Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Cell Structure and Function

• Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting a wide range of shapes and sizes, adapted to specific functions.
• All cells share fundamental characteristics: a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA.
• Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi, protists) have them.
• The plasma membrane regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
• Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within the cell, containing various organelles.
• Nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA), crucial for cell function and reproduction.
• Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating energy via cellular respiration.
• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes, involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
• Ribosomes synthesize proteins based on genetic instructions.
• Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.
• Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes, breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.
• Vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste products, particularly prominent in plant cells.
• Chloroplasts, found in plant cells, perform photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy.
• Cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates cell movement, composed of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.

Cell Processes

• Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
• Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
• DNA replication is the process of duplicating DNA molecules before cell division.
• Transcription converts DNA information into RNA.
• Translation uses the RNA information to build proteins.
• Cell division, including mitosis and meiosis, is vital for growth, repair, and reproduction.
• Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells.
• Meiosis produces four genetically unique daughter cells for sexual reproduction.
• Cell signaling is a communication process between cells using chemical signals.
• Apoptosis is programmed cell death, a natural process vital for development and homeostasis.
• Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate biochemical reactions.

Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as energy sources and structural components.
• Lipids are diverse organic molecules composed of primarily carbon and hydrogen, playing critical roles in energy storage, insulation, and membrane structure.
• Proteins are complex molecules composed of amino acids, performing a wide variety of functions, including structural support, catalysis, and transport.
• Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store and transmit genetic information.
• Water is essential for life, regulating temperature, acting as a solvent, and participating in many biochemical reactions.

Ecology

• Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
• Ecosystems consist of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interacting.
• Biomes are large regions characterized by specific climate, vegetation, and animal life.
• Food webs depict the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem.
• Populations are groups of individuals of the same species in a given area.
• Communities are groups of different populations interacting in a specific habitat.
• Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
• Human activities significantly impact ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
• Conservation efforts aim to protect biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Genetics

• Genetics studies inheritance and variation of traits.
• Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific proteins.
• Chromosomes are structures containing DNA organized into genes.
• Mutations are changes in DNA sequence, causing variations in traits.
• Mendelian genetics describes patterns of inheritance based on dominant and recessive alleles.
• Non-Mendelian inheritance patterns involve multiple genes or environmental factors.
• Genetic engineering allows modifying genetic material for various purposes.
• Genetic disorders result from mutations affecting gene function.