The Biological Basis of Life Flashcards
What are the mechanisms of life that Evolution is grounded in? (4)
(…genetic information, transmission…)
- Cells
- Cell Replication
- Replication and decoding of genetic information
- Transmission of this information between generations
Why do cells and DNA matter?
To examine how life is organized at the cellular and molecular level
Cytology
The branch of science that specializes in cell biology
Cytologenetics
Study of the hereditary mechanisms within cells
Cell
Basic unit of life in all organisms
(Smallest entities capable of self-reproduction)
Prokaryotes
Single-celled organisms
When did Prokaryotes first appear on Earth
3.7 billion years ago
Prokaryotes are enclosed by a _____
plasma membrane
Prokaryotes have no _____ and _____
membrane around the nucleus and no membranous organelles
In Prokaryotes, genetic information is in direct contact with the ______
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm
The fluid-filled space within the cell
Eukaryotes
More complex cells (including fungi, plants, animals, and humans)
When did Eukaryotes first appear on Earth?
1.2 billion years ago
Special Characterstic of the Cell Membrane in Eukaryotes
(Active component of cellular function) Controls the exchange of materials with external environment
Cell Coat Characteristics (2)
- Consists of glycoproteins and polysaccarides
- Provide the cell with its biochemical identity
Nucleus Characteristics (3)
- One of the most important organelles
- Bound by a membrane in Eukaryotic cells
- Contains DNA
Function of Organelles
Divide the cell into a number of functional compartments
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) (2)
(network of…, site of…)
- Network of membranous channels in the cytoplasm
*looks like folded sheets - Site of protein synthesis