Principles of Biology I

Class Assignment-1
Due date: Lecture 7

Topic 1. Eukaryotic Cells Have a Nucleus and other Membrane-Bound Compartments

Proteins can be tagged with radioactivity and specific molecules (antibodies) so they can be
detected in particular cell fractions. Liver cells were exposed to radioactive amino acids for 3
minutes, which made all proteins being synthesized during that period radioactive. Then the
radioactive amino acids were removed and, at 5-minute intervals, portions of the cells were
broken open and fractionated—the organelles were separated from one another. An
antibody to the protein lipase was used to distinguish lipase from all the other proteins
present. The percentage of radioactively labeled lipase in several cell compartments was
determined. The table shows the results.

1. What can you conclude about the pathway of lipase in the cell after it is synthesized?
2. Look up the function of lipase. Why is its organelle destination appropriate?
 Topic 2. Biological Membranes Have a Common Structure and are Fluid

The membrane lipids of a cell can be labeled with a fluorescent tag so the entire surface of
the cell will glow evenly under ultraviolet light. If a strong laser light is then shone on a tiny
region of the cell, that region gets bleached (the strong light destroys the fluorescent tag) and
there is a “hole” in the cell surface fluorescence. After the laser is turned off, the hole
gradually fills in with fluorescent lipids that diffuse in from other parts of the membrane.
The time it takes for the hole to disappear is a measure of membrane fluidity. The table
shows some data for cells with altered membrane compositions. Explain the effect of each
alteration.
 Topic 3. During Photosynthesis, Light Energy is Converted to Chemical Energy

The key role of water in supplying electrons for reduction of light-activated chlorophyll in
the light reactions and in the release of O2 to the atmosphere in the process of energy
conversion has been investigated using isotopes of oxygen. The 18O isotope is heavier than
normal oxygen (16O), and a mass spectrometer can be used to detect the difference. Green
plant cells were exposed to light, water, and CO2. (The CO2 was supplied as the bicarbonate
ion HCO3 –, which forms CO2 when dissolved in water.) In the first experiment, some of the
oxygen atoms in the water molecules were 18O (H218O), while CO2 had the normal form of
oxygen (C16O2). In the second experiment, the situation was reversed, with H216O and C18O2
being supplied to the plants. After 2 hours of photosynthesis, the ratio of 18O to 16O was
measured in the O2 produced by the cells.

1. In experiment 1, was the isotopic ratio of O2 more similar to that of H2O or CO2? Why
or why not?
2. What about experiment 2? What can you conclude from these data?
 Topic 4. Meiosis Halves the Nuclear Chromosome Content and Generates Diversity

In the anther (male sex organ) of the lily plant, cells undergo mitosis in synchrony. These
cells can be removed and studied in the laboratory. An antibody was developed that would
bind specifically to a chromosomal protein called B1. A procedure involving antibody
binding and staining of the antibody was used to detect the protein in the anther cells. The
protein was detected at the centromeres of mitotic chromosomes, and its presence or
absence was monitored at different stages of the cell cycle. The results were: G1, absent;
early S, absent; late S through metaphase, present; anaphase, absent; telophase, absent.

1. Propose a role for this protein in sister chromatid function.

2. What results would you expect if meiotic cells were examined for this protein? At
what stages of meiosis would the protein be present or absent?
 Topic 5. Programmed Cell Death is a Necessary Process in Living Organisms

The DNA content of an individual cell can be measured by applying a DNA-specific dye to
the cell and then passing it through an instrument that measures the staining intensity. A
new drug was tested on a population of rapidly dividing tumor cells and their DNA
contents analyzed and compared with those of untreated cells:

1. Plot percentage of cells versus DNA content for the untreated and treated cells.
2. Explain the data for the untreated cells. Which cells are in G1? What do the data
indicate about how much time cells spend in G1 relative to other phases?
3. Explain the data for treated cells and compare them with untreated cells. At what
stage of the cell cycle do you think the new drug acts?