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.
Types of Cells
- Prokaryotic: Lack a nucleus (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Have a nucleus (e.g., plants, animals, fungi).
Cell Structure
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material.
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, produces ATP.
- Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum: Rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (lipid synthesis).
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins.
Cell Division
- Mitosis: Somatic cell division, produces two identical cells.
- Meiosis: Gamete formation, produces four genetically diverse cells.

DNA Structure
- Double helix formed by nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene Expression
- Transcription: DNA to mRNA.
- Translation: mRNA to protein.
Mendelian Genetics
- Traits are inherited through alleles.
- Dominant and recessive alleles determine phenotypes.
Genetic Variations
- Mutations: Changes in DNA sequence.
- Genetic recombination: During meiosis, increases diversity.

Ecosystems
- Composed of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
Biomes
- Major ecological areas (e.g., rainforest, desert, tundra).
Food Chains and Webs
- Energy flow from producers (plants) to consumers (herbivores, carnivores) and decomposers.
Population Dynamics
- Factors affecting population size: birth rate, death rate, immigration, emigration.

Theory of Evolution
- Natural selection: Mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Speciation
- Formation of new and distinct species through evolutionary processes.
Fossil Record
- Provides evidence of historical life forms and their changes over time.
Common Descent
- All living organisms share a common ancestor.

Types of Microorganisms
- Bacteria: Single-celled, prokaryotic organisms.
- Viruses: Infectious agents reliant on host cells for replication.
- Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms, can be unicellular or multicellular.
- Protists: Diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms.
Microbial Roles
- Decomposers: Break down organic matter.
- Pathogens: Cause diseases in hosts.
- Beneficial microbes: Aid in digestion, nitrogen fixation, and food production.
Antibiotics and Resistance
- Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
- Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Cell Theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells, which are the fundamental units of life. New cells arise only from pre-existing cells.
Types of Cells include:
- Prokaryotic cells, which are simple, lack a nucleus, and include bacteria.
- Eukaryotic cells, which are more complex, have a nucleus, and encompass plants, animals, and fungi.
Cell Structure Features:
- Nucleus: Houses genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for ATP production.
- Ribosomes: The site where protein synthesis occurs.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
  - Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.
  - Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid production.
- Golgi Apparatus: Functions in the modification and packaging of proteins.
Cell Division:
- Mitosis: A process that produces two identical somatic cells.
- Meiosis: Produces four genetically diverse gametes.

DNA Structure: Composed of a double helix formed by nucleotides, which include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
Gene Expression Process:
- Transcription converts DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA).
- Translation converts mRNA into proteins.
Mendelian Genetics: Traits are passed through alleles where dominant and recessive alleles influence the phenotype.
Genetic Variations occur through mutations (alterations in DNA) and genetic recombination during meiosis, leading to increased genetic diversity.

Ecosystems consist of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components and their interactions.
Biomes are major ecological areas characterized by specific climates and distinct communities, such as rainforests, deserts, and tundras.
Food Chains and Webs illustrate energy flow:
- Begin with producers (plants), followed by consumers (herbivores, carnivores), and conclude with decomposers.
Population Dynamics are influenced by factors like birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration, affecting overall population size.

Theory of Evolution is primarily driven by natural selection, where organisms best suited to their environment reproduce more effectively.
Speciation refers to the process where new distinct species emerge through evolutionary changes.
Fossil Record provides key evidence showing the evolution of species over time, demonstrating changes in life forms.
Common Descent indicates that all living organisms share a common ancestral lineage.

Types of Microorganisms include:
- Bacteria: Unicellular and prokaryotic, playing various roles in ecosystems.
- Viruses: Obligate parasites that depend on host cells for replication.
- Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, contributing to decomposition.
- Protists: A diverse range of eukaryotic microorganisms with various lifestyles.
Microbial Roles:
- Decomposers: Break down organic matter, recycling nutrients.
- Pathogens: Microbes causing diseases in their hosts.
- Beneficial microbes: Aid in digestion, nitrogen fixation, and production of dairy products.
Antibiotics are utilized to treat bacterial infections; however, misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat.