Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting diverse structures and functions adapted to their roles.
Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi, and protists) possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, compartmentalizing cellular functions.
Common cellular components include the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and vacuoles.
The plasma membrane controls substance passage in and out of the cell.
The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and directs cellular activities.
Ribosomes are the protein synthesis sites.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein and lipid production.
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.
Mitochondria are the sites of cellular respiration, generating energy (ATP).
Vacuoles store substances and provide structural support.

Cellular Processes

Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to produce ATP, the cell's energy currency.
Photosynthesis transforms light energy into chemical energy (glucose) in plant cells.
Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells, crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
Meiosis creates four genetically diverse daughter cells, vital for sexual reproduction. Each has half the parent cell's chromosomes.
DNA replication copies a double-stranded DNA molecule to ensure accurate genetic material transmission during cell division.
Gene expression uses DNA's information to synthesize proteins, a tightly regulated process determining cell traits.
Transcription, the RNA synthesis using DNA as a template, occurs in the nucleus.
Translation, protein synthesis based on mRNA codons, happens at ribosomes.
Cellular transport mechanisms regulate selective material movement across the plasma membrane involving passive (diffusion, osmosis) and active (energy-requiring) processes.

Biological Molecules

Macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) are essential cellular components.
Carbohydrates provide energy, form structures, and signal.
Lipids store energy, form membranes (phospholipids), and insulate.
Proteins perform diverse functions: catalysis (enzymes), transport, support, and signaling.
Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store and transmit genetic information, dictating cell function. DNA carries the genetic code, RNA acts as an intermediate between DNA and proteins.

Ecology

Ecology studies organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Levels of organization include populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
Ecosystem interactions include predation, competition, and symbiosis (mutualism, parasitism, commensalism).
Biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen) are for nutrient cycling, supporting life.

Evolution

Evolution is the population's genetic change over time.
Natural selection favors traits enhancing survival and reproduction.
Evidence for evolution includes homologous structures, fossil records, and molecular similarities.
Speciation forms new species through accumulated genetic changes.

Description

Test your knowledge on the diverse structures and functions of cells, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This quiz covers key cellular components such as the plasma membrane, nucleus, and mitochondria. Challenge yourself and learn more about the basic units of life!