Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements about eukaryotic cells is true?
All living organisms are composed of prokaryotic cells.
False
What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?
Energy production
The process by which RNA is synthesized from DNA is called ______.
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Match the following cell organelles with their primary functions:
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of natural selection?
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Mendelian genetics refers to the inheritance patterns discovered by Gregor Mendel.
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Name one mechanism by which genetic variation can occur.
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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: Simple, no nucleus, e.g., bacteria.
- Eukaryotic: Complex, contains a nucleus, e.g., plants, animals, fungi.
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Cell Organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria: Energy production (ATP).
- Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Protein and lipid synthesis.
- Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes.
- Smooth ER: No ribosomes, lipid synthesis.
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
- Cell Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier, maintains homeostasis.
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Cell Division:
- Mitosis: Somatic cell division for growth and repair.
- Meiosis: Production of gametes (sperm and eggs), involves two rounds of division.
Genetics
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Basic Concepts:
- Gene: A segment of DNA that encodes a protein.
- Allele: Different versions of a gene.
- Genotype: Genetic makeup of an individual.
- Phenotype: Observable characteristics.
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Mendelian Genetics:
- Inheritance patterns discovered by Gregor Mendel.
- Dominant and recessive traits.
- Punnett Squares: Used to predict genetic variation.
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Molecular Genetics:
- DNA Structure: Double helix, composed of nucleotides (A, T, C, G).
- Replication: Process of copying DNA before cell division.
- Transcription: RNA synthesis from DNA.
- Translation: Protein synthesis from mRNA.
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Genetic Variation:
- Mutations: Changes in DNA sequence.
- Recombinant DNA: Combination of DNA from different sources.
Evolutionary Biology
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Theory of Evolution:
- Proposed by Charles Darwin.
- Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
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Key Concepts:
- Adaptation: Traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
- Speciation: Formation of new and distinct species.
- Common Descent: All species share a common ancestor.
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Evidence of Evolution:
- Fossil Records: Show changes in species over time.
- Comparative Anatomy: Homologous structures indicate common ancestry.
- Molecular Biology: DNA comparisons reveal genetic similarities and differences.
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Evolutionary Mechanisms:
- Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations.
- Gene Flow: Movement of genes between populations.
- Mutation: Source of genetic variation.
Cell Biology
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Cell Theory: Fundamental principles stating that all living things are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from existing cells.
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Types of Cells:
- Prokaryotic: Simple cellular organization without a nucleus; examples include bacteria.
- Eukaryotic: Complex cells with a defined nucleus; includes plants, animals, and fungi.
-
Cell Organelles:
- Nucleus: Houses genetic material (DNA) and regulates genes.
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, responsible for ATP (energy) production.
- Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis, can be free-floating or attached to the rough ER.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Synthesizes proteins and lipids; divided into rough ER (has ribosomes) and smooth ER (lacks ribosomes).
- Golgi Apparatus: Processes, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use within the cell.
- Cell Membrane: Semi-permeable membrane that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
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Cell Division:
- Mitosis: Type of somatic cell division leading to growth, repair, and replacement of cells.
- Meiosis: Division process that produces gametes (sperm and eggs) involving two rounds of division, leading to genetic diversity.
Genetics
-
Basic Concepts:
- Gene: Basic unit of heredity composed of DNA that codes for proteins.
- Allele: Different variants of a gene, contributing to genetic diversity.
- Genotype: The specific genetic constitution of an individual, while phenotype represents observable traits.
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Mendelian Genetics:
- Introduced by Gregor Mendel, revealing inheritance patterns through dominant and recessive traits.
- Punnett Squares serve as a tool for predicting potential genetic combinations from parental alleles.
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Molecular Genetics:
- DNA Structure: Comprises a double helix formed by nucleotide pairs (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine).
- Replication: DNA duplication process occurring before cellular division.
- Transcription: Synthesis of RNA from the DNA template, leading to mRNA production.
- Translation: Conversion of mRNA sequences into amino acids to build proteins.
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Genetic Variation:
- Mutations: Changes or alterations in the DNA sequence that may lead to different traits.
- Recombinant DNA: DNA molecules formed by combining genetic material from different organisms, enabling genetic engineering.
Evolutionary Biology
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Theory of Evolution: Developed by Charles Darwin, explaining evolution through the natural selection mechanism.
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Key Concepts:
- Adaptation: Traits that improve an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment.
- Speciation: The process through which new species arise from existing species.
- Common Descent: The idea that all species share a common ancestor, connecting the tree of life.
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Evidence of Evolution:
- Fossil Records: Document historical changes in species and transitions over time.
- Comparative Anatomy: Analysis of homologous structures provides evidence for common ancestry.
- Molecular Biology: Genetic comparisons among species reveal evolutionary relationships and shared traits.
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Evolutionary Mechanisms:
- Genetic Drift: Random fluctuations in allele frequencies in small populations, potentially leading to evolutionary changes.
- Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic material between populations, affecting genetic diversity.
- Mutation: Acts as a source of genetic variation, which fuels evolution and adaptation.
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of cell biology, including cell theory and the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This quiz will also cover the various organelles and their functions within the cell, such as the nucleus and mitochondria. Test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of these essential biological units.