Cell Structure and Function

Cell Structure and Function

• Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting a wide range of shapes and sizes.
• Cells are composed of various organelles, each with specific functions.
• The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier, controlling substance movement in and out of the cell.
• The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance filling the cell, containing organelles.
• Nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA).
• Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
• Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, producing energy.
• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
• Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins.
• Lysosomes contain enzymes for cellular waste digestion.
• Vacuoles store water and other substances.
• Cytoskeleton provides structural support and enables cell movement.
• Plant cells possess a cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole, which differentiate them from animal cells.

Classification of Living Organisms

• Organisms are grouped into hierarchical categories, from domain to species.
• The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
• Eukarya includes protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
• Organisms are classified based on shared characteristics, evolutionary relationships, and genetic similarities.
• Binomial nomenclature (two-part naming system) is used to scientifically name organisms.

Cellular Respiration

• Cellular respiration is the process cells use to break down glucose and release energy.
• The process occurs in several stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
• Glycolysis is an anaerobic process occurring in the cytoplasm.
• The Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.
• Oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
• Cellular respiration produces ATP, the cell's primary energy currency.
• The process requires oxygen (aerobic).

Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy.
• The process involves capturing light energy using chlorophyll and converting it into usable energy.
• Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, specifically in the thylakoid membranes.
• Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen.
• Light-dependent reactions capture light energy.
• Light-independent (Calvin cycle) reactions use this energy to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis

• DNA replication creates an identical copy of a DNA molecule.
• This ensures genetic continuity during cell division.
• DNA replication involves unwinding the double helix, separating strands, and synthesizing new complementary strands.
• Protein synthesis involves transcription and translation.
• Transcription copies a gene's DNA sequence into RNA.
• Translation uses the RNA sequence to build a protein.
• Mutations during replication can affect protein structure and function.

Mendelian Genetics

• Gregor Mendel's experiments established the basic principles of heredity.
• Traits are determined by genes, located on chromosomes.
• Alleles are different forms of a gene.
• Dominant alleles mask recessive alleles.
• Phenotype refers to observable characteristics.
• Genotype refers to the genetic makeup.
• Punnett squares predict offspring trait probabilities.

Ecology

• Ecology studies organism interactions with each other and their environment.
• Levels of organization range from individuals to ecosystems.
• Biotic factors are living organisms, while abiotic factors are non-living components (climate, soil).
• Ecosystems encompass communities and their physical environment.
• Food chains and food webs show energy flow.
• Ecological succession describes gradual species changes.
• Population dynamics affect population size and distribution.

Evolution

• Evolution describes gradual species changes over long periods.
• Natural selection is a key driver of evolution.
• Adaptation is the process of evolving traits for survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
• Evidence for evolution includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography.

Biochemistry

• Biochemistry studies the chemical processes in living organisms.
• Organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) are essential components of life.
• Enzymes are biological catalysts accelerating metabolic reactions.
• Metabolic pathways are interconnected sequences of biochemical reactions.

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of cell structure and function. Participants will learn about various organelles, their specific roles, and the differences between plant and animal cells. Test your knowledge on the key features that make cells the basic units of life.