Living Things Characteristics Quiz (MRS GREND)

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to a change in the protein produced?

Mutation (correct)

Diffusion

Apoptosis

Osmosis

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors are slow-growing, while malignant tumors are fast-growing.

Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, while malignant tumors can. (correct)

Benign tumors are usually caused by genetic mutations, while malignant tumors are usually caused by environmental factors.

Benign tumors are cancerous, while malignant tumors are not.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living things?

Sensitivity

Photosynthesis (correct)

Movement

Respiration

Which of the following is a characteristic of a cell in the G0 phase?

It is not dividing or preparing to divide. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when a cell dies in a controlled and programmed manner?

Apoptosis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of chemotherapy?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method for diagnosing cancer?

Biophotonics (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a red blood cell?

To carry oxygen to different parts of the body (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which cancer screening technique uses a specialized X-ray to image breast tissue?

Mammogram (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of radiation therapy in cancer treatment?

To shrink tumors (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment method focuses on boosting the body's own immune system to fight cancer?

Immunotherapy (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cancer cells?

They have a normal cell cycle (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells have a higher capacity to differentiate into various cell types. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diagnostic methods is used to obtain a sample of tumor cells for microscopic examination?

Biopsy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ABCD rule used for?

Detecting skin cancer (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the cell membrane?

Produces energy for the cell (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tissue forms supportive structures like bones, tendons, and blood?

Connective tissue (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

Packaging and sorting of proteins (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

Presence of a nucleus (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a CORRECT pairing of organelle and its function?

Nucleus - control of cell activities (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of eukaryotic cells that distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells?

Presence of membrane-bound organelles (C) Signup and view all the answers

A scientist observes a cell under a microscope and notices a thick, rigid outer layer surrounding the cell membrane. What type of cell is this likely to be?

Plant cell (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is directly involved in photosynthesis?

Chloroplast (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a vacuole in a plant cell?

Storage of water, food, and waste (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is NOT directly involved in the process of cell division?

Production of ATP (B) Signup and view all the answers

What level of organization is a group of tissues working together to perform a specific function?

Organ system (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the process of excretion?

The removal of cellular waste products from an organism (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an autotroph?

Oak tree (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of levels of organization from simplest to most complex?

Cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism (A) Signup and view all the answers

A student observes a cell under a microscope and sees a large central vacuole. What type of cell is this most likely to be?

Plant cell (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the relationship between the nucleus and the ribosomes?

The nucleus produces ribosomes (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main points of cell theory?

All cells contain a nucleus (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why cells need to divide as they grow larger?

To maintain a high surface area to volume ratio (S:V) for efficient transport. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is directly responsible for the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane?

Osmosis (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the checkpoints in the cell cycle is responsible for ensuring that the DNA has been accurately duplicated before moving into mitosis?

G2 Checkpoint (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between diffusion and osmosis?

Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, while diffusion involves the movement of any molecule across a membrane or in open space. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would likely result in a cell entering a resting state (G0 phase)?

The cell is not receiving positive growth factors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle fibers before the sister chromatids separate?

Spindle checkpoint (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the cell cycle?

To ensure that damaged cells are eliminated, preventing the spread of mutations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Turgor pressure and how is it maintained?

Pressure exerted by the vacuole on the cell wall due to osmosis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of mutations?

Exposure to high levels of oxygen. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do cancer cells differ from normal cells in their behavior?

Cancer cells can divide uncontrollably and ignore normal growth signals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Living Things - Characteristics (MRS GREND)

Movement: Ability of an organism to relocate (bend, sway, etc.)
Respiration: Cellular respiration breaks down nutrients (like sugar) using oxygen to produce energy (ATP); carbon dioxide is a byproduct. (Glucose + Oxygen → Energy + Carbon dioxide + Water)
Sensitivity: Ability to detect and respond to environmental changes.
Growth: Increase in size of an organism.
Reproduction: Passing genetic information to offspring.
- Asexual: Offspring are identical to the parent (e.g., some trees).
- Sexual: Offspring inherit genetic material from two parents.
Excretion: Removal of cellular waste (e.g., toxins in urine, sweat).
Nutrition: Acquiring and processing nutrients for energy, growth & development.
- Heterotrophs: Consume other organisms for nutrients (e.g., glucose).
- Autotrophs: Produce their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis). (Light Energy + Carbon Dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen)
Death: Limited lifespan for all organisms.

