Cell Biology and Genetics Quiz

Study Notes

Cell Biology

Cell Theory:
- All living organisms are composed of cells.
- Cells are the basic unit of life.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Types of Cells:
- Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller, simpler (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Nucleus present, larger, complex (e.g., plant and animal cells).
Cell Organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains DNA, regulates cell activities.
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, energy production.
- Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum: Protein and lipid synthesis (smooth and rough).
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

Genetics

DNA Structure: Double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
Alleles: Different forms of a gene.
Mendelian Genetics: Inheritance patterns, including dominant and recessive traits.

Evolution

Natural Selection: Mechanism whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
Evidence of Evolution:
- Fossil records.
- Comparative anatomy (homologous/analogous structures).
- Molecular biology (DNA sequence comparison).

Ecology

Ecosystem: A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Trophic Levels:
- Producers (plants, photosynthesis).
- Primary consumers (herbivores).
- Secondary consumers (carnivores).
- Decomposers (break down dead matter).
Biogeochemical Cycles: Nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen, water) that circulate through ecosystems.

Physiology

Homeostasis: The process of maintaining a stable internal environment.
Major Systems:
- Circulatory: Transports blood, nutrients, gases.
- Respiratory: Gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out).
- Digestive: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients.
- Nervous: Controls and coordinates body activities.

Plant Biology

Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Plant Cell Structure:
- Cell wall: Provides structure and support.
- Chloroplasts: Site of photosynthesis.
- Vacuoles: Storage and maintaining turgor pressure.

Microbiology

Bacteria: Single-celled organisms, prokaryotic, can be beneficial or pathogenic.
Viruses: Non-living entities that require a host to replicate, can cause diseases.
Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms, important for decomposition, can form beneficial relationships (mycorrhizae) with plants.

Biochemistry

Macromolecules:
- Proteins: Made of amino acids, essential for cell structure and function.
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy and structure.
- Lipids: Fats and oils, important for cell membranes and energy storage.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, carriers of genetic information.

Biotechnologies

Genetic Engineering: Manipulating an organism’s DNA to express desired traits (e.g., GMOs).
Cloning: Producing genetically identical individuals.
CRISPR: A technology for editing genes with precision.

Description

Test your understanding of cell biology and genetics with this quiz. Covering key concepts like cell theory, types of cells, organelles, DNA structure, and Mendelian genetics, this quiz will challenge your knowledge in these fundamental biological areas.