Biology Key Concepts Quiz

Cell Theory: All living organisms are composed of cells; the cell is the basic unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Types of Cells:
- Prokaryotic: Simple, no nucleus (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Complex, with a nucleus (e.g., plants, animals).
Cell Organelles:
- Nucleus: Stores genetic material.
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, generates ATP.
- Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum: Synthesizes proteins (rough) and lipids (smooth).
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins.

DNA Structure: Double helix, composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene Expression: Process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products (proteins).
Mendelian Genetics:
- Law of Segregation: Alleles segregate during gamete formation.
- Law of Independent Assortment: Alleles of different genes assort independently.

Natural Selection: Mechanism by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to reproduce.
Common Descent: All species share a common ancestor.
Speciation: Process by which new species arise, often due to geographic isolation or environmental changes.

Ecosystems: Interaction of living organisms with their environment.
Biomes: Large regions characterized by climate, flora, and fauna (e.g., tundra, rainforest).
Food Chains/Webs: Energy flow through an ecosystem, illustrating who eats whom.

Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.
Organ Systems:
- Circulatory: Transports nutrients and oxygen.
- Respiratory: Gas exchange.
- Digestive: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
- Nervous: Controls and coordinates body activities.

Microorganisms: Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
Pathogenic vs. Non-Pathogenic: Some microorganisms cause disease, while others are beneficial or neutral.
Antibiotics: Compounds that kill or inhibit bacterial growth.

Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Plant Anatomy: Key structures include roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
Plant Reproduction: Sexual (via seeds) and asexual (via cuttings or runners).

Animal Classification: Taxonomy of animals based on characteristics (e.g., mammals, reptiles).
Animal Behavior: Study of how animals interact with their environment and each other.
Adaptations: Traits developed over time to enhance survival and reproduction.

Genetic Engineering: Manipulating an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits.
CRISPR: A tool for editing genes, allowing for precise changes to DNA.
Cloning: Creating a genetically identical copy of an organism.

Homeostasis
Allele
Genotype and Phenotype
Biodiversity
Symbiosis: Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity.

Cell Theory: Fundamental biological principle stating all organisms consist of cells, which are the unit of life, and all cells originate from existing cells.
Prokaryotic Cells: Simple cells lacking a nucleus; primarily represented by bacteria.
Eukaryotic Cells: Complex cells containing a nucleus; examples include plants and animals.
Key Organelles:
- Nucleus: Encases DNA, directing cell activities.
- Mitochondria: Produces energy in the form of ATP, crucial for cellular processes.
- Ribosomes: Sites for protein synthesis, vital for cell function.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Divided into rough (protein synthesis) and smooth (lipid synthesis) variants.
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use within the cell.

DNA Structure: Comprises a double helix of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene Expression: The mechanism whereby genetic information leads to the production of proteins.
Mendelian Genetics:
- Law of Segregation: During gamete formation, the alleles for each gene segregate from each other.
- Law of Independent Assortment: Alleles for different genes are distributed independently during gamete formation.

Natural Selection: Process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to reproduce, influencing species' evolution.
Common Descent: Concept that all species have evolved from shared ancestral species.
Speciation: The process leading to the emergence of new species, often through geographical or ecological factors.

Ecosystems: The interaction of organisms with their environment, encompassing both biotic and abiotic components.
Biomes: Large ecological areas on earth, defined by climate and distinctive plant and animal groups, such as tundras and rainforests.
Food Chains/Webs: Illustrate energy flow in ecosystems, depicting feeding relationships among organisms.

Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
Organ Systems:
- Circulatory System: Distributes nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
- Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Digestive System: Processes food to extract and absorb nutrients.
- Nervous System: Regulates body functions and responses via signals.

Microorganisms: Diverse group including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
Pathogenic vs. Non-Pathogenic: Some microorganisms cause diseases while others contribute positively or are neutral.
Antibiotics: Substances designed to inhibit or kill bacterial growth, crucial in treating infections.

Photosynthesis: The process through which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, producing glucose.
Plant Anatomy: Essential structures encompass roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive organs (flowers).
Plant Reproduction: Involves sexual reproduction through seeds and asexual methods such as cuttings or runners.

Animal Classification: Categorization of animals based on shared characteristics, such as mammals and reptiles.
Animal Behavior: Examines interactions among animals and between animals and their environments.
Adaptations: Traits that have evolved to enhance survival and reproductive success in specific environments.

Genetic Engineering: Altering an organism's DNA to manifest desired traits.
CRISPR: A groundbreaking gene-editing technology that allows for precise changes to DNA sequences.
Cloning: The process of creating a genetically identical organism, replicating its DNA.

Homeostasis: Dynamic equilibrium of internal conditions.
Allele: Variant form of a gene.
Genotype and Phenotype: Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, phenotype is the observable expression of that genotype.
Biodiversity: Variety of life forms in an ecosystem or across the planet.
Symbiosis: Close physical interaction between different species, impacting their survival.

Prioritize understanding fundamental concepts over rote memorization.
Utilize diagrams for better comprehension of biological processes, such as cellular structures and photosynthesis.
Practice articulating topics in your own words to reinforce learning and retention.