Cell Biology Basics

Cells

• Basic structural and functional units of life
• Consist of:
  • Cell membrane (plasma membrane)
  • Cytoplasm
  • Genetic material (DNA or RNA)
• Types of cells:
  • Prokaryotic cells (no true nucleus)
  • Eukaryotic cells (true nucleus)

Cell Organelles

• Mitochondria: generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration
• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis and transport
• Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
• Lysosomes: contain digestive enzymes for breaking down cellular waste
• Golgi apparatus: involved in protein modification and transport

Genetics

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): genetic material that stores information
• RNA (ribonucleic acid): involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation
• Genes: segments of DNA that code for specific traits
• Chromosomes: thread-like structures that carry genes
• Meiosis: process of cell division that results in gametes with unique genetic combinations

Evolution

• Change in species over time through natural selection and genetic drift
• Mechanisms of evolution:
  • Mutation
  • Gene flow
  • Genetic drift
  • Natural selection
• Evidence for evolution:
  • Fossil record
  • Comparative anatomy
  • Molecular biology

Ecosystems

• Communities of organisms and their environment
• Components of an ecosystem:
  • Biotic factors (living organisms)
  • Abiotic factors (non-living environment)
• Energy flow:
  • Producers (autotrophs)
  • Consumers (heterotrophs)
  • Decomposers

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: energy storage molecules (e.g., glucose)
• Proteins: structural and functional molecules (e.g., enzymes)
• Lipids: energy storage molecules (e.g., fats)
• Nucleic acids: genetic material (DNA and RNA)

Biological Processes

• Photosynthesis: process of converting light energy into chemical energy
• Cellular respiration: process of generating energy from glucose
• Fermentation: process of generating energy in the absence of oxygen
• Homeostasis: maintenance of a stable internal environment

Cells

• Cellular components: cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material (DNA or RNA)
• Cell membrane: regulates what enters and leaves the cell
• Cytoplasm: jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane where metabolic processes occur
• Genetic material: DNA or RNA that stores information for cellular functions

Cell Organelles

• Mitochondria: generate energy through cellular respiration, converting glucose into ATP
• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): synthesizes and transports proteins
• Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis, reads mRNA and builds polypeptide chains
• Lysosomes: breaks down cellular waste and debris using digestive enzymes
• Golgi apparatus: modifies, packages, and transports proteins and lipids

Genetics

• DNA: double-stranded helix, genetic material that stores information
• RNA: single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation
• Genes: segments of DNA that code for specific traits, passed from parents to offspring
• Chromosomes: thread-like structures that carry genes, composed of DNA and proteins
• Meiosis: process of cell division that results in gametes with unique genetic combinations

Evolution

• Definition: change in species over time through natural selection and genetic drift
• Mechanisms of evolution:
  • Mutation: changes in DNA sequence
  • Gene flow: movement of genes between populations
  • Genetic drift: random changes in gene frequency
  • Natural selection: selection of traits that enhance survival and reproduction
• Evidence for evolution:
  • Fossil record: shows gradual changes in species over time
  • Comparative anatomy: similarities and differences between body structures
  • Molecular biology: similarities and differences between DNA and protein sequences

Ecosystems

• Definition: communities of organisms and their environment
• Components of an ecosystem:
  • Biotic factors: living organisms, including producers, consumers, and decomposers
  • Abiotic factors: non-living environment, including temperature, light, and water
• Energy flow:
  • Producers: autotrophs that convert light energy into chemical energy
  • Consumers: heterotrophs that obtain energy by consuming other organisms
  • Decomposers: break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the environment

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: energy storage molecules, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
• Proteins: structural and functional molecules, composed of amino acids
• Lipids: energy storage molecules, composed of fatty acids and glycerol
• Nucleic acids: genetic material, composed of DNA and RNA

Biological Processes

• Photosynthesis: process of converting light energy into chemical energy, occurs in chloroplasts
• Cellular respiration: process of generating energy from glucose, occurs in mitochondria
• Fermentation: process of generating energy in the absence of oxygen, occurs in cytoplasm
• Homeostasis: maintenance of a stable internal environment, regulation of temperature, pH, and other factors

This quiz covers the fundamental structure and function of cells, including types of cells and cell organelles. Learn about the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material, as well as the roles of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and lysosomes.