Cell Biology Quiz

The gel-like substance filling the cell between the membrane and nucleus; contains organelles and cytosol.

Cell structures responsible for protein synthesis, found free in the cytosol or attached to the ER.

A network of membranes (nuclear envelope, ER, Golgi, lysosomes, vacuoles, plasma membrane) that work together to modify, sort, and transport proteins.

Organelles that perform cellular respiration, producing energy (ATP).

A network of protein fibers that provides cell structure, movement, and organization.

The cell's control center, containing DNA and directing cellular activities.

The outer boundary of the cell composed of a phospholipid bilayer, regulating what enters and leaves.

Structures that contain genetic information (DNA) in the nucleus.

Protein filaments that help with cell division and movement.

Organelles that organize microtubules and aid in cell division.

Actin filaments involved in muscle movement, cell division, and cell shape change.

Support structure outside the animal cell, offering both structural and biochemical support.

Structures facilitating cell-to-cell contact and communication.

Animal cell junctions preventing fluid leakage between cells.

Animal cell junctions that anchor cells together, providing strength.

Animal cell junctions providing channels for communication.

Key components of cell membranes, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Movement of substances across the membrane without energy input.

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient.

Cell division producing four genetically unique haploid cells.

A simple process where a single-celled prokaryote splits into two identical cells.

The distinct stages of eukaryotic cell division: G1 (growth), S (DNA replication), G2 (preparation), and M (mitosis/meiosis).

Prokaryotes have single, circular DNA molecules. Eukaryotes have linear chromosomes, with multiple molecules.

Microtubule structure formed during cell division, pulling replicated chromosomes apart.

Structure in eukaryotic cells that organizes microtubules for spindle formation and cell division.

Protein complex on chromosomes that connects to spindle fibers for chromosome movement during mitosis.

Indentation of the cell membrane in animal cells that pinches in, dividing the cytoplasm during cytokinesis.

Structure formed in plant cells during cytokinesis, separating daughter cells and forming a new cell wall.

The first stage of mitosis, where chromosomes condense and the spindle apparatus starts forming.

The stage where the nuclear envelope breaks down and spindle fibers attach to chromosomes.

The stage where chromosomes align at the center of the cell, forming the metaphase plate.

The stage where sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.

The final stage of mitosis, where chromosomes decondense, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set, and the cell prepares for cytokinesis.

Energy associated with motion, like molecules moving or water flowing.

Stored energy, like chemical bonds in molecules or gravitational potential.

An enzyme in the large ribosomal subunit that forms peptide bonds between amino acids during protein synthesis.

Three-base sequences (UAA, UGA, or UAG) on mRNA that signal the end of protein synthesis.

A protein that binds to a stop codon in the A site of the ribosome, triggering the release of the completed polypeptide chain.

Cellular respiration that uses oxygen to break down glucose and produce ATP.

Cellular respiration that occurs without oxygen, producing less ATP than aerobic respiration.

Highly folded inner membrane of mitochondria, increasing surface area for ATP production during cellular respiration.

The fluid-filled space within a chloroplast, containing enzymes for the Calvin cycle.

The space inside a thylakoid, where protons accumulate during photophosphorylation.

Clusters of pigments and proteins in the thylakoid membrane that capture light energy and transfer it to electrons.

An electron that has absorbed energy from light and moved to a higher energy level.

The process of ATP production in chloroplasts, driven by the movement of protons across the thylakoid membrane.

A metabolic pathway in the stroma of chloroplasts that uses ATP and NADPH from the light reactions to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules.

The first stage of photosynthesis, occurring in the thylakoid membranes, converting light energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH).

The process of ATP production during light reactions in photosynthesis, involving electron transport and proton gradient.

The process of ATP production in mitochondria, involving electron transport and proton gradient.

A cell containing only one set of chromosomes (n), found in gametes (sperm and egg cells).

Sex cells (sperm and egg cells) that fuse during fertilization to form a zygote.

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

A form of potential energy stored in the bonds of molecules.

The primary energy carrier in cells, used to power various cellular processes.

ATP hydrolysis releases energy, ADP, and inorganic phosphate (Pi).

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

In any energy transfer, some energy becomes unusable, increasing entropy (disorder) in the system.

Each individual has two alleles for each trait that separate during gamete formation, with each gamete receiving only one allele per gene.

The inheritance of one trait is independent of the inheritance of another trait, assuming genes are on different chromosomes or far apart.

An allele whose effect is expressed even when only one copy is present (heterozygous).

An allele whose effect is only expressed when two copies are present (homozygous).

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, while phenotype is the observable traits resulting from the genotype and environment.

A series of flattened, membrane-bound sacs (cisternae) that modify, sort, package, and ship proteins and lipids from the ER to their final destinations.

Small, membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for breaking down fatty acids and detoxifying harmful substances.

Provide mechanical strength and stability to the cell, helping maintain its shape and providing support.

Large, membrane-bound sacs in plants, storing water, nutrients, and waste products, and maintaining turgor pressure.

Small, membrane-bound sacs involved in transporting and storing materials like proteins, lipids, and waste products within the cell.

Structures made of microtubules in animal cells involved in organizing spindle fibers during cell division.

Membrane-bound organelles containing chlorophyll, responsible for photosynthesis in plants.

A rigid outer layer made of cellulose (plants), chitin (fungi), or peptidoglycan (bacteria), providing support, protection, and shape maintenance.

Assesses whether the cell has sufficient resources to divide and checks DNA integrity before replication.

Verifies that DNA replication has been completed accurately and the cell is ready for mitosis.

Ensures that chromosomes are correctly aligned and attached to spindle fibers before proceeding to anaphase.

Traits controlled by many genes, resulting in a range of phenotypes, like height or skin color.

Inheritance of genes from mitochondria, which have their own DNA. These genes are only passed down from the mother.

An abnormal number of chromosomes, often resulting in genetic disorders.

A genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21).

The process of locating genes on chromosomes, helping diagnose genetic conditions.

The study of the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules, like DNA, RNA, and proteins.

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for building proteins or RNA molecules.

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

The study of the structure, function, and evolution of genomes.

Messenger RNA, carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

The set of rules that translates the mRNA sequence into an amino acid sequence.

The process of copying DNA, ensuring each new cell receives a complete set of genetic instructions.

The process of using the genetic code in DNA to synthesize proteins or RNA molecules.

Changes in gene expression without alterations to the DNA sequence, influenced by environmental factors.

Proteins that help RNA polymerase bind to the DNA and initiate transcription.

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA using a DNA template.

Non-coding sequences within a gene that are removed during RNA processing.

Coding sequences within a gene that are spliced together to form mature mRNA.

The process of converting mRNA into a protein.

The primary energy currency of the cell.

Chemical reactions that build molecules, requiring energy.

Chemical reactions that break down molecules, releasing energy.

The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP.