Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Function

Cell Theory: All living organisms are composed of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Types of Cells:
- Prokaryotic: Lack nucleus, smaller size (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic: Have nucleus, larger size (e.g., plant and animal cells).
Cell Organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, site of ATP production.
- Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Rough ER (with ribosomes) synthesizes proteins; Smooth ER synthesizes lipids.
- Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and packages proteins for secretion.
- Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes for waste processing.

Biomolecules

Carbohydrates:
- Function: Energy source and structural support.
- Types: Monosaccharides (glucose), Disaccharides (sucrose), Polysaccharides (starch, cellulose).
Proteins:
- Function: Catalysts (enzymes), structural components, transport molecules.
- Structure: Made of amino acids; primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
Lipids:
- Function: Long-term energy storage, insulation, make up cell membranes.
- Types: Fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids.
Nucleic Acids:
- Function: Genetic information storage and transfer.
- Types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Photosynthesis

Location: Chloroplasts in plant cells.
Process: Conversion of light energy into chemical energy.
Stages:
- Light-dependent reactions: Convert sunlight into ATP and NADPH.
- Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle): Use ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose.

Cellular Respiration

Purpose: Energy production from organic compounds.
Types:
- Aerobic: Requires oxygen; produces more ATP (36-38 ATP molecules per glucose).
- Anaerobic: Does not require oxygen; less efficient (2 ATP molecules per glucose).
Processes:
- Glycolysis: Occurs in the cytoplasm, splits glucose into pyruvate.
- Krebs Cycle: Occurs in mitochondria; generates electron carriers.
- Electron Transport Chain: Produces ATP using oxygen.

Genetics

Mendelian Genetics:
- Laws of Segregation: Alleles segregate during gamete formation.
- Laws of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently.
Punnett Squares: Used to predict the probability of offspring genotypes from parental genotypes.
DNA Structure: Double helix formed by nucleotides (A, T, C, G) bound by hydrogen bonds.

Evolution and Natural Selection

Theory of Evolution:
- Developed by Charles Darwin; species change over time through natural selection.
Natural Selection:
- Process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Ecology

Ecosystems: Interactions between living organisms and their environment.
Biotic Factors: Living components (plants, animals, microorganisms).
Abiotic Factors: Non-living components (climate, soil, water).
Energy Flow: Energetic relationships in food webs; producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Human Physiology

Organ Systems:
- Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems.
Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.
Feedback Mechanisms: Regulate physiological processes (e.g., feedback loops in thermoregulation).

Biotechnology

Genetic Engineering: Manipulation of an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits.
Cloning: Creating a genetically identical copy of an organism.
CRISPR-Cas9: A revolutionary gene-editing technology used for precise modification of DNA.

Description

Test your understanding of cell structure and function with this quiz. The content covers cell theory, the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and key organelles with their functions. Additionally, explore biomolecules such as carbohydrates and proteins and their roles in living organisms.