Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Cell Structure and Function

• Cells are the fundamental units of life, exhibiting diverse structures and functions
• Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells possess them
• Key cellular components include the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes
• Cell membranes regulate the passage of substances into and out of the cell
• Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance filling the cell, hosting metabolic processes
• Nucleus contains DNA, the genetic material controlling cellular activities
• Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP for energy
• Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis

Cell Division

• Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, crucial for growth and repair
• Meiosis is a specialized cell division process that produces gametes (sex cells) with half the chromosome number, essential for sexual reproduction
• Mitosis stages include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
• Meiosis involves two rounds of division, resulting in four haploid daughter cells.

Cellular Respiration

• Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts organic molecules into ATP, the cell's energy currency
• Cellular Respiration involves glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain
• Glycolysis breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP
• The Krebs cycle further processes pyruvate to produce more ATP and intermediate molecules
• The electron transport chain uses electron energy to generate a large amount of ATP.
• Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not.

Photosynthesis

• Plants perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose
• Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts within plant cells
• The process involves capturing light energy using chlorophyll and converting it into chemical energy
• Two main stages: the light-dependent reactions, and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)
• The light-dependent reactions capture light energy and produce ATP and NADPH
• The Calvin cycle uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose

Genetics

• Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits
• DNA carries the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism
• DNA is replicated during cell division, ensuring genetic continuity
• Genes can be expressed as proteins, influencing observable characteristics
• Mutations are changes in DNA sequence, which can lead to different traits
• Chromosomes are structures containing DNA organized into segments

Ecology

• Ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environment
• Key ecological factors include abiotic factors (non-living components) and biotic factors (living components)
• Communities encompass populations of different species interacting within the same environment

Evolution

• Evolution is the process by which organisms change over time, driven by natural selection
• Natural selection favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction
• Adaptation is the process by which organisms become better suited to their environment

Classification

• Organisms are grouped into hierarchical classifications based on shared characteristics
• Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species form the Linnaean classification system
• Phylogenetic trees visually represent evolutionary relationships between species