Cell Structure and Genetics Quiz

Cell Structure and Function

• Cell Theory:

  • All living organisms are composed of cells.
  • The cell is the basic unit of life.
  • All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

• Types of Cells:

  • Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller, e.g., bacteria.
  • Eukaryotic: Nucleus present, larger, e.g., plant and animal cells.

• Cell Organelles:

  • Nucleus: Controls cell activities, contains DNA.
  • Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, energy production (ATP).
  • Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Rough (with ribosomes) and Smooth (without ribosomes); transport and synthesis.
  • Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
  • Lysosomes: Digestion and waste removal.

Genetics

• Mendelian Genetics:

  • Law of Segregation: Alleles segregate during gamete formation.
  • Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits assort independently.

• Key Terms:

  • Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism.
  • Phenotype: Observable traits.
  • Homozygous: Two identical alleles.
  • Heterozygous: Two different alleles.

• Punnett Squares: Tool for predicting offspring genotypes and phenotypes.

Evolution

• Natural Selection:

  • Mechanism of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin.
  • Survival of the fittest: Organisms best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

• Evidence for Evolution:

  • Fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and biogeography.

Plant Biology

• Photosynthesis:

  • Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
  • Occurs in chloroplasts; involves light-dependent and light-independent (Calvin cycle) reactions.

• Plant Structures:

  • Roots: Absorb water and nutrients.
  • Stems: Support and transport.
  • Leaves: Site of photosynthesis.

Human Body Systems

• Major Systems:

  • Circulatory: Transports blood and nutrients.
  • Respiratory: Gas exchange (O2 in, CO2 out).
  • Digestive: Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.
  • Nervous: Controls and coordinates body functions.

• Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions.

Ecology

• Ecosystems:

  • Community of living organisms and their physical environment.
  • Energy flow: Sun → producers → consumers → decomposers.

• Biomes: Large ecological areas with distinct climates and organisms (e.g., tundra, rainforest).

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules:
  • Carbohydrates: Energy source and structure.
  • Proteins: Structure and function; made of amino acids.
  • Lipids: Energy storage, cell membranes.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; genetic information.

Biotechnology

• Techniques:
  • Genetic engineering: Manipulating DNA for desired traits.
  • Cloning: Producing genetically identical organisms.
  • CRISPR: Tool for editing genes with precision.

Human Health and Diseases

• Pathogens: Organisms that cause disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi).
• Immune System: Defends against pathogens; includes innate and adaptive immunity.

Developmental Biology

• Embryonic Development: Stages include fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, and organogenesis.
• Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells with potential to develop into various cell types.

Cell Structure and Function

• Cell Theory: A framework stating all living beings consist of cells, which are the fundamental units of life, originating from existing cells.
• Types of Cells:
  • Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a nucleus; generally smaller; typified by bacteria.
  • Eukaryotic Cells: Possess a nucleus; larger and more complex; includes plant and animal cells.
• Cell Organelles:
  • Nucleus: Regulates cell functions and houses DNA.
  • Mitochondria: Known as the “powerhouse,” responsible for ATP production.
  • Ribosomes: Key site for protein synthesis.
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
    • Rough ER: Contains ribosomes; involved in protein transport and synthesis.
    • Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.
  • Golgi Apparatus: Involved in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins.
  • Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes for waste management.

Genetics

• Mendelian Genetics: Core principles governing heredity.
  • Law of Segregation: States that during gamete formation, allele pairs separate.
  • Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently.
• Key Terms:
  • Genotype: The genetic constitution of an organism.
  • Phenotype: The observable characteristics or traits of an organism.
  • Homozygous: Possessing two identical alleles for a trait.
  • Heterozygous: Possessing two different alleles for a trait.
• Punnett Squares: A diagram used for predictively analyzing potential offspring genotypes and phenotypes.

Evolution

• Natural Selection: The primary mechanism of evolution theorized by Charles Darwin centered on "survival of the fittest."
• Evidence for Evolution: Supported by fossil records, comparative anatomy, studies in molecular biology, and biogeographical findings.

Plant Biology

• Photosynthesis: The biochemical process where plants convert light energy into glucose, taking place in chloroplasts, with light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
• Plant Structures:
  • Roots: Function to absorb water and essential nutrients.
  • Stems: Provide structural support while facilitating transport of substances.
  • Leaves: The main site for photosynthesis activity.

Human Body Systems

• Major Body Systems:
  • Circulatory System: Responsible for blood and nutrient transport.
  • Respiratory System: Manages gas exchange, bringing in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.
  • Digestive System: Breaks down food to absorb necessary nutrients.
  • Nervous System: Coordinates and regulates body activities.
• Homeostasis: The process through which organisms maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Ecology

• Ecosystems: Comprised of living organisms and their physical surroundings; characterized by energy flow from producers to consumers to decomposers.
• Biomes: Large ecological regions discernible by specific climate conditions and distinct communities of organisms, such as tundra and rainforest.

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules:
  • Carbohydrates: Primary energy source and structural component.
  • Proteins: Composed of amino acids; serve structural and functional roles.
  • Lipids: Employed for energy storage and forming cell membranes.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; vital for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Biotechnology

• Techniques:
  • Genetic Engineering: Involves modifying DNA to produce desirable traits.
  • Cloning: Generating genetically identical replicas of organisms.
  • CRISPR: Advanced tool for accurate gene editing.

Human Health and Diseases

• Pathogens: Microbial agents that cause diseases, which include bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Immune System: The body's defense mechanism against pathogens, consisting of innate and adaptive immune responses.

Developmental Biology

• Embryonic Development: Involves distinct stages such as fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, and organogenesis.
• Stem Cells: Unique undifferentiated cells with the capability to develop into various types of specialized cells.

Test your knowledge on cell structure, function, and genetics. This quiz covers essential topics including cell theory, types of cells, organelles, and Mendelian genetics principles. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of biology concepts.