Questions and Answers
Explain the structure and function of the mitochondria in a cell.
The mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell. They are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the process of cellular respiration, which is the primary energy currency of the cell. The inner membrane of the mitochondria contains numerous folds called cristae, which increase the surface area for ATP production.
Discuss the process of meiosis and its significance in biology.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, resulting in the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells). It involves two rounds of division, resulting in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process introduces genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment, and is crucial for the genetic variability of offspring.
Explain the role of enzymes in biological systems and provide an example of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction.
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They are specific to particular substrates and often end in -ase. For example, the enzyme amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars in the digestive system, facilitating the process of digestion.
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