Cell Biology and Genetics Quiz

Cell Biology

• 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.

Genetics

• 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.

Evolution

• 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.

Ecology

• 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.

Human Biology

• 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.

Plant Biology

• 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.

Microbiology

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

Biochemistry

• 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 and Physiology

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

Cell Biology

• 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.

Genetics

• 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.

Evolution

• 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.

Ecology

• 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.

Human Biology

• 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.

Plant Biology

• 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.

Microbiology

• 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.

Biochemistry

• 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 and Physiology

• 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.