Cell Biology and Human Classification Quiz

The process of breaking down food within cells to release energy for life processes.

The process by which organisms take in food to obtain energy and nutrients.

The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment, both internal and external.

The process of permanent increase in the size and number of cells within an organism.

The removal of waste products, toxic substances, and excess materials from an organism's body.

The process by which organisms produce offspring to continue their species.

When organisms compete for resources such as food, water, space, and light.

Survival of the fittest - those best adapted to compete for resources survive and reproduce.

The family Hominidae includes species that are able to walk upright on two legs.

Bipedal locomotion is the ability to walk upright on two legs, a key characteristic of Hominidae.

Genus Homo encompasses species with highly developed brains and hands suitable for tool making.

The species Homo sapiens is characterized by a well-developed speech center in the brain.

Taxonomic classification helps organize and understand the relationships between different organisms.

The taxonomic ranks are hierarchical levels used to organize life forms, from broad categories like kingdom to specific species.

The seven main taxonomic ranks are: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species, though additional sub-ranks exist.

When writing the names of taxonomic ranks, use lowercase initial letters, except for the first word of the rank name.

The fluid portion of a eukaryotic cell, located between the plasma membrane and the organelles.

The process of dividing a cell into functional compartments, each with specific tasks.

The ratio of a cell's surface area (outer membrane) to its volume. A larger volume requires more efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.

A key advantage of compartmentalization, allowing incompatible chemical reactions to occur simultaneously without interfering with each other.

Another advantage provided by compartmentalization. Enzymes and substrates can be clustered together, speeding up reactions and increasing efficiency.

A structure found in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material, DNA.

The membrane-bound compartments within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They perform various functions.

The main difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. It refers to the presence of internal membrane-bound compartments in eukaryotes.

A gel-like substance found within the cell membrane and surrounding the nucleus. It contains water, organic and inorganic compounds, and serves as the location for most cellular activities.

A double-layered membrane surrounding the nucleus that allows certain substances to pass through.

Thin thread-like structures found within the nucleus that carry genes, the units responsible for passing traits from one generation to the next.

A hereditary unit found on chromosomes, responsible for passing traits from parents to offspring.

A network of membranous canals filled with fluid, acting as the cell's transportation system.

A type of ER with ribosomes attached, responsible for protein synthesis.

Specialized organelles that store carbohydrates like starch (in potatoes), proteins, or oils and fats.

Tiny, non-membrane bound organelles vital for protein synthesis, found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

A membrane-bound organelle that processes, packages, and transports proteins and lipids to their final destinations within the cell.

Small, membrane-bound organelles that contain enzymes responsible for various metabolic processes, found in both plant and animal cells.

A complex network of protein filaments that provides structural support, helps with movement, and plays a role in cell division.

Hair-like projections that extend from the cell surface and can move the cell or surrounding fluids.

Long, whip-like projections that help cells move through fluids.

The process of cell division, resulting in two daughter cells.

DNA is organized into thread-like structures called chromosomes, found within the nucleus of each cell.

Chromosomes are made up of DNA tightly coiled around proteins called histones.

During cell division, mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the parent cell's chromosomes.

Meiosis is a special type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes.

Each species has a specific number of chromosomes, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of its genetic code.

Homologous chromosomes are paired chromosomes, one from each parent, carrying the same genes but potentially different versions (alleles) of those genes.

Crossing-over during meiosis allows homologous chromosomes to exchange genetic material, creating new combinations of alleles in offspring.

The random distribution of chromosomes to gametes during meiosis further increases genetic diversity.