Cell Biology Basics

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Questions and Answers

Why is each new embryo genetically unique?

Crossing Over: the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, creating new gene combinations and increasing genetic diversity.

What type of cells does meiosis produce?

it produces haploid cells (gametes), which have half the chromosome number of the parent cell

During Prophase I of meiosis, what is recombination AKA crossing over?

homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material, increasing genetic variation.

What is the main difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

Eukaryotes have a nucleus and are larger, while prokaryotes lack a nucleus and are smaller. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following domains contain prokaryotic organisms?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym 'King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk' represent?

Kilo Hecto Deca (Base Unit) Deci Centi Milli Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nucleus within a cell?

A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mitochondria within a cell?

the energy-producing organelles in cells, responsible for respiration and energy production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ribosomes within a cell?

site of protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lysosomes within a cell?

An organelle containing digestive enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi body within a cell?

The Golgi body modifies, packages, and transports proteins within and outside the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum within a cell?

creates lipids or fat Signup and view all the answers

What is cytoplasm?

A jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell wall?

A rigid layer of nonliving material that surrounds the cell. Only found in plant cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell membrane?

A cell structure that controls which substances can enter or leave the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is common ancestry?

A similarity in genes/characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is natural selection?

Dependent on specific factors within an environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a species?

Can interbreed without reproductive barriers. Signup and view all the answers

What is coevolution?

They are coherently impacting the evolution of each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is parasitism?

When one organism is harmed and one benefits in a symbiotic relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Describe predation.

The cycle of which one organism, the predator, eats another, the prey. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Biology

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and prokaryotic cells do not.
Eukaryotes are larger than prokaryotes.
Domains of life: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
Eukarya: Eukaryotic organisms; includes protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
Bacteria and Archaea: Prokaryotic organisms.
The nucleus contains DNA and RNA, controlling cell growth and reproduction.
Mitochondria produce energy through respiration.
Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes.
Golgi body modifies, packages, and transports proteins.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum synthesizes lipids.
Cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid in the cell.
Cell wall provides structure (plant cells only).
Cell membrane controls substance passage into and out of cells.
Each new embryo is genetically unique due to crossing over (exchange of genetic material during meiosis).
Meiosis produces haploid gametes (sex cells), having half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
Prophase I (meiosis): Recombination (crossing over) between homologous chromosomes increases genetic variation.

Biological Classification

Taxonomy classifies organisms.
Classification hierarchical structure: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Binomial nomenclature is the two-name naming system (genus and species).
Domains are the broadest and species are the most specific.
Organisms with similar genes have a common ancestor.
Kingdoms: Plantae (multicellular autotrophs), Animalia (animals).

Genetics & Reproduction

Mitosis: Occurs in somatic cells, producing 2 identical diploid cells.
Meiosis: Occurs in germ cells, producing 4 non-identical haploid gametes.
DNA replication precedes both mitosis and meiosis.
Sexual reproduction involves two parents (e.g., crossing over).
Asexual reproduction involves one parent.
Gradualism: Slow evolution.
Punctuated equilibrium: Rapid bursts of evolution.

Ecology

Abiotic factors are non-living parts of an ecosystem.
Biotic factors are living parts of an ecosystem.
Density-dependent factors are influenced by population size.
Density-independent factors are not influenced by population size.
Carrying capacity is the maximum population an environment can support.
Exponential growth: Rapid population increase.
Logistic growth: Population growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity.
Survivorship curves show how many individuals survive at each age.
Type I: High survival in early life.
Type II: Constant survival rate.
Type III: Low survival in early life.

Evolution

Natural selection is driving force.
Species can interbreed without reproductive barriers.
Coevolution: Organisms interacting, impacting each other's evolution.
Predation: One organism (predator) eats another (prey).
Parasitism: One organism benefits, the other is harmed.
Mutualism: Both organisms benefit.
Commensalism: One organism benefits, the other is unaffected.
Speciation: Formation of new species.
Reproductive isolation mechanisms lead to speciation, including behavioral, temporal, geographic, and anatomic isolation.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis equation: CO₂ + H₂O + light → glucose + O₂.
Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoids (inside chloroplasts).
Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) occur in the stroma (around thylakoids).
NADPH is a source of energy for the Calvin cycle.

Scientific Method

Microscopy: Total magnification = eyepiece magnification × objective magnification.
Variables: X-axis (independent), Y-axis (dependent).
Graphs: Line, bar, pie (visualizing data trends).
Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r value): Measures relationship strength and direction.

Metric Conversions

King Henry Died By Drinking Chocolate Milk (KHDBDCM)

Other

Antibiotics can be ineffective due to improper use, bacterial evolution, or over-prescription.
Biomass pyramid shows energy transfer through trophic levels.
Autotrophs (producers) make their own food.
Heterotrophs (consumers) cannot make their own food.
Herbivores eat plants.
Carnivores eat animals.
Omnivores eat plants and animals.
Detritivores consume dead organic material.
Scavengers eat dead organisms.
Decomposers break down dead organisms.

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Description

Test your knowledge of cell biology fundamentals! This quiz covers the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, the structure and function of cell organelles, and basic concepts of meiosis. Whether you're diving into the world of cells for the first time or brushing up on your knowledge, this quiz is for you.