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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?
Which type of cell is characterized by the absence of a nucleus?
Which of the following is a result of genetic variation?
In Mendelian genetics, what determines the trait displayed in an organism?
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What do biomes primarily depend on?
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Which of the following processes is primarily responsible for converting light energy into chemical energy?
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What is the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?
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Which evolutionary mechanism favors traits that improve survival and reproduction?
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Study Notes
Cell Biology
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Cell Theory:
- All living organisms are composed of cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of life.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
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Types of Cells:
- Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller, e.g., bacteria.
- Eukaryotic: Nucleus present, larger, e.g., plant and animal cells.
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Organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, produces ATP.
- Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum: Rough (with ribosomes) and Smooth (without ribosomes) – involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
Genetics
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DNA Structure:
- Double helix made of nucleotides (A, T, C, G).
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Genes:
- Segments of DNA that code for proteins.
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Mendelian Genetics:
- Laws of Segregation and Independent Assortment.
- Dominant and recessive alleles.
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Genetic Variation:
- Caused by mutations, recombination, and gene flow.
Evolution
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Natural Selection:
- Mechanism by which favorable traits become more common in a population.
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Evolutionary Evidence:
- Fossil record, comparative anatomy, molecular biology.
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Speciation:
- Process by which new species arise; can occur via allopatric (geographical) or sympatric (same area) methods.
Ecology
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Ecosystem Components:
- Biotic (living) vs. abiotic (non-living) factors.
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Food Chains and Webs:
- Trophic levels: Producers, consumers (primary, secondary, tertiary), decomposers.
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Biomes:
- Major ecological areas (e.g., tundra, rainforest, desert) defined by climate, geography, and organisms.
Human Biology
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Organ Systems:
- Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and reproductive systems.
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Homeostasis:
- Processes that maintain stable internal conditions (temperature, pH, etc.).
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Immune Response:
- Innate (nonspecific) vs. adaptive (specific) immunity.
Biotechnology
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Genetic Engineering:
- Use of techniques to alter genetic material (e.g., CRISPR).
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Cloning:
- Creating genetically identical copies of organisms.
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Biopharmaceuticals:
- Use of biological organisms/molecules to develop medication.
Important Processes
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Photosynthesis:
- Conversion of light energy into chemical energy by plants (in chloroplasts); formula: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
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Cellular Respiration:
- Conversion of glucose into ATP; involves glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
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Protein Synthesis:
- Transcription (DNA to mRNA) and Translation (mRNA to protein).
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts in cell biology, genetics, and evolution. This quiz covers fundamental topics such as cell theory, types of cells, DNA structure, and the principles of natural selection. Ideal for students studying life sciences.
