Biology Quiz: Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology

Cell Structure:
- Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic cells
- Organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, chloroplasts (in plants)
Cell Membrane:
- Phospholipid bilayer
- Fluid mosaic model
- Functions: transport, signaling, cell recognition

DNA Structure:
- Double helix model
- Nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine
Gene Expression:
- Transcription (DNA to RNA)
- Translation (RNA to protein)
Mendelian Inheritance:
- Laws of segregation and independent assortment
- Dominant and recessive traits

Theory of Evolution:
- Natural selection
- Adaptation and speciation
Evidence for Evolution:
- Fossil record
- Comparative anatomy
- Molecular biology

Ecosystems:
- Components: producers, consumers, decomposers
- Energy flow and nutrient cycling
Biodiversity:
- Importance of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity
- Threats: habitat destruction, climate change, pollution

Organ Systems:
- Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, immune, muscular, skeletal, integumentary, reproductive
Homeostasis:
- Regulation of internal environment (temperature, pH, hydration)

Macromolecules:
- Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids
Enzymes:
- Catalysts for biochemical reactions
- Factors affecting enzyme activity: temperature, pH, substrate concentration

Photosynthesis:
- Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy
- Key components: chlorophyll, light reactions, Calvin cycle
Plant Anatomy:
- Roots, stems, leaves, flowers

Types of Behavior:
- Innate vs. learned behaviors
- Social structures, communication, mating rituals

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Organelles are specialized structures within cells, each performing distinct functions:
- Nucleus (genetic material storage)
- Mitochondria (energy production)
- Endoplasmic reticulum (protein and lipid synthesis)
- Golgi apparatus (modification and packaging of proteins)
- Lysosomes (digestion and waste removal)
- Chloroplasts (photosynthesis in plants).
The cell membrane consists of a phospholipid bilayer characterized by the fluid mosaic model, allowing flexibility and fluidity.
Cell membrane functions include transport of substances, signaling between cells, and recognition of cell types.

DNA is structured as a double helix formed by nucleotides: adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.
Gene expression involves two main processes:
- Transcription: conversion of DNA into RNA.
- Translation: synthesis of proteins from RNA.
Mendelian inheritance is governed by two laws:
- Law of segregation stipulates that allele pairs separate during gamete formation.
- Law of independent assortment states that genes for different traits segregate independently during gamete formation.
Traits can be classified as dominant (expressed in the phenotype) or recessive (masked in the presence of a dominant allele).

The theory of evolution suggests that natural selection drives the process of adaptation and speciation in species.
Evidence supporting evolution includes:
- Fossil record that traces lineage and progression of species.
- Comparative anatomy showing structural similarities among different species.
- Molecular biology, which compares DNA sequences and genetic similarities.

Ecosystems are composed of producers (autotrophs), consumers (heterotrophs), and decomposers (recyclers of nutrients), maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience and includes:
- Genetic diversity (variety within a species).
- Species diversity (variety of species in an area).
- Ecosystem diversity (variety of ecosystems).
Threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution, which can disrupt ecological balance.

The human body comprises multiple organ systems including:
- Circulatory (blood circulation), respiratory (gas exchange), digestive (nutrient absorption), nervous (signal transmission), endocrine (hormone regulation), immune (defense against disease), muscular (movement), skeletal (support), integumentary (skin protection), and reproductive (offspring production).
Homeostasis refers to the regulation of the internal environment, including temperature, pH levels, and hydration, ensuring optimal functioning of biological processes.

Four primary macromolecules compose biological systems:
- Carbohydrates (energy sources and structural components).
- Proteins (functional biomolecules and enzymes).
- Lipids (energy storage and structural components of membranes).
- Nucleic acids (genetic information carriers, RNA, and DNA).
Enzymes act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, with their activity influenced by:
- Temperature (optimal ranges for activity).
- pH (specific pH environments needed for activity).
- Substrate concentration (availability of the substance upon which an enzyme acts).

Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, each playing different roles in various environments.
Microbes are essential in ecosystems for nutrient cycling, in human health for digestion and immunity, and can cause diseases.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily occurring in chloroplasts.
Key components of photosynthesis include:
- Chlorophyll: pigment responsible for capturing light.
- Light reactions: conversion of solar energy to chemical energy.
- Calvin cycle: utilization of chemical energy to fix carbon dioxide into glucose.
Plant anatomy consists of roots (nutrient absorption), stems (support and transport), leaves (photosynthesis), and flowers (reproductive structures).

Behaviors can be classified as innate (instinctual) or learned (acquired through experience).
Social structures in animal groups influence group dynamics, communication methods, and mating rituals which vary widely among species.

Biotechnology encompasses applications like genetic engineering (modifying genomes), CRISPR (gene editing technology), cloning (producing genetically identical organisms), and bioremediation (using organisms to clean up environmental pollutants).
Ethical considerations arise in biotechnology, especially with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), stem cell research, and cloning practices, raising questions about morality and safety.