Biology Key Knowledge Units 1 and 2

Key Knowledge Units 1 and 2

• Cells are the basic structural components of all life on Earth. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are differentiated.
• Surface area-to-volume ratio limits cell size, necessitating internal compartments (organelles).
• Plant and animal cells have organelles with specific functions (e.g., chloroplasts, mitochondria).
• Plasma membranes control substance passage (water, hydrophilic/hydrophobic).
• Prokaryotes reproduce via binary fission. Eukaryotes reproduce through a complex cell cycle including mitosis and cytokinesis in plant and animal cells.
• Apoptosis is controlled cell death. Cell cycle disruption, or malfunctions in apoptosis, can lead to cancer.
• Stem cells specialize and renew tissues. Stem cells display pluripotency and totipotency.
• Plant cells specialize for functions like water intake and movement within vascular plants.
• Animal cells specialize in tissue, organ and systems like digestive, endocrine and excretory.
• Homeostasis in animals regulates water balance, body temperature and blood glucose, with specific examples including type 1 diabetes, hypoglycemia, and hyperthyroidism.
• Scientific methodology is applied to understanding life that includes classification, identification, fieldwork, modelling, product, process, and system development, or simulation. Data generation might be qualitative or quantitative. Data collection requires accuracy, precision, reproducibility and repeatability, along with validity.
• Primary data organization, analysis, and evaluation identifies significant patterns and relationships.
• Scientific reports precisely communicate findings. Abbreviations and standard representations are utilized.
• Genes, alleles, and genomes are fundamental genetic units.
• Homologous chromosomes carry the same gene loci. Autosomes and sex chromosomes are differentiated.
• Karyotypes show chromosomal variation and abnormalities visually.
• Meiosis produces haploid gametes with crossing over creating diversity.
• Dominant and recessive traits influence phenotypes, including codominance and incomplete dominance.
• Genetic material, environment, and epigenetics shape phenotypes. Pedigree charts and inheritance patterns (autosomal and sex-linked) demonstrate how traits are passed down.
• Predicting genetic outcomes from crosses (mono or dihybrid) is possible through using the tools of genetics.
• Asexual vs. Sexual reproduction has biological advantages and disadvantages.
• Reproductive cloning methods like embryo splitting and SCNT are utilized.
• Genetic diversity within species influences survival.
• Structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations enhance survival in diverse environments and through interdependencies between species. Keystone species are especially significant to a species distribution and density within an ecosystem.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge contributes to understanding species adaptations.

Explore the fundamentals of cell biology with this quiz covering key concepts such as prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell differences, organelle functions, and the cell cycle. Test your understanding of specialized cells, homeostasis, and the implications of cellular processes like apoptosis in health and disease.