Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis Quiz

Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

• Cellular Respiration (CR): C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)
• Photosynthesis (PS): 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration

• Aerobic: Requires oxygen; produces more ATP.
• Anaerobic: Does not require oxygen; produces less ATP (e.g., lactic acid fermentation).

Role of ATP

• ATP is the energy currency of the cell.
• Provides energy for cellular processes like muscle contraction, transport, and biosynthesis.

Organelles Critical for Respiration and Photosynthesis

• Mitochondria: Site of cellular respiration.
• Chloroplasts: Site of photosynthesis.

Experiments

• Phenol Red Experiment:
  • Used as a pH indicator to detect changes in CO₂ levels.
  • CO₂ production during respiration makes the solution more acidic (color change).
• Exercise and Cellular Respiration:
  • Measured by monitoring changes in breathing rate or CO₂ production during physical activity.

Role of Light in Photosynthesis

• Light provides energy to excite electrons in chlorophyll, driving the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

• Created by introducing a foreign gene into an organism's genome.
• Regulatory sequences control the expression of the inserted gene.

DNA Isolation

• Steps involve grinding the sample, using Chelex, and centrifugation.
• Chemicals used include Chelex.
• Equipment includes centrifuges, pipettes, microtubes, thermocyclers, and vortexers.
• Supernatant contains the DNA; the pellet does not.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Amplifies specific DNA sequences.
• Stages:
  • Denaturation: High temperature (94°C) to separate DNA strands.
  • Annealing: Cooler temperature (50-65°C) allowing primers to bind to complementary sequences.
  • Extension: Slightly higher temperature (72°C) allowing Taq polymerase to extend the sequence.
• PCR Master Mix Components: Template DNA, primers, Taq polymerase, dNTPs, MgCl₂.

Control Groups for PCR

• Negative Control: Contains no DNA, ensuring no contamination.
• Positive Control: Contains known target DNA, verifying PCR worked correctly.

Pros and Cons of GMOs

• Pros: Higher yields, pest resistance, enhanced nutrition.
• Cons: Environmental concerns, potential allergic reactions.

Stages of Mitosis and Cytokinesis

• Mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
• Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm.

Garlic Root Observation

• Used for observing cell division (mitosis).

Gel Electrophoresis for GMO Analysis

• Gel Composition: Made of agarose.
• Fluorescing Dye: Ethidium bromide (EtBr) or GelGreen to visualize DNA under UV light.
• Submersion Solution: Buffer solution (TAE) maintains pH and conducts electricity.
• Equipment: Gel box, power supply, pipettes, UV transilluminator.
• DNA Fragment Movement: Negatively charged DNA fragments migrate towards the positive electrode; smaller fragments travel faster.
• Determining DNA Fragment Sizes: Compare the sample bands to a DNA ladder.

Test your knowledge on cellular respiration and photosynthesis with this quiz. Explore the differences between aerobic and anaerobic processes, the role of ATP, and the key organelles involved in these vital functions. Challenge yourself with questions based on experiments that demonstrate these concepts.