Cell Biology Basics

Biology

Cell Biology

• Cell structure:
  • Cell membrane: semi-permeable membrane that controls what enters and leaves the cell
  • Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane where chemical reactions occur
  • Nucleus: contains DNA, controls cell growth and reproduction
• Cellular transport:
  • Passive transport: diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion
  • Active transport: uses energy to move molecules against concentration gradient
• Cell division:
  • Mitosis: produces 2 identical daughter cells
  • Meiosis: produces 4 non-identical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes

Genetics

• Mendel's laws:
  • Law of segregation: each pair of alleles separates during gamete formation
  • Law of independent assortment: alleles for different genes are sorted independently
• Inheritance patterns:
  • Dominant and recessive alleles
  • Autosomal and sex-linked traits
• DNA structure:
  • Double helix model
  • Nucleotides: A, C, G, and T

Evolution

• Theory of evolution:
  • Species change over time through natural selection and genetic variation
  • Fossil record and comparative anatomy provide evidence
• Mechanisms of evolution:
  • Natural selection
  • Genetic drift
  • Mutation
  • Gene flow

Chemistry

Atomic Structure

• Atomic models:
  • Rutherford's nuclear model
  • Bohr's energy level model
• Subatomic particles:
  • Protons: positive charge, found in nucleus
  • Neutrons: no charge, found in nucleus
  • Electrons: negative charge, found in energy levels

Chemical Bonding

• Types of bonds:
  • Ionic bonds: transfer of electrons
  • Covalent bonds: sharing of electrons
• Bonding theories:
  • Electronegativity
  • Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR)

Chemical Reactions

• Types of reactions:
  • Synthesis: combination of reactants
  • Decomposition: breakdown of reactants
  • Single displacement: one element replaces another
  • Double displacement: two elements exchange partners
• Reaction rates:
  • Factors affecting reaction rate: concentration, temperature, surface area
  • Catalysts: substances that increase reaction rate without being consumed

Biology

Cell Biology

• Cell membrane is semi-permeable, controlling what enters and leaves the cell.
• Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane where chemical reactions occur.
• The nucleus contains DNA and controls cell growth and reproduction.
• Cellular transport includes passive transport (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion) and active transport (uses energy to move molecules against concentration gradient).
• Mitosis produces 2 identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces 4 non-identical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.

Genetics

• Mendel's Law of Segregation states that each pair of alleles separates during gamete formation.
• Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment states that alleles for different genes are sorted independently.
• Dominant and recessive alleles determine inheritance patterns.
• Autosomal and sex-linked traits are types of inheritance patterns.
• DNA structure follows the double helix model, with nucleotides A, C, G, and T.

Evolution

• The theory of evolution states that species change over time through natural selection and genetic variation.
• Fossil record and comparative anatomy provide evidence for evolution.
• Mechanisms of evolution include natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.

Chemistry

Atomic Structure

• Rutherford's nuclear model and Bohr's energy level model describe atomic structure.
• Protons have a positive charge and are found in the nucleus.
• Neutrons have no charge and are found in the nucleus.
• Electrons have a negative charge and are found in energy levels.

Chemical Bonding

• Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons.
• Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.
• Electronegativity and valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) are bonding theories.

Chemical Reactions

• Synthesis reactions involve the combination of reactants.
• Decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of reactants.
• Single displacement reactions involve one element replacing another.
• Double displacement reactions involve two elements exchanging partners.
• Factors affecting reaction rate include concentration, temperature, and surface area.
• Catalysts are substances that increase reaction rate without being consumed.