Cell Structure and Function

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the fundamental unit of life, exhibiting diverse structures and functions.
Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells (animals, plants, fungi, protists) possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles facilitating specialization.
Cell membranes regulate the passage of substances in and out of the cell via selective permeability.
Cytoplasm comprises the jelly-like substance that fills the cell, housing organelles.
Nucleus contains the cell's genetic material, DNA, crucial for directing cellular activities.
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating genetic instructions into proteins.
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) assists in protein folding and lipid synthesis.
Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use within the cell.
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.
Vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste products. Plant cells have a large central vacuole.
Cytoskeleton provides support and structure for the cell, enabling movement and transport.

Cellular Processes

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy (ATP).
Photosynthesis is the process in plants and some other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes (sex cells).
Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells from one parent cell, crucial for growth and repair.
Protein synthesis involves transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein).
DNA replication is the process of creating an exact copy of the DNA molecule.
Cell signaling involves communication between cells through a variety of mechanisms using chemical messengers.
Cell cycle describes the process of cell growth, DNA replication, and division.
Regulation of cell cycle is essential, preventing uncontrolled growth that leads to cancer.

Biological Organization

Biological organization describes the hierarchical structure of living things, ranging from atoms to the biosphere.
Atoms combine to form molecules, which assemble into organelles and then cells.
Cells form tissues, which combine to create organs.
Organs form organ systems, such as the digestive or circulatory systems.
Organ systems work together to form organisms.
Organisms of the same species form populations, which interact to form communities.
Communities together with the abiotic environment (nonliving factors) form ecosystems.
Many ecosystems combine to form the biosphere, the global ecosystem.
Organisms interact within their environment, exhibiting various relationships, including predator-prey, competition, and symbiosis.

Genetics

DNA is the hereditary material, carrying the genetic instructions for all living organisms.
The structure of DNA is a double helix with base pairs.
RNA is involved in protein synthesis and other cellular processes, often considered a middleman or intermediary between DNA and protein.
Genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins.
Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence, which can have various effects on traits.
Genetic variation is essential for evolution by natural selection.
Inheritance patterns describe how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
Mendel's laws of inheritance describe dominant and recessive traits, and how they are passed through generations.
Chromosomes are thread-like structures containing DNA and proteins.

Description

Explore the diverse structures and functions of cells in this quiz. Learn about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the roles of cellular organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes. Test your knowledge on how cell membranes regulate substance passage and the overall significance of cell organelles.