Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Cell Structure and Function

• Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting diverse structures and functions.
• Organisms can be unicellular (composed of one cell) or multicellular (composed of numerous cells).
• Prokaryotic cells are simpler, lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Examples are bacteria and archaea.
• Eukaryotic cells are more complex, possessing a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Examples are plant and animal cells.
• Common organelles in eukaryotic cells include the nucleus (containing DNA), mitochondria (for energy production), ribosomes (for protein synthesis), endoplasmic reticulum (involved in protein and lipid synthesis), Golgi apparatus (modifying and packaging proteins), lysosomes (containing digestive enzymes), vacuoles (storage), and the cytoskeleton (providing support).
• Cell membranes control the passage of substances into and out of the cell. They are selectively permeable, meaning they regulate what enters and exits.
• Cell walls are rigid outer layers found in plant cells, providing structural support.
• Specialized cells perform specific functions within multicellular organisms. Examples include nerve cells (transmitting signals) and muscle cells (contracting).

Cellular Processes

• Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that generates ATP (energy) from glucose.
• Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
• DNA replication is the process of making a copy of a DNA molecule. This is essential for cell division.
• Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.
• Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins using the information encoded in mRNA.
• Cell division is the process by which cells reproduce. This includes mitosis (for growth and repair) and meiosis (for sexual reproduction).
• Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells.
• Meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They provide energy and structural support. Examples include sugars and starches.
• Lipids are organic molecules that are hydrophobic (insoluble in water). They store energy, form cell membranes, and act as hormones. Examples include fats, oils, and steroids.
• Proteins are complex organic molecules composed of amino acids. They perform a vast array of functions in the cell, acting as enzymes, structural components, and transport molecules.
• Nucleic acids are essential for storing and transmitting genetic information. Examples include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

Ecology

• Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
• Ecosystems contain biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
• Energy flows through ecosystems via food chains and food webs.
• Nutrients cycle through ecosystems.
• Organisms interact via competition, predation, and symbiotic relationships (mutualism, parasitism, commensalism).
• Biodiversity is the variety of life in an ecosystem. This includes the variety of species.

Genetics

• Genes are sequences of DNA that carry instructions for building proteins.
• Genes determine traits, visible characteristics.
• DNA is the genetic material, containing coded instructions for cellular function.
• Chromosomes are structures carrying DNA.
• Genetic variation arises from mutations and sexual reproduction.
• Mendelian genetics describes the patterns of inheritance of traits.
• Non-Mendelian genetics explains patterns of inheritance more complex than simple dominant/recessive interactions.

Evolution

• Evolution is the change in heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
• Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• Evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth.
• Common ancestry links organisms.
• Evidence for evolution comes from the fossil record, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography.

Test your knowledge on cell structure and function. This quiz covers the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their organelles and functions. Explore the basics of life's building blocks and understand how cells operate within organisms.