Cell Structure and Function

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting a wide range of structures and functions.
Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi, protists) possess a nucleus and various organelles.
Key organelles and their functions include:
- Nucleus: Control center of the cell, containing DNA.
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): Involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
- Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
- Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins.
- Lysosomes: Contain enzymes to break down cellular waste.
- Vacuoles: Storage compartments in plant cells.
Cell membranes are selectively permeable, regulating the passage of materials into and out of the cell.
Plasma membrane: Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Fluid mosaic model describes the dynamic nature of the membrane.

Cell Processes

Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts energy stored in glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Photosynthesis is a metabolic process that converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes (sex cells).
Active transport moves molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.
Passive transport moves molecules down their concentration gradient without energy.
Diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion are examples of passive transport.
DNA replication is the process by which DNA is copied.
Transcription is the process where DNA is converted into RNA.
Translation is the process where RNA is used to synthesize proteins.

Genetics

DNA is the genetic material, a double helix structure.
Genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins.
Alleles are different forms of a gene.
Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable traits.
Mendelian genetics describes patterns of inheritance based on dominant and recessive alleles.
Non-Mendelian genetics includes more complex inheritance patterns, such as codominance and incomplete dominance.
Gene expression involves transcribing and translating a gene into a protein.
Mutations are changes in DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

Ecology

Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
Biomes are large-scale ecosystems defined by climate and vegetation.
Food webs depict the feeding relationships between organisms in an ecosystem.
Population dynamics study how populations change over time.
Community ecology examines interactions between different species.
Conservation biology focuses on preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size an environment can support.

Evolution

Evolution is the change in heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, favoring traits that increase survival and reproduction.
Adaptations are traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.
Speciation is the process by which new species arise.
Phylogenetic trees depict evolutionary relationships between organisms.
Taxonomy classifies organisms based on shared characteristics.

Morphology

Morphology refers to the form and structure of organisms.
Anatomical features are observed structures within organisms.
Comparative anatomy studies similarities and differences in structures across different species.
Morphology informs evolutionary relationships and the evolution of organisms.

Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of cell structure and function in this quiz. Learn about the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their organelles, and the roles they play. Test your knowledge on cell membranes and the various functions necessary for life.