Biology Quiz: Cell Theory and Genetics

Cell Theory: All living organisms are composed of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
- Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller size, simpler structure (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Nucleus present, larger size, complex structure (e.g., plants, animals, fungi).

DNA Structure: Double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene Expression: Process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize proteins.
Mendelian Genetics: Principles of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel; includes concepts of dominant and recessive traits.

Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution; organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
Speciation: Formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
Common Descent: All living organisms share a common ancestor.

Ecosystems: Communities of living organisms interacting with their environment (abiotic factors).
Food Chains and Webs: Energy flow through ecosystems; producers (plants) → consumers (animals) → decomposers.
Biomes: Large ecological areas with distinct climates and species (e.g., deserts, forests, tundras).

Organ Systems: Groups of organs that work together (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive).
Homeostasis: The process of maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Immune System: Defends against pathogens; includes innate and adaptive immunity.

Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using chlorophyll.
Plant Structure: Components include roots, stems, leaves, and flowers; each has specific functions.
Plant Growth: Involves cell division, elongation, and differentiation.

Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotes, diverse in shape and function, some beneficial while others cause diseases.
Viruses: Non-cellular entities that require a host to replicate; can infect all forms of life.
Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms, include yeast and molds, important for decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Macromolecules: Four main types: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids; essential for life.
Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions; specific to substrates.
Metabolism: Sum of all chemical reactions in a cell; includes catabolic (breakdown) and anabolic (synthesis) pathways.

Cell Theory: Central tenet in biology; asserts all organisms consist of cells, which serve as life's fundamental unit; emphasizes that cells originate from pre-existing cells.
Prokaryotic Cells: Characterized by the absence of a nucleus, smaller size compared to eukaryotic cells, and simpler organization; examples include bacteria.
Eukaryotic Cells: Have a defined nucleus, are generally larger, and exhibit complex structures; encompass a wide range of organisms such as plants, animals, and fungi.

DNA Structure: Exists as a double helix composed of nucleotides; four bases involved—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
Gene Expression: Vital process where the information encoded within a gene is utilized to produce proteins.
Mendelian Genetics: Introduced by Gregor Mendel, highlights key inheritance principles including the concepts of dominant and recessive traits.

Natural Selection: Fundamental mechanism driving evolution; suggests organisms that are better suited to their environments have higher survival and reproduction rates.
Speciation: The evolutionary process through which new distinct species arise.
Common Descent: Concept indicating that all living organisms share a common ancestral origin.

Ecosystems: Comprise communities of organisms interacting with abiotic environmental factors, showcasing the complexity of life systems.
Food Chains and Webs: Illustrate energy transfer within ecosystems, beginning with producers (like plants), followed by consumers (animals), and ultimately decomposers.
Biomes: Large geographical areas characterized by distinct climate conditions and unique plant and animal species; examples include deserts, forests, and tundras.

Organ Systems: Composed of groups of organs that collaborate to perform complex functions; notable systems include circulatory, respiratory, and digestive.
Homeostasis: The mechanism by which biological systems maintain stable internal conditions despite variations in external environments.
Immune System: Protects the body against pathogens; consists of both innate (immediate) and adaptive (targeted) immune responses.

Photosynthesis: Key process where plants harness light energy to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide and water, facilitated by chlorophyll.
Plant Structure: Comprised of roots (anchor and nutrient absorption), stems (support and transport), leaves (photosynthesis), and flowers (reproduction); each structure serves essential functions.
Plant Growth: Involves critical processes such as cell division, elongation of cells, and differentiation into various cell types.

Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotes displaying a vast array of shapes and functions; include both beneficial species and pathogens.
Viruses: Non-living entities lacking cellular structure, dependent on host cells for replication; can infect various life forms, including plants and animals.
Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms such as yeasts and molds that play significant roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Macromolecules: Life's fundamental building blocks include four primary types: carbohydrates (energy sources), proteins (structural and functional roles), lipids (fats and membranes), and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).
Enzymes: Crucial biological catalysts that significantly accelerate chemical reactions; each enzyme is specific to particular substrates.
Metabolism: Encompasses the entirety of chemical reactions in a cell, divided into catabolic pathways (breaking down molecules for energy) and anabolic pathways (constructing molecules for growth).