Untitled Quiz

Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

• Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into protein. Proteins carry out biological functions within cells.
• Cell Organelles: Key organelles and their functions are described with diagrams.
• Cell Membranes: Structure and importance in compartmentalization and maintaining osmolality. Ion and molecule transport across membranes are explained.
• Cell Types: Distinguishing between key cell types (e.g., animal, plant, fungi, bacteria, archaea) and how tissues and organs are formed from these cells.
• Cell Theory: The cell is the basic unit of life, all living organisms are made of cells, new cells arise from preexisting cells, chemical reactions occur within cells, and the activity of an organism depends on the activity of all individual cells, energy flow in cells, DNA in chromosomes and RNA in nucleus/cytoplasm and cells having similar composition in similar organisms.

Cell Components

• Cytoplasm: Fluid component (cytosol) containing salts and organic molecules.
• Nucleus: Membrane-bound; contains DNA in chromosomes, nucleolus, and nuclear pores for transport.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Smooth ER is associated with lipid biosynthesis. Rough ER is associated with protein synthesis and transports proteins to the Golgi body.
• Ribosomes: Protein and rRNA; 80S in eukaryotes, 70S in prokaryotes. Synthesize proteins.
• Golgi Body: Flattened membranous saccules. Modify, process, and package proteins in vesicles.
• Vesicles: Membrane-bound, transport and package proteins.
• Mitochondria: Inner (cristae) and outer membranes; contain ATP synthase, convert ADP and Pi into ATP.
• Endosymbiotic Theory: Eukaryotic energy-producing organelles (e.g., mitochondria) originated from primitive aerobic prokaryotes.

Cell Types

• Eukaryotic cells: Animal cells, plant cells, fungi.
• Prokaryotic cells: Bacteria, archaea.

Plasma Membrane (E & P)

• Barrier: Maintains the barrier function.
• Regulation: Regulates movement across the membrane.
• Response: Regulates response to signals.
• Structure: Phospholipid bilayer, hydrophilic heads, hydrophobic tails.

Cell Wall (E & P but not Animal cells)

• Structure: Determines cell shape.
• Protection: Offers cell protection.
• Activity: Is not metabolically active.

Moodle Recap Quiz

• Genetic Information Location: The vast majority of a cell's genetic information is stored in the nucleus.
• Rough ER Synthesis: The rough endoplasmic reticulum is the location of protein synthesis.
• Ribosomal RNA Synthesis: Ribosomal RNA is synthesized in the nucleolus.
• Post-Translational Modifications: Post-translational protein modifications take place in the Golgi body.
• Cellular Energy: Mitochondrial respiration produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
• Gene Expression Location: Gene expression takes place in the nucleus.