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Biology Paper 1 > Cell Biology > Flashcards

Cell Biology Flashcards

1
Q

What are Cells?

A

They are the smallest unit of life capable of replicating independently.

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2
Q

How do bacterial cells differ from eukaryotic cells in terms of organelles?

A

Bacterial cells do not have mitochondria or chloroplasts, which are present in eukaryotic cells.

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2
Q

What are ribosomes and their role in cells?

A

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis, where proteins are made.

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2
Q

What is a significant structural difference between animal and plant cells?

A

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, whereas animal cells do not.

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3
Q

What is the primary function of the cell wall in plant cells?

A

The primary function of the cell wall is to provide structural support and prevent the cell from bursting when water enters.

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4
Q

What are the main components shared between animal and plant cells?

A

Both animal and plant cells share a cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and ribosomes.

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5
Q

What happens during the division of multicellular organisms’ cells?

A

During cell division in multicellular organisms, cells typically grow or replace dead cells rather than forming new organisms.

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6
Q

How do chloroplasts contribute to plant survival?

A

Chloroplasts enable plants to produce their own food through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

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7
Q

What role does the nucleus play in a cell?

A

The nucleus contains the genetic material (DNA) and controls the activities of the cell.

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8
Q

What is the significance of chlorophyll in chloroplasts?

A

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy needed for photosynthesis, giving plants their green color.

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9
Q

What is the function of the cytoplasm in a cell?

A

The cytoplasm is where chemical reactions occur and organelles are suspended, facilitating cellular processes.

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9
Q

What is the purpose of the permanent vacuole in plant cells?

A

The permanent vacuole stores cell sap, which is a mixture of sugars, salts, and water.

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10
Q

What distinguishes unicellular organisms from multicellular organisms?

A

Unicellular organisms, like bacteria, consist of a single cell that functions as a whole, while multicellular organisms, like animals and plants, are composed of many cells that work together.

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11
Q

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

A

Ribosomes facilitate the assembly of amino acids into proteins based on genetic instructions.

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12
Q

What are the five kingdoms of life excluding viruses?

A

The five kingdoms of life are animals, plants, fungi, protists, and bacteria.

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13
Q

What process occurs in chloroplasts?

A

Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, allowing plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy.

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14
Q

What are the key characteristics of animals?

A

Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic, and primarily reproduce sexually.

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15
Q

How do plants obtain energy?

A

Plants are autotrophs that obtain energy through photosynthesis.

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16
Q

What defines protists, and how do they vary?

A

Protists are mostly unicellular and can be autotrophic or heterotrophic, with some capable of photosynthesis and others consuming organisms.

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17
Q

What are the primary characteristics of bacteria?

A

Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotes that live in diverse environments, with many being helpful and some pathogenic.

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18
Q

What is the main distinction of viruses compared to other life forms?

A

Viruses are not considered living organisms; they are particles that can only reproduce inside living cells.

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19
Q

What are the differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

A

Autotrophs produce their own energy, typically through photosynthesis, while heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

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19
Q

What role do viruses play in disease?

A

All viruses are pathogens that cause harm to their host organisms.

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20
Q

What type of organisms are included in the kingdom Fungi?

A

Fungi include both multicellular organisms like mushrooms and unicellular organisms like yeast.

