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Questions and Answers
Which plant structure is responsible for nutrient transport?
Which plant structure is responsible for nutrient transport?
What do ganules, auxins, and gibberellins have in common?
What do ganules, auxins, and gibberellins have in common?
Which of these statements about viruses is true?
Which of these statements about viruses is true?
What is the primary purpose of fermentation?
What is the primary purpose of fermentation?
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Which step in the scientific method comes after hypothesis formulation?
Which step in the scientific method comes after hypothesis formulation?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
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What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?
What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?
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In Mendelian genetics, what do the terms genotype and phenotype refer to?
In Mendelian genetics, what do the terms genotype and phenotype refer to?
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Which process involves the conversion of DNA into RNA?
Which process involves the conversion of DNA into RNA?
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What best describes natural selection?
What best describes natural selection?
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What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
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What distinguishes biotic factors from abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
What distinguishes biotic factors from abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
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Which organelle is primarily responsible for photosynthesis in plants?
Which organelle is primarily responsible for photosynthesis in plants?
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Study Notes
Cell Biology
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Cell Theory
- All living organisms are composed of cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of life.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
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Cell Structure
- Prokaryotic Cells: No nucleus, simpler (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic Cells: Has a nucleus, more complex (e.g., plants, animals).
- Key Organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, energy production.
- Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum: Protein and lipid synthesis.
- Golgi Apparatus: Packaging and distribution of proteins.
Genetics
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DNA Structure
- Double helix model composed of nucleotides (A, T, C, G).
- Base pairing: A pairs with T, C pairs with G.
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Gene Expression
- Transcription: DNA to RNA.
- Translation: RNA to protein.
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Inheritance Patterns
- Mendelian Genetics: Dominant and recessive traits.
- Genotype vs. Phenotype: Genetic makeup vs. expressed traits.
- Punnett Squares: Predict genotypic and phenotypic ratios.
Evolution
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Natural Selection
- Mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin.
- Survival of the fittest: individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
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Evolutionary Evidence
- Fossil records: Show changes over time.
- Comparative anatomy: Homologous structures reflect common ancestry.
- Molecular biology: DNA similarities indicate evolutionary relationships.
Ecology
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Ecosystem Components
- Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
- Producers (autotrophs), consumers (heterotrophs), decomposers.
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Energy Flow
- Food chains and food webs demonstrate energy transfer.
- Trophic levels: Producers → Primary consumers → Secondary consumers → Tertiary consumers.
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Biomes
- Major types: Terrestrial (e.g., forests, deserts) and aquatic (e.g., freshwater, marine).
- Climate and geography influence biome characteristics.
Human Biology
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Body Systems
- Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and muscular systems.
- Homeostasis: Maintaining stable internal conditions.
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Immune System
- Defense against pathogens.
- Components: White blood cells, antibodies, lymphatic system.
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Reproductive System
- Male and female anatomy.
- Sexual reproduction: Fusion of gametes (sperm and egg).
Plant Biology
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Photosynthesis
- Process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy (glucose).
- Occurs mainly in chloroplasts.
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Plant Structure
- Roots, stems, leaves, flowers.
- Xylem: Transports water; Phloem: Transports nutrients.
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Growth and Development
- Hormones: Auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins regulate growth.
Microbiology
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Types of Microorganisms
- Bacteria: Prokaryotic, can be beneficial or pathogenic.
- Viruses: Acellular, require a host to replicate.
- Fungi: Eukaryotic, decomposers, some pathogenic.
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Microbial Processes
- Fermentation: Produces energy anaerobically.
- Bioremediation: Use of microorganisms to remove pollutants.
Biotechnology
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Genetic Engineering
- Manipulating DNA to modify organisms (e.g., GMOs).
- Techniques: CRISPR, cloning, gene therapy.
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Applications
- Medicine: Production of insulin, vaccines.
- Agriculture: Pest-resistant crops, increased yield.
