General Knowledge Quiz

Study Notes

Cell Biology Study Notes

Cell Theory

Living organisms are composed of cells, the fundamental unit of life.
Cells arise only from pre-existing cells, establishing a continuity of life.

Types of Cells

Prokaryotic Cells:
- No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
- Examples include Bacteria and Archaea.
Eukaryotic Cells:
- Possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Examples include Animal cells, Plant cells, Fungi, and Protists.

Cell Organelles

Nucleus:
- Houses genetic material (DNA) and regulates cell activities.
Mitochondria:
- Known as the powerhouse of the cell; responsible for ATP production.
Ribosomes:
- Locations for protein synthesis; present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
- Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.
- Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.
Golgi Apparatus:
- Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport and secretion.
Lysosomes:
- Contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials.
Chloroplasts (in plant cells):
- The site for photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll for light absorption.
Cell Membrane:
- A semi-permeable barrier that regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell.

Cell Division

Mitosis:
- Results in two identical daughter cells; includes phases such as Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
Meiosis:
- Reduces chromosome number by half to produce gametes, involving two rounds of division (Meiosis I and Meiosis II).

Cell Transport Mechanisms

Passive Transport:
- Molecule movement occurring without energy; includes Diffusion, Osmosis, and Facilitated diffusion.
Active Transport:
- Molecule movement against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP), exemplified by the sodium-potassium pump.

Cell Communication

Signaling Molecules:
- Include hormones and neurotransmitters that enable cell communication.
Receptors:
- Proteins on cell surfaces that bind to signaling molecules, leading to cellular responses.

Cellular Metabolism

Anabolism:
- Constructive metabolism that builds complex molecules from simpler ones.
Catabolism:
- Destructive metabolism that breaks down complex molecules into simpler forms.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that provide structural support and shape to the cell, comprised of:
- Microfilaments: Actin filaments linked to cell movement.
- Intermediate filaments: Offer mechanical stability.
- Microtubules: Play a role in cell division and intracellular transport.

Apoptosis

A programmed cell death mechanism that maintains health by eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into various cell types.
Types include:
- Embryonic stem cells: Pluripotent, able to differentiate into any cell type.
- Adult stem cells: Multipotent, restricted to forming specific cell types.

Description

Test your knowledge with this comprehensive quiz covering a variety of topics. Designed to challenge your understanding and recall, it includes questions from multiple domains. Perfect for enhancing your learning experience and self-assessment.