Cell Biology Quiz

The specific temperature and pH at which an enzyme shows the highest activity.

An inhibitor molecule binds to the active site of an enzyme, preventing the substrate from attaching and blocking the reaction.

A simple, single-celled organism lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

A complex cell containing a well-defined nucleus and other specialized organelles.

A non-living infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of a host organism.

A type of membrane transport that uses transmembrane proteins to move molecules across a cell membrane, down their concentration gradient. No energy is required.

Solutions that have the same concentration of solutes as the cell. There is no net movement of water in or out of the cell.

A diagrammatic representation of cell processes, often used to illustrate the movement of molecules across cell membranes.

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process requires carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.

The process by which cells break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP. This process requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water.

A small molecule that can bind to other identical molecules to create a larger molecule. Think of them as the LEGO bricks of larger biomolecules.

A large molecule formed by linking together many smaller repeating units called monomers.

Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the primary energy source for many organisms.

Lipids, such as fats and oils, are primarily used for energy storage, but they also play roles in cell structure and hormone production.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, the workhorses of the cell, carrying out a vast array of functions.

The relationship between a biological structure and its specific function.

Macromolecules that provide energy for cellular processes, like movement and growth.

Macromolecules that provide long-term energy storage and contribute to cell structure.

Macromolecules that are involved in the synthesis of enzymes and other biological molecules.

Macromolecules that carry genetic information.

Prokaryotic cells are simple cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells are more complex cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

A plant cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that contains a cell wall, nucleus, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. These organelles are responsible for various functions in the plant cell, including photosynthesis and energy production.

Viruses are non-living entities that require a host cell to replicate. They lack the machinery to reproduce independently and must hijack the host cell's cellular processes to create more viruses.

Genetic material (DNA) is present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. In eukaryotic cells, DNA is enclosed within the nucleus, while in prokaryotic cells, it is located in a region called the nucleoid.

Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotic organisms, while viruses are non-living particles that require a host to reproduce. Bacteria are able to survive and reproduce independently, while viruses rely on host cells to replicate.

The cell membrane controls what goes in and out of the cell. It's like a gatekeeper, deciding who gets to enter and exit.

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration.

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It's like a crowd spreading out to find more space.

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes than the cell's internal environment causing water to move out of the cell.

A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid. Each codon corresponds to a particular amino acid, according to the genetic code.

The process of using mRNA to synthesize a protein. It occurs on ribosomes and involves translating codons into amino acids.

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated.

A stage of mitosis during which the chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell.

A gene that normally regulates cell division but when mutated, can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

A jelly-like substance that fills the cell and holds all the organelles.

The powerhouse of the cell, responsible for generating energy (ATP).

A rigid outer layer that provides support and protection to plant cells. Not found in animal cells.

Tiny structures that make proteins from amino acids.

The control center of the cell, containing the genetic material (DNA).

The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.

The organelle in cells where cellular respiration occurs.

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected processes that are essential for life on Earth. Photosynthesis produces the glucose used in cellular respiration, while cellular respiration releases the carbon dioxide that is used in photosynthesis.

The specific area on an enzyme where the substrate binds and undergoes a chemical reaction.

The amount of energy required to start a particular chemical reaction.

The unfolding or breaking down of a protein, often caused by extreme temperature or pH changes.

The optimal temperature for an enzyme's activity is the temperature at which it functions best.

As you can imagine, enzymes are very picky about pH. Each enzyme has a specific pH range where it functions best. Go outside this range and the enzyme will lose its function.