A.

Compare and Contrast the Two Processes of Membrane Transport

Active and Passive transport processes are two ways molecules and other materials move in and
out of cells and across the intracellular membrane.

Compare

 Both active and passive transport move materials and can cross biological membranes.

Contrast

 Active transport moves materials from lower concentration to a higher concentration

(against the concentration gradient), while Passive transport moves materials from higher
to lower concentration.
 Active transport requires cellular energy (ATP) for the moving of molecules in and out of
the cellular membranes and therefore, remains active, while Passive transport does not
require the input of extra energy for the movement of molecules and so the name is given
as passive.
Functions:
 Active Transport
o Transports molecules through the cell membrane against the concentration
gradient so more of the substance is inside the cell (i.e a nutrient) or
outside the cell (i.e a waste) than normal. Disrupts equilibrium established
by diffusion.
 Passive Transport
o Maintains dynamic equilibrium of water, gases, nutrients, wastes, etc.
between cells and extracellular fluid; allows for small nutrients to
enter/exit. No NET diffusion or osmosis after equilibrium is established.

There are multiple forms of Passive transport: simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion,
filtration and osmosis. Passive transport occurs because of the entropy of the system, so
additional energy is not required for it to occur.

Also, there are three mains types of Active transport: the sodium-potassium pump,
exocytosis and endocytosis.

B. Different Structural Changes Happening During Each Stage of Cell Cycle

 The cell cycle is an ordered series of events involving cell growth and cell division that
produces two new daughter cells. The cell cycle has two major phases: interphase and the mitotic
phase.

INTERPHASE

During interphase, the cell grows and DNA is replicated. During the mitotic phase, the
replicated DNA and cytoplasmic contents are separated, and the cell divides.

G1 Phase (First Gap)

-the first stage of interphase

-the cell is quite active at the biochemical level
-the cell is accumulating the building blocks of chromosomal DNA and the associated proteins as
well as accumulating sufficient energy reserves to complete the task of replicating each
chromosome in the nucleus

S Phase (Synthesis of DNA)

-DNA replication can proceed through the mechanisms that result in the formation of identical
pairs of DNA molecules—sister chromatids—that are firmly attached to the centromeric region
-centrosome is duplicated during the S phase
-two centrosomes will give rise to the mitotic spindle, the apparatus that orchestrates the
movement of chromosomes during mitosis

G2 Phase (Second Gap)

-the cell replenishes its energy stores and synthesizes proteins necessary for chromosome
manipulation
-some cell organelles are duplicated, and the cytoskeleton is dismantled to provide resources for
the mitotic phase
-there may be additional cell growth during G2

The Mitotic Phase

Karyokinesis, also known as mitosis, is divided into a series of phases—prophase,

prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—that result in the division of the cell
nucleus.

PROPHASE

-chromosomes condense and become visible

-spindle fibers emerge from the centrosomes
-nuclear envelope breaks down
-nucleolus disappears
PROMETAPHASE
-chromosomes continue to condense
-kinetochores appear at the centromeres
-mitotic spindle microtubules attach to kinetochores
-centrosomes move toward opposite poles

METAPHASE

-mitotic spindle is fully developed, centrosomes are at opposite poles of the cell
-chromosomes are lined up at the metaphase plate
-each sister chromatid is attached to a spindle fiber originating from opposite poles

ANAPHASE

-cohesin proteins binding the sister chromatids together break down

-sister chromatids (now called chromosomes) are pulled towards opposite poles
-Non-kinetochore spindle fibers lengthen, elongating the cell

TELOPHASE

-chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense (unravel)

-nuclear envelope material surrounds each set of chromosomes
-the mitotic spindle breaks down

CYTOKINESIS

-animal cells: a cleavage furrow separates the daughter cells

-plant cells: a cell plate separates the daughter cells

C. What is the Role of RNA in the Replication of DNA?

DNA replication is the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to

produce two identical DNA molecules. Replication is an essential process because whenever a
cell divides, the two new daughter cells must contain the same genetic information, or DNA, as
the parent cell.

The replication process relies on the fact that each strand of DNA can serve as a template
for duplication. DNA replication initiates at specific points, called origins, where the DNA
double helix is unwound. A short segment of RNA, called a primer, is the synthesized and acts as
the starting point for new DNA synthesis.