Cell Biology Basics

Study Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.