Cell Biology and Genetics 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.
Cell Structure:
- Prokaryotic Cells:
  - No nucleus, smaller, simpler structure (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic Cells:
  - Nucleus present, larger, complex (e.g., plant and animal cells).
- Organelles:
  - Nucleus: Contains genetic material.
  - Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, energy production.
  - Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
  - Endoplasmic Reticulum: Synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids.
  - Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

DNA Structure:
- Double helix, composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Genes:
- Segments of DNA that code for proteins.
- Responsible for hereditary traits.
Mendelian Genetics:
- Gregor Mendel's laws of inheritance (dominant and recessive traits).
- Punnett squares for predicting genetic outcomes.

Natural Selection:
- Mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin.
- Organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
Species:
- A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Evolutionary Evidence:
- Fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology.

Ecosystem:
- A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Food Chain:
- A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass (producers → consumers → decomposers).
Biomes:
- Large ecological areas with distinct climates and species (e.g., tundra, rainforest, desert).

Body Systems:
- Circulatory System: Transports blood, nutrients, gases.
- Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
- Digestive System: Breaks down food for nutrient absorption.
- Nervous System: Controls body responses and functions through nerve impulses.
Homeostasis:
- The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.

Microorganisms:
- Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Role in Ecosystem:
- Decomposers, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships.
Pathogens:
- Disease-causing microorganisms that can lead to infections.

Photosynthesis:
- Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
- Occurs in chloroplasts, using chlorophyll.
Plant Structure:
- Roots: Absorb water and nutrients.
- Stem: Supports the plant and transports materials.
- Leaves: Main site of photosynthesis.

Macromolecules:
- Carbohydrates: Energy sources and structural components.
- Proteins: Made of amino acids, perform various functions.
- Lipids: Energy storage and membrane structure.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, responsible for genetic information.

Genetic Engineering:
- Manipulation of an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits.
CRISPR:
- A modern gene-editing technology that allows precise modifications to DNA.
Applications:
- Medicine (gene therapy), agriculture (genetically modified organisms), and environmental solutions (bioremediation).

Cell Theory:
- Living organisms consist of cells, establishing the cell as the fundamental unit of life.
- Cells originate from existing cells, promoting the continuity of life.
Cell Structure:
- Prokaryotic Cells:
  - Characterized by the absence of a nucleus, smaller and simpler, primarily represented by bacteria.
- Eukaryotic Cells:
  - Contain a nucleus, larger and more complex, found in plant and animal organisms.
- Organelles:
  - Nucleus: Houses genetic materials (DNA).
  - Mitochondria: Known as the cell's powerhouse, involved in energy production through ATP synthesis.
  - Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis, linking amino acids in specific sequences.
  - Endoplasmic Reticulum: Synthesizes and transports proteins and lipids; comprises rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes) regions.
  - Golgi Apparatus: Functions in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or use within the cell.

DNA Structure:
- Composed of a double helix structure, made of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine.
Genes:
- Defined as segments of DNA that encode proteins, serving as the basis for hereditary traits.
Mendelian Genetics:
- Principles established by Gregor Mendel detailing the inheritance of traits. Dominant and recessive traits dictate the expression of characteristics.
- Punnett squares are utilized to anticipate possible genetic combinations in offspring.

Natural Selection:
- A key evolutionary mechanism proposed by Charles Darwin, where organisms fit for their environments have enhanced survival and reproductive opportunities.
Species:
- Defined as groups of organisms capable of interbreeding to produce viable offspring.
Evolutionary Evidence:
- Supported by fossil records, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology, validating the processes of evolution over time.

Ecosystem:
- Comprised of interacting living organisms and their physical surroundings, maintaining balance in nature.
Food Chain:
- Represents the flow of energy and nutrients from producers to consumers and ultimately to decomposers in a linear sequence.
Biomes:
- Large ecological zones characterized by distinct climates and types of organisms, such as tundra, rainforest, and desert ecosystems.

Body Systems:
- Circulatory System: Responsible for the transport of blood and essential nutrients throughout the body.
- Respiratory System: Facilitates the exchange of gases, namely oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion.
- Digestive System: Breaks down food into absorbable nutrients to fuel body functions.
- Nervous System: Coordinates body functions and responses through the transmission of nerve impulses.
Homeostasis:
- Refers to the mechanisms that maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes, crucial for survival.

Microorganisms:
- Encompass bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, vital to various ecological processes.
Role in Ecosystem:
- Function as decomposers, facilitating nutrient recycling, and engaging in symbiotic relationships with larger organisms.
Pathogens:
- Specific microorganisms responsible for causing diseases, leading to infections when entering a host.

Photosynthesis:
- The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, occurring primarily in chloroplasts utilizing chlorophyll.
Plant Structure:
- Roots: Serve to absorb water and essential nutrients from the soil.
- Stem: Provides support and transports materials between roots and leaves.
- Leaves: The principal sites for photosynthesis and gas exchange.

Macromolecules:
- Carbohydrates: Serve as primary energy sources and contribute to structure in cells.
- Proteins: Composed of amino acids, performing diverse cellular functions including catalysis (enzymes).
- Lipids: Key for energy storage and forming cellular membranes.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, critical for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Genetic Engineering:
- The manipulation of an organism’s DNA to introduce or enhance specific traits.
CRISPR:
- A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise alterations at the DNA level, transforming genetic research and applications.
Applications:
- Ranges from medical interventions (gene therapy) to agricultural advancements (genetically modified organisms) and environmental remediation strategies (bioremediation).