy, or is energy released due to electrons being passed from one cytochrome to the next. Could someone please explain.

[nerdmmb]

For electron transport chain. Does the cytochrome physically release energy, or is energy released due to electrons being passed from one cytochrome to the next. Could someone please explain.

As electrons pass down from one cytochrome to the next, enough energy is released to drive adp and inorganic phosphate into atp. At the same time, its affinity for oxygen molecules are increased so water molecules are formed.