Scientific Method
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Steps
- Observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, analysis, conclusion.
- Importance of reproducibility and peer review in scientific research.
Cell Theory
- All living organisms are made up of cells, the fundamental unit of life.
- New cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Cell Structure
- Prokaryotic Cells are simpler and lack a nucleus (e.g. Bacteria).
- Eukaryotic Cells have a nucleus and are more complex (e.g. Plants and Animals).
-
Key Organelles
- Nucleus contains DNA, the genetic material.
- Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy.
- Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
- Golgi Apparatus packages and distributes proteins.
DNA Structure
- DNA is a double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine).
- Base Pairing follows specific rules: adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
Gene Expression
- Transcription copies DNA into RNA.
- Translation converts RNA into proteins.
Inheritance Patterns
- Mendelian Genetics explains dominant and recessive traits.
- Genotype refers to an organism's genetic makeup, while Phenotype represents its observable characteristics.
- Punnett Squares are used to predict the probability of different genotypes and phenotypes in offspring.
Natural Selection
- Charles Darwin proposed natural selection as the mechanism of evolution.
- Survival of the fittest means that individuals best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.
Evolutionary Evidence
- Fossil Records document changes in organisms over time.
- Comparative Anatomy reveals homologous structures in different species that reflect common ancestry.
- Molecular Biology highlights DNA similarities that indicate evolutionary relationships.
Ecosystem Components
- Biotic factors are living components (e.g. plants, animals), while abiotic factors are non-living (e.g. temperature, water).
- Producers (autotrophs) create their own food.
- Consumers (heterotrophs) rely on other organisms for food.
- Decomposers break down dead organisms.
Energy Flow
- Food chains and food webs illustrate how energy flows through ecosystems.
- Trophic Levels represent different feeding levels: Producers → Primary consumers → Secondary consumers → Tertiary consumers.
Biomes
- Major Biomes include terrestrial biomes like forests and deserts, and aquatic biomes like freshwater and marine ecosystems.
- Climate and geographic features significantly influence biome characteristics.
Body Systems
- Major human body systems include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and muscular systems.
- Homeostasis is the body´s ability to maintain stable internal conditions.
Immune System
- The immune system protects the body from pathogens (disease-causing agents).
- Key components include white blood cells, antibodies, and the lymphatic system.
Reproductive System
- Male and female reproductive systems are responsible for sexual reproduction.
- Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes (sperm and egg).
Photosynthesis
- Plants use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy (glucose).
- This process primarily occurs in chloroplasts.
Plant Structure
- Key plant structures include roots for water absorption, stems for support, leaves for photosynthesis, and flowers for reproduction.
- Xylem transports water, while phloem transports nutrients.
Growth and Development
- Plant hormones like auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins regulate growth.
Types of Microorganisms
- Bacteria are prokaryotic and can be either beneficial or pathogenic.
- Viruses are acellular and require a host for replication.
- Fungi are eukaryotic, often acting as decomposers, but some are pathogenic.
Microbial Processes
- Fermentation is a process that produces energy anaerobically (without oxygen).
- Bioremediation uses microorganisms to clean up pollutants.
Genetic Engineering
- Genetic Engineering involves manipulating DNA to modify organisms (e.g. Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs).
- Common techniques include CRISPR (gene editing), cloning (creating identical copies), and gene therapy (correcting genetic defects).
Applications of Genetic Engineering
- Medicine uses genetic engineering for producing insulin and vaccines.
- Agriculture relies on it for developing pest-resistant crops and increasing yield.
Scientific Method
- Observation leads to the formulation of a hypothesis, which is then tested through experimentation.
- Analysis of the results allows researchers to draw conclusions.
- Reproducibility and peer review are essential for scientific research.
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Description
Test your knowledge on cell biology and genetics, covering essential concepts like cell theory, cell structure, DNA, and inheritance patterns. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of fundamental biological principles.