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21
How do viruses replicate?
Viruses replicate by infecting living cells and using the host's cellular machinery.
22
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is an organism that causes disease in another organism.
23
What is the primary role of mycelium in fungi?
Mycelium serves as the main body of multicellular fungi, facilitating nutrient absorption.
24
What are the three main stages of the cell cycle?
The three main stages of the cell cycle are growth, DNA replication, and mitosis followed by cytokinesis.
24
What is the cell cycle?
The cell cycle is the life cycle of a cell, encompassing its growth, DNA replication, and division into two new cells.
25
What is the size comparison between viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic cells?
Viruses are 10 to 100 times smaller than prokaryotic cells, which are themselves 10 to 100 times smaller than eukaryotic cells.
26
What occurs during the growth stage of the cell cycle?
During the growth stage, the cell increases in size and the number of subcellular structures, such as mitochondria and ribosomes.
27
What happens to DNA as a cell prepares for division?
As a cell prepares for division, its DNA condenses into chromosomes.
27
What is the purpose of DNA replication in the cell cycle?
DNA replication ensures that each new cell receives a full set of DNA after division.
28
What are chromosomes?
Chromosomes are condensed packets of DNA that contain genes controlling various characteristics.
28
What occurs during the alignment phase of mitosis?
During alignment, all chromosomes line up along the center of the cell prior to separation.
29
What is chromosome duplication?
Chromosome duplication is the process where each chromosome is copied, forming two identical halves that remain attached.
30
What is cytokinesis?
Cytokinesis is the final stage of cell division where the cell membrane and cytoplasm divide, resulting in two daughter cells.
31
What can daughter cells contribute to after division?
Daughter cells can contribute to growth, development, or repair and can undergo the cell cycle again.
32
Why can't animals of different species reproduce fertile offspring?
Different species have different numbers of chromosomes, which is a barrier to producing fertile offspring.
33
What is the cell cycle?
The cell cycle is the life cycle of a cell, encompassing its creation and division into two new cells.
34
What are the three main stages of the cell cycle?
The three main stages of the cell cycle are Growth, DNA Replication, and Mitosis (Cytokinesis).
35
What occurs during the growth stage of the cell cycle?
During the growth stage, the cell increases in size and the number of subcellular structures, such as mitochondria and ribosomes.
36
What ensures that daughter cells are identical?
Each daughter cell receives half of the chromosomes, ensuring they have the same DNA as each other and the parent cell.
36
What is the primary function of chromosomes in eukaryotic cells?
The primary function of chromosomes in eukaryotic cells is to store and organize genetic information essential for cell function and heredity.
37
What is the process of alignment in mitosis?
During alignment, all 46 chromosomes line up along the center of the cell in preparation for division.
38
What are the two key features of stem cells?
Stem cells can divide by mitosis to produce more stem cells and can differentiate into specialized cells.
38
Where are adult stem cells commonly found in the body?
Adult stem cells are commonly found in bone marrow, where they can differentiate into various types of blood cells.
38
What are embryonic stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated cells in early development that can differentiate into any type of cell.
39
What are adult stem cells and how do they differ from embryonic stem cells?
Adult stem cells are more specialized and can only differentiate into a limited range of cells, unlike embryonic stem cells.
40
What types of blood cells can adult stem cells in bone marrow differentiate into?
They can differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
40
What are plant stem cells and where are they located?
Plant stem cells are found in meristems, which are regions of continuous growth in plants.
41
What is the role of meristems in plants?
Meristems allow plant stem cells to differentiate into various cell types essential for plant growth.
41
How do plant stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells in terms of lifespan?
Plant stem cells persist throughout the entire life of the plant, unlike embryonic stem cells that disappear after development.
42
What types of differentiated cells arise from plant stem cells?
They can differentiate into palisade cells, phloem and xylem cells, and root hair cells.
43
What are specialized cells?
Specialized cells are distinct types of cells in complex organisms that perform specific functions and have unique structures.
44
Give examples of specialized cells in animals.
Examples of specialized cells in animals include sperm cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells.
45
Give examples of specialized cells in plants.
Examples of specialized cells in plants include root hair cells and xylem cells.
46
What is the role of a sperm cell?
The role of a sperm cell is to deliver genetic material to an egg cell for fertilization.
47
What adaptations do sperm cells have?
Sperm cells have half the genetic material of adult cells, a flagellum for swimming, a streamlined shape, abundant mitochondria for energy, and digestive enzymes to penetrate egg cells.
48
What is differentiation?
Differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialized for a specific function.
49
What is a zygote?
A zygote is a fertilized egg cell that marks the beginning of human life.
50
How does a zygote develop into specialized cells?
A zygote divides by mitosis into identical cells, which then undergo differentiation to become specialized cells.
51
What is a stem cell?
Stem cells are cells that can repeatedly divide by mitosis and differentiate into various types of specialized cells.
52
What are specialized cells?
Specialized cells are unique cell types within complex organisms that perform specific functions, such as sperm cells and muscle cells in animals.
52
What is the relationship between structure and function in specialized cells?
Specialized cells have specific shapes and structures that are tailored to their unique roles in the body.
52
What is the definition of differentiation?
Differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialized for a specific function.
53
What adaptations do sperm cells have?
Sperm cells have half the genetic material of a normal cell, a flagellum for swimming, a streamlined shape, abundant mitochondria for energy, and digestive enzymes to penetrate the egg.
54
What is the role of a zygote in human development?
A zygote is the fertilized egg cell that marks the beginning of human life, which subsequently divides by mitosis into identical cells.
54
How do cells become specialized during development?