Hierarchical Organization of Living Things

Organism: A single living individual (e.g., a person).
Organ System: Group of organs working together for a function (e.g., digestive system).
Organs: Structures of tissues performing a complex function (e.g., stomach).
Tissues: Collection of similar cells with a common function.
- 4 Main Animal Tissues:
  - Epithelial: Skin and linings.
  - Connective: Support (bone, tendons).
  - Muscle: Movement.
  - Nervous: Communication.
Cells: Basic unit of life.
Organelles: Tiny organs within a cell (e.g., nucleus).

Cell Theory

All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
The cell is the basic unit of life.
All cells come from pre-existing cells.
Cell function determines organism health.

Organelle Structure and Function

Nucleus: Round/oval, central, dark-colored; controls cell activity, contains DNA, makes ribosomes.
Centrioles: Small cylinder shapes; create spindle fibers for cell division (animal cells only).
Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance filling the cell, cushions organelles, contains necessary chemicals.
Cell Membrane: Double-layered fat surrounding all cells, controls movement of materials in/out.
Mitochondria: Sausage shape; makes energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
Golgi Apparatus: Pancake stack; packages proteins for transport within/out of the cell.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough & Smooth):
- Rough ER: Has ribosomes; makes proteins for the cell's use.
- Smooth ER: No ribosomes; makes fats, cleans the cell.
Ribosomes: Small round dots; make proteins.
Lysosomes: Round sacs containing enzymes to break down waste.
Vacuoles: Large sacs; store water, food, & waste.
Cell Wall: Thick, tough layer surrounding the cell membrane in plant cells, provides protection and support.
Chloroplasts: Green discs site of photosynthesis (plant cells only).

Animal vs. Plant Cells

Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, animal cells do not.

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes: Unicellular, lack membrane-bound organelles; examples include bacteria, archaea.
Eukaryotes: Unicellular or multicellular, have membrane-bound organelles; examples include plants, animals, fungi, protists.

Microscopy

Magnification Calculation: Objective lens magnification × eyepiece magnification.
Microscopes & Specimens: Images are larger, flipped, and sometimes artificially colored; 2D view of a 3D specimen.

Cell Division

Reasons for Cell Division: Reproduction, growth, repair.

Diffusion & Osmosis

Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration (dynamic equilibrium).
Osmosis: Movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from high to low concentration.
Examples of substances that move by diffusion: oxygen, carbon dioxide.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio (S:V)

S:V ratio decreases as cells grow; smaller cells have higher ratio.
Important for nutrient exchange & waste removal in cells.

Cell Cycle

Series of phases (G1, S, G2, M) leading to cell division.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

G1 Checkpoint: Assesses cell size, nutrients, DNA integrity, & growth signals.
G2 Checkpoint: Checks for DNA damage and repairs.
Spindle Checkpoint: Ensures correct attachment of chromosomes to spindle fibers during mitosis.

Mutations

Mutations: Permanent changes in DNA; can be caused by genetic factors, radiation, chemicals, or viruses.

Cancer Cells

Cancer Characteristics: Uncontrolled cell division, rapid division, damage to surrounding cells, metastasis (spread).

Cancer Diagnosis

Various methods like endoscopy, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI, biopsies, and genetic screening.

Cancer Treatment

Methods: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biophotonics, and immunotherapies.

Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells: Unlimited potential to differentiate into various cell types.
Adult/Tissue Stem Cells: Limited potential, mainly capable of replenishing specific tissues.

Specialized Cells (Structures & Functions)

Red Blood Cell: Small, lacks nucleus; transports oxygen.
- Shape increases surface area for oxygen exchange.
- Lack of nucleus maximizes space for hemoglobin.
Nerve Cell: Long, thin extensions; transmits electrical signals.
- Complex structure allows for rapid signal transmission.
Muscle Cell: Long, cylindrical; contracts to cause movement.
- Specialized proteins allow for contraction.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential characteristics of living organisms as defined by the acronym MRS GREND. This quiz covers aspects such as movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition. Discover how these features contribute to the essence of life.