Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Cell Structure and Function

• Cells are the fundamental units of life, exhibiting complex organization.
• All cells share basic characteristics, including a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material (DNA).
• Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
• Eukaryotic cells, present in plants, animals, fungi, and protists, have a nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles.
• Examples of organelles include mitochondria (energy production), ribosomes (protein synthesis), endoplasmic reticulum (protein and lipid synthesis), Golgi apparatus (protein processing and packaging), and lysosomes (waste breakdown).

Cellular Processes

• Cellular respiration converts glucose into ATP, the primary energy source for cells.
• Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, storing it as glucose in plants and some other organisms.
• Cellular transport moves substances across the cell membrane.
• Passive transport, such as diffusion and osmosis, doesn't require energy.
• Active transport uses energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Genetics

• DNA carries genetic information for all living organisms.
• DNA has a double helix structure.
• Genes are DNA segments coding for specific proteins.
• Protein synthesis involves transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein).
• Mutations are DNA sequence alterations, arising from replication errors or exposure to mutagens.

Evolution

• Evolution is the heritable change in traits of populations over generations.
• Natural selection favors organisms with advantageous traits for survival and reproduction.
• Fossil records, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology provide evidence of evolution.
• Earth's diverse life arises from evolutionary processes over millions of years.

Ecology

• Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
• Ecosystems encompass all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components in a specific area.
• Food chains and webs illustrate energy and nutrient flow within ecosystems.
• Populations are groups of the same species interacting and evolving together in a specific area.
• Communities consist of different populations interacting within an ecosystem.

Diversity of Life

• Classifying and organizing organisms into domains and kingdoms aids understanding evolutionary relationships.
• Taxonomy classifies organisms.
• Organisms are classified based on shared physical and genetic characteristics.
• The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
• Each domain encompasses multiple kingdoms with distinct characteristics.

Ecosystems and their Interactions

• Ecosystems are intricate networks of interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Nutrient cycles, like the carbon cycle, maintain ecosystem health and balance.
• Energy flows through ecosystems from producers to consumers.
• Human activities have both positive and negative impacts on ecosystems.
• Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem resilience and sustainability.