Cellular Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic do enzymes exhibit towards their substrates?

They only work at high temperatures.

They are consumed during reactions.

They act on all molecules equally.

They are highly specific. (correct)

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic cells is true?

They have a complex structure similar to eukaryotic cells.

They are exemplified by bacteria. (correct)

They possess membrane-bound organelles.

They contain a nucleus.

The function of ribosomes is to store water, nutrients, and waste products.

False (B)

Natural selection is the only mechanism driving evolution.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the genetic makeup of an organism?

genotype Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in a cell?

Processes and packages proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Cells communicate through __________ mechanisms to coordinate responses.

various Signup and view all the answers

The primary energy currency of the cell is called ______.

ATP Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ecological interactions with their definitions:

Competition = Organisms of the same or different species vie for resources Predation = One organism hunts and consumes another Symbiosis = Close and often long-term interaction between species Mutualism = Both species benefit from the interaction Signup and view all the answers

Match the following biological molecules to their functions:

Carbohydrates = Energy and structural support Lipids = Energy storage and insulation Proteins = Diverse functions including support, catalysis, transport Nucleic acids = Storage and transmission of genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can influence enzyme activity?

Temperature (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is a key anabolic pathway?

Photosynthesis (D) Signup and view all the answers

Eukaryotic cells contain ribosomes for protein synthesis.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Phenotype refers to the observable traits of an organism.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary carrier of genetic information?

DNA Signup and view all the answers

What are the fundamental units of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cellular Structure and Function

Cells are the basic units of life, exhibiting a wide array of shapes and sizes.
All cells share fundamental features including a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA.
Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells (plants and animals) possess a nucleus and various organelles.
The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, DNA.
Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) facilitates protein and lipid synthesis.
The Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins.
Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, producing ATP.
Chloroplasts, found in plant cells, perform photosynthesis.
Vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste products.
Lysosomes contain enzymes for intracellular digestion.
The cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates cell movement.
Cell membranes regulate the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and cholesterol.
Cell membranes exhibit selective permeability.

Biological Molecules

Four major classes of biological molecules—carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—are crucial for life.
Carbohydrates provide energy and structural support.
Simple sugars (monosaccharides) are the fundamental units.
Complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) store energy (starch, glycogen) or provide structural support (cellulose).
Lipids are diverse hydrophobic molecules including fats, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fats store energy and insulate.
Phospholipids form the cell membrane.
Steroids regulate various metabolic processes.
Proteins have diverse functions including structural support, catalysis, and transport.
Proteins are constructed from amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store and transmit genetic information.
DNA carries the genetic code.
RNA plays a role in protein synthesis.

Metabolism

Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions within a living organism.
Catabolism breaks down complex molecules, releasing energy.
Anabolism builds complex molecules, requiring energy.
Cellular respiration converts glucose to ATP.
Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
Enzymes are biological catalysts speeding up reactions without being consumed.
Enzymes exhibit specificity towards their substrates.
Factors like temperature and pH influence enzyme activity.

Cell Communication

Cells communicate through various mechanisms, coordinating responses to internal and external stimuli.
Signal transduction pathways relay signals from the cell surface to the nucleus.
Signaling molecules (hormones, neurotransmitters) bind to receptors.
Receptors on the cell surface or inside the cell initiate responses.
Responses involve changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, or cellular movement.

Genetics

Genetics studies heredity and variation in organisms.
DNA is the carrier of genetic information.
Genes are segments of DNA coding for proteins.
Genetic material determines an organism's traits, passed through reproduction.
Genotype refers to the genetic makeup; phenotype describes observable traits.
Mendelian genetics predicts inheritance likelihood.
Chromosomes are structures containing DNA.

Evolution

Evolution is the change in heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.
Natural selection favours traits enhancing survival and reproduction.
Adaptation enhances survival and reproduction in specific environments.
Common ancestry links all organisms.
The diversity of life on Earth results from evolutionary processes.

Ecology

Ecology studies the relationship between organisms and their environment.
Ecosystems are complex systems of biotic and abiotic components.
Interactions between organisms (competition, predation, symbiosis) are crucial.
Energy flow and nutrient cycling are key aspects of ecosystem dynamics.

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Description

Explore the intricate world of cellular biology with this quiz focused on cell structure and function. Learn about the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their organelles, and essential processes like protein synthesis and cellular respiration. Test your knowledge on the fundamental units of life!