Cell Biology and Genetics Overview

Cell Biology

• Cell Theory:

  • All living organisms are composed of cells.
  • The cell is the basic unit of life.
  • All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

• Cell Structure:

  • Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).
  • Eukaryotic Cells: Contain a nucleus and organelles (e.g., plants, animals).

Genetics

• DNA Structure:

  • Double helix formed by nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).

• Gene Expression:

  • Transcription: DNA to RNA.
  • Translation: RNA to protein.

• Mendelian Genetics:

  • Traits are inherited according to dominant and recessive alleles.
  • Key concepts include homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, and phenotype.

Evolution

• Natural Selection:

  • Mechanism of evolution where individuals better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

• Common Descent:

  • All living organisms share a common ancestor.

• Speciation:

  • The formation of new and distinct species during the course of evolution.

Ecology

• Ecosystem Components:

  • Biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (non-living factors) components.

• Energy Flow:

  • Energy flows through an ecosystem via food chains and food webs, from producers to consumers and decomposers.

• Population Dynamics:

  • Factors influencing population size: birth rate, death rate, immigration, emigration.

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules:
  • Carbohydrates: Provide energy (e.g., sugars, starch).
  • Proteins: Made of amino acids, function as enzymes, structural components.
  • Lipids: Fats and oils, important for membranes and energy storage.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information.

Physiology

• Homeostasis:

  • Maintenance of a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, pH).

• Organ Systems:

  • Major systems include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine.

Biotechnology

• Genetic Engineering:

  • Manipulation of an organism's DNA (e.g., CRISPR technology).

• Cloning:

  • Producing a genetically identical copy of an organism.

• Stem Cells:

  • Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into different cell types.

Microbiology

• Microorganisms:

  • Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

• Pathogens:

  • Microorganisms that can cause disease.

• Antibiotics:

  • Medications that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria.

Plants and Animals

• Plant Structure:

  • Key parts: roots, stems, leaves (photosynthesis).

• Animal Behavior:

  • Responses to environmental stimuli, including innate and learned behaviors.

This overview encompasses various fundamental principles and areas of study within biology.

Cell Theory

• All living organisms are made up of one or more cells
• The cell is the fundamental unit of life
• All cells arise from pre-existing cells

Prokaryotic Cells

• Lack a nucleus
• Lack membrane-bound organelles
• Examples: bacteria

Eukaryotic Cells

• Have a nucleus
• Have membrane-bound organelles
• Examples: plants, animals

DNA Structure

• Double helix
• Composed of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine

Gene Expression

• Transcription: DNA is transcribed into RNA
• Translation: RNA is translated into protein

Mendelian Genetics

• Traits are inherited based on dominant and recessive alleles
• Key concepts include: homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, phenotype

Natural Selection

• Individuals better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully

Common Descent

• All living organisms share a common ancestor

Speciation

• Formation of new, distinct species during evolution.

Ecosystem Components

• Biotic: Living organisms (e.g., plants, animals, bacteria)
• Abiotic: Non-living factors (e.g., temperature, water, sunlight)

Energy Flow

• Flows through an ecosystem via food chains and food webs
• Energy is transferred from producers to consumers to decomposers

Population Dynamics

• Factors influencing population size: birth rate, death rate, immigration, emigration.

Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates: Provide energy (e.g., sugars, starch)
• Proteins: Made of amino acids, function as enzymes, structural components
• Lipids: Fats and oils, important for membranes and energy storage
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information.

Homeostasis

• Maintenance of a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, pH)

Organ Systems

• Major systems include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine.

Genetic Engineering

• Manipulation of an organism's DNA (e.g., CRISPR technology)

Cloning

• Producing a genetically identical copy of an organism

Stem Cells

• Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into different cell types

Microorganisms

• Include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa

Pathogens

• Microorganisms that can cause disease

Antibiotics

• Medications that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria.

Plant Structure

• Key parts: roots, stems, leaves (photosynthesis)

Animal Behavior

• Responses to environmental stimuli, including innate and learned behaviors.

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in Cell Biology and Genetics. Explore cell theory, cell structure differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and delve into DNA structure and gene expression. Learn about Mendelian genetics, evolution, and the mechanisms driving natural selection.