Cell Structure and Function Quiz

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Function

Cells are the fundamental units of life, displaying diverse structures and functions.
Prokaryotic cells (e.g., bacteria) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells (e.g., animal and plant cells) possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, acting as a selectively permeable barrier.
The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within the cell, housing the organelles.
The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA), directing cellular activities.
Mitochondria are the cell's powerhouses, generating energy through cellular respiration.
Ribosomes synthesize proteins according to genetic instructions.
Endoplasmic reticulum (smooth and rough) is involved in protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and detoxification.
Golgi apparatus processes, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.
Lysosomes contain enzymes for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris.
Vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste products, particularly prominent in plant cells.
Cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates cell movement.
Chloroplasts (present in plant cells) capture light energy for photosynthesis.
Cell walls (present in plant cells) provide structural support and protection.

Biological Molecules

Four main biological molecules are crucial for life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates are primarily for energy storage and structural support (e.g., cellulose in plants).
Lipids are vital for energy storage, insulation, and forming cell membranes (e.g., phospholipids).
Proteins perform diverse functions, including catalysis, transport, and structural support.
Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store and transmit genetic information.

Cell Processes

Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to produce ATP, the cell's energy currency.
Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
Active transport moves substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.
Passive transport moves substances down their concentration gradient, without energy.
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells.
Meiosis produces four genetically diverse daughter cells for sexual reproduction.
DNA replication creates an exact copy of a DNA molecule.
Transcription makes an mRNA molecule from a DNA template.
Translation uses the mRNA code to build a protein.

Genetics

Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits.
Alleles are different forms of a gene; homologous chromosomes carry the same genes but potentially different alleles.
Genotype describes an organism's genetic makeup; phenotype describes observable characteristics.
Mendelian genetics describes inheritance patterns based on dominant and recessive alleles.
Non-Mendelian inheritance includes patterns like incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic inheritance.
Mutations are changes in DNA sequence that can cause variations.
Chromosomes are structures that contain DNA and carry genetic information.

Ecology

Ecology studies the relationships between organisms and their environment.
Organisms interact in various ways (e.g., competition, predation, symbiosis).
Ecosystems encompass all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components in an area.
Food chains and food webs illustrate energy flow within ecosystems.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an ecosystem.
Population dynamics investigate factors influencing population size and growth.
Biomes are large-scale communities of plants and animals adapted to specific climates.

Evolution

Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over generations.
Natural selection favors organisms with advantageous traits, leading to their survival and reproduction.
Adaptations are traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
Speciation is the process of new biological species forming.
Phylogenetic trees show evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Evidence for evolution includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography.

Classification

Taxonomy is the science of classifying and naming organisms.
Classification systems use hierarchical levels (domain, kingdom, phylum, etc.) to organize organisms based on shared characteristics.
Binomial nomenclature gives each organism a unique two-part name (genus and species).
Modern classification systems reflect evolutionary relationships among organisms (phylogenetic trees).

Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of cell structure and function. This quiz covers prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the role of organelles, and the processes essential for cellular activities. Ideal for students studying biology or related subjects.