Basic Cell Concepts Quiz

Cell Definition: Basic unit of life, comprising all living organisms.
Cell Theory:
- All living things are made of cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of structure and function.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells:
- Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Examples: Bacteria and Archaea.
Eukaryotic Cells:
- Contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Examples: Plant cells, animal cells, fungi, and protists.

Cell Membrane:
- Phospholipid bilayer that regulates entry and exit of substances.
- Contains proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.
Nucleus:
- Contains genetic material (DNA).
- Surrounded by the nuclear envelope.
Cytoplasm:
- Gel-like substance where cellular processes occur.
- Contains organelles and cytosol.

Mitochondria:
- Powerhouse of the cell, site of ATP production.
- Involved in cellular respiration.
Ribosomes:
- Sites of protein synthesis.
- Can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
- Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis and modification.
- Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.
Golgi Apparatus:
- Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.
Lysosomes:
- Contain digestive enzymes for breaking down waste and cellular debris.
Chloroplasts (in plant cells):
- Site of photosynthesis; contain chlorophyll.
Cell Wall (in plant cells):
- Rigid structure providing support and protection, made of cellulose.

Mitosis:
- Process of somatic cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.
- Phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis.
Meiosis:
- Process of gamete formation resulting in four genetically diverse cells.
- Involves two rounds of division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.

Cellular Respiration:
- Process of converting glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
- Stages: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and Electron Transport Chain.
Photosynthesis (in plants):
- Process of converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
- Occurs in chloroplasts; involves light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

Signal Transduction:
- Process by which cells respond to external signals (hormones, neurotransmitters).
- Involves receptors, signaling molecules, and cascades leading to cellular responses.

Passive Transport:
- Movement of substances across the membrane without energy input.
- Includes diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.
Active Transport:
- Movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).
- Involves transport proteins (e.g., sodium-potassium pump).
Endocytosis and Exocytosis:
- Endocytosis: Process of taking in materials by engulfing them in a membrane.
- Exocytosis: Process of expelling materials from the cell via vesicles.

Homeostasis: Cells maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Cell Differentiation: Process through which cells become specialized for specific functions.

Cells are the fundamental units of life in all living organisms.
Cell theory encompasses three primary principles:
- All living things are comprised of cells.
- Cells serve as the basic structural and functional units.
- All cells originate from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells:
- Lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Examples include bacteria and archaea.
Eukaryotic Cells:
- Possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Include plant cells, animal cells, fungi, and protists.

Cell Membrane:
- Consists of a phospholipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances in and out.
- Contains proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates integrated within.
Nucleus:
- Houses genetic material (DNA) and is enclosed by the nuclear envelope.
Cytoplasm:
- A gel-like matrix where metabolic processes occur, consisting of organelles and cytosol.

Mitochondria:
- Known as the cell's powerhouse; crucial for ATP production and cellular respiration.
Ribosomes:
- Sites for protein synthesis, existing freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
- Rough ER has ribosomes and is involved in protein synthesis and modification.
- Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and focuses on lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.
Golgi Apparatus:
- Responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for cellular transport.
Lysosomes:
- Contain digestive enzymes essential for breaking down waste products and cellular debris.
Chloroplasts (found in plant cells):
- Sites for photosynthesis and contain chlorophyll, enabling energy conversion.
Cell Wall (found in plant cells):
- Provides structural support and protection; composed of cellulose.

Mitosis:
- Involves somatic cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells through phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis.
Meiosis:
- Creates gametes, resulting in four genetically unique cells, involving two stages of division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.

Cellular Respiration:
- Converts glucose and oxygen into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water across three stages: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and Electron Transport Chain.
Photosynthesis (occurs in plants):
- Transforms light energy into chemical energy stored as glucose, involving light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

Signal Transduction:
- Mechanism by which cells interpret and respond to external signals like hormones and neurotransmitters, involving receptors and cellular responses.

Passive Transport:
- Encompasses movement across the membrane without energy use, including diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.
Active Transport:
- Requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, utilizing transport proteins such as the sodium-potassium pump.
Endocytosis and Exocytosis:
- Endocytosis is the process of membrane engulfing to take in materials.
- Exocytosis involves the expulsion of materials from the cell using vesicles.

Homeostasis:
- Cells maintain a consistent internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Cell Differentiation:
- The process whereby cells specialize to perform unique functions within an organism.