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, smaller, simpler (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Have a nucleus, larger, more complex (e.g., plant and animal cells).
Organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell; energy production (ATP).
- Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins for secretion.
- Lysosomes: Digestion and waste removal.

DNA Structure: Double helix, composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
Alleles: Different versions of a gene.
Mendelian Inheritance: Principles of dominance, segregation, and independent assortment.
Genetic Variations: Mutations, recombination, and gene flow.

Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution; organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
Speciation: The process by which new species arise.
Evidence of Evolution: Fossil records, genetic similarities, comparative anatomy, and embryology.

Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Biotic factors: Living components (plants, animals, microorganisms).
Abiotic factors: Non-living components (climate, soil, water).
Food Chains and Webs: Energy flow through ecosystems; producers, consumers, decomposers.
Biodiversity: Variety of life in an ecosystem; essential for ecosystem stability.

Body Systems:
- Circulatory: Transports blood, nutrients, gases.
- Respiratory: Gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
- Digestive: Breaks down food, absorbs nutrients.
- Nervous: Controls body functions and responses to stimuli.
- Immune: Defends against pathogens.
- Endocrine: Hormonal regulation of body functions.

Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert sunlight into energy (glucose).
Plant Cells: Have cell walls, chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), and large vacuoles.
Reproduction:
- Asexual: Cloning, budding, fragmentation.
- Sexual: Pollination, fertilization, seed formation.

Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
Role in Ecosystems: Decomposition, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships.
Pathogens: Microorganisms that cause disease in hosts.

Macromolecules:
- Carbohydrates: Energy storage and structure.
- Proteins: Catalysts (enzymes), structural components, transport.
- Lipids: Energy storage, cell membranes.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, genetic information storage and transfer.

Anatomy: Study of body structure.
Physiology: Study of body function.
Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Cell Theory: Fundamental principles stating that all living beings are made of cells, the cell is the smallest unit of life, and all cells originate from other cells.
Types of Cells:
- Prokaryotic cells: No nucleus, smaller in size, simpler structure; examples include bacteria.
- Eukaryotic cells: Contain a nucleus, larger, and more complex; examples include plant and animal cells.
Organelles:
- Nucleus: Stores genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP (energy) production.
- Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Two types; rough ER synthesizes proteins, while smooth ER synthesizes lipids.
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.
- Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for digestion and waste elimination.

DNA Structure: Composed of a double helix formed by nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
Gene: A specific segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
Alleles: Different variations of a single gene.
Mendelian Inheritance: Governed by principles including dominance, segregation, and independent assortment.
Genetic Variations: Arise from mutations, genetic recombination, and gene flow between populations.

Natural Selection: A key mechanism of evolution where organisms better suited to their environment have higher survival and reproductive rates.
Speciation: The evolutionary process leading to the emergence of new species.
Evidence of Evolution: Found in fossil records, genetic comparisons, anatomical structures, and embryonic development.

Ecosystem: An integrated community of living organisms interacting with their abiotic environment.
Biotic Factors: Include all living entities like plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Abiotic Factors: Comprised of non-living elements such as climate, soil, and water.
Food Chains and Webs: Illustrations of energy transfer through ecosystems involving producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Biodiversity: Refers to the variety of organisms in an ecosystem, crucial for maintaining ecological balance and stability.

Body Systems:
- Circulatory System: Responsible for transporting blood and essential nutrients.
- Respiratory System: Facilitates gas exchange, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Digestive System: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
- Nervous System: Oversees body functions and reactions to stimuli.
- Immune System: Provides defense against pathogens and infections.
- Endocrine System: Regulates biological processes through hormone secretion.

Photosynthesis: The process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Plant Cells: Feature components like cell walls, chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), and large vacuoles for storage.
Reproductive Strategies:
- Asexual reproduction includes processes such as cloning, budding, and fragmentation.
- Sexual reproduction involves pollination, fertilization, and seed creation.

Microorganisms: Include various life forms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
Ecological Roles: Essential for decomposition, nutrient cycling, and forming symbiotic relationships with larger organisms.
Pathogens: Microorganisms that can cause disease in other organisms.

Macromolecules:
- Carbohydrates: Serve as energy reserves and structural components.
- Proteins: Function as enzymes, provide structure, and enable transport.
- Lipids: Function in energy storage and structural components of cell membranes.
- Nucleic Acids: Include DNA and RNA, crucial for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Anatomy: Focus on the structural aspects of the body and its systems.
Physiology: Examines how body systems function and interact.
Homeostasis: The process ensuring stable internal conditions despite external environmental changes.