Cellular Structure and Function

Study Notes

Cellular Structure and Function

Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting diverse structures and functions.
Prokaryotic cells (bacteria and archaea) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, unlike eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi, protists) which possess both.
Key eukaryotic organelles include mitochondria (energy production), ribosomes (protein synthesis), endoplasmic reticulum (protein and lipid synthesis), Golgi apparatus (protein modification and sorting), lysosomes (waste breakdown), and vacuoles (storage).
Cell membranes are selectively permeable lipid bilayers, regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
Passive transport mechanisms, such as diffusion and osmosis, move substances down their concentration gradients. Active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradients.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the process where cells break down glucose to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell's primary energy source.
Glycolysis, the initial stage, breaks down glucose into pyruvate.
Pyruvate oxidation prepares pyruvate for the Krebs cycle, where further oxidation occurs within the mitochondria.
The Krebs Cycle releases high-energy electrons that enter the electron transport chain.
The electron transport chain creates a proton gradient, driving ATP synthesis in oxidative phosphorylation.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process in which plants and certain organisms use sunlight to produce sugars from carbon dioxide and water.
Light-dependent reactions convert light energy into ATP and NADPH.
Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) use ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into sugars.
Photosynthesis releases oxygen as a byproduct.

Genetics

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) contains the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism.
DNA is organized into chromosomes, which carry genes.
Genes are DNA segments coding for proteins.
RNA (ribonucleic acid) is crucial for protein synthesis, with mRNA carrying genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes.
Transcription is the process of copying DNA into mRNA.
Translation is the decoding of mRNA to produce a specific protein sequence at ribosomes.

Biological Evolution

Evolution is the change in heritable characteristics of populations across generations.
Natural selection favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
Adaptations develop through genetic variation and natural selection, enabling organisms to better suit their environments.
Speciation is the formation of new species from existing ones.

Ecology

Ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Ecosystems include biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
Trophic levels show feeding relationships among organisms within an ecosystem.
Energy flows through ecosystems.
Biogeochemical cycles (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles) depict the movement of elements in an ecosystem.
Communities are groups of interacting species in a given area.
Biodiversity represents the variety of life in an ecosystem.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of cellular structure and function, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Delve into key organelles and their roles, as well as the mechanisms of transport across cell membranes. This quiz will enhance your understanding of life at the cellular level.