Cells become specialized through differentiation after initially being identical post-mitosis
55
How does the structure of a nerve cell differ from that of a red blood cell?
Nerve cells and red blood cells have completely different shapes and structures adapted to their unique functions in the body.
56
What is the basic principle behind using stem cells in medicine?
The basic principle is to replace faulty cells with properly working cells derived from stem cells.
56
How can stem cells be used to treat type 1 diabetes?
Stem cells can be differentiated into pancreas cells that produce insulin, which are then injected into the patient's pancreas.
56
What is a major drawback of using embryonic stem cells?
A major drawback is their limited supply, as they are only derived from embryos.
57
What ethical concerns are associated with the use of embryonic stem cells?
Ethical concerns arise from the potential for human life in embryos used for research.
57
What are the potential risks of using stem cells in therapy?
Potential risks include virus transmission and tumor development due to uncontrolled cell division.
58
Why might adult stem cells be preferred over embryonic stem cells?
Adult stem cells are easier to obtain and do not cause immune rejection when taken from the patient.
58
What conditions can adult stem cells be used to treat?
Adult stem cells can be used to treat blood cell disorders like sickle cell anemia.
59
What is the process for using embryonic stem cells in therapy?
Scientists extract embryonic stem cells, grow them in a lab, and stimulate differentiation into specialized cells.
59
Key characteristics of stem cells
Stem cells can divide by mitosis to produce more cells and can differentiate into different types of specialized cells.
60
Advantages of adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are easier to obtain and do not cause rejection if taken from the patient themselves.
60
What is diffusion?
Diffusion is the net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration due to random motion.
61
What does 'net movement' mean in the context of diffusion?
Net movement refers to the overall movement of particles as a group, indicating that while individual particles may move closer together, the overall trend is spreading out.
61
What is a cell membrane's permeability?
Cell membranes are partially permeable, allowing only certain small molecules to diffuse through while blocking larger molecules.
62
What type of process is diffusion?
Diffusion is a passive process that does not require energy from the cell.
62
Which small molecules can diffuse through cell membranes?
Small molecules like water, glucose, and amino acids can diffuse through cell membranes.
63
What is the relationship between surface area and diffusion rate?
A larger surface area allows more particles to diffuse simultaneously, resulting in a higher rate of diffusion.
63
What factors affect the rate of diffusion?
The rate of diffusion is affected by concentration gradient, temperature, and surface area.
64
How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?
Higher temperatures increase the energy of particles, causing them to move faster and thus diffuse more quickly.
64
What is the role of a partially permeable membrane in osmosis?
A partially permeable membrane allows water to diffuse while restricting the passage of solutes, facilitating osmosis.
64
What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the net movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from a region of higher water concentration to a region of lower water concentration.
65
What drives the process of osmosis in cells?
The difference in water concentration between the inside and outside of the cell drives the movement of water through osmosis.
65
In the context of osmosis, what happens when the outside of a cell has a higher water concentration?
Water will diffuse from the outside of the cell into the cell, moving from higher water concentration to lower water concentration.
66
How does active transport differ from diffusion?
Active transport involves movement against the concentration gradient and requires energy, while diffusion occurs down the gradient and is a passive process.
66
What is active transport?
Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy from cellular respiration.
67
What role do root hair cells play in plants?
Root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions from the soil, crucial for plant survival.
67
What is the energy source for active transport?
The energy for active transport comes from cellular respiration, which breaks down glucose in the mitochondria to release energy
68
How do root hair cells increase their efficiency in absorbing nutrients?
Root hair cells increase efficiency by having a large surface area due to their protrusions and a high number of mitochondria for energy supply.
68
What adaptations do root hair cells have for absorption?
Root hair cells have long, hair-like protrusions for a large surface area and many mitochondria to supply energy for active transport.
68
What are specialized exchange surfaces?
Specialized exchange surfaces are parts of an organism that facilitate the exchange of substances with their environment.
69
What is the function of alveoli?
Alveoli are small sacs in the lungs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the blood.
69
What role do villi play in the small intestine?
Villi absorb nutrients like glucose and amino acids from the lumen of the small intestine into the bloodstream.
70
What is the function of root hair cells in plants?
Root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions from the soil to support plant growth.
71
How do leaves function as specialized exchange surfaces?
Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air, facilitating photosynthesis.
72
How does the external medium influence gas exchange in alveoli?
A good supply of air in alveoli maintains a high concentration of oxygen, facilitating its diffusion into the blood.
72
Why is a large surface area important for exchange surfaces?
A large surface area allows many molecules to diffuse simultaneously, increasing the overall rate of diffusion.
72
Why is a good blood supply critical for exchange surfaces?
A good blood supply maintains a concentration gradient, enhancing the efficiency of substance absorption.
73
How do villi maintain a concentration gradient for glucose absorption?
Villi have a rich blood supply that quickly removes absorbed glucose, ensuring continuous diffusion from the intestinal lumen.
73
How do alveoli maximize their surface area for gas exchange?
Alveoli are numerous and small, creating a vast surface area for oxygen absorption.
73
What common feature do all specialized exchange surfaces share?
All specialized exchange surfaces typically have a large surface area, thin structure, permeability, a good blood supply, and a good supply of the external medium.
74
Why do leaves have a large, flat shape?
Leaves have a large, flat shape to maximize surface area for efficient carbon dioxide absorption.

Biology Paper 1 (5 decks)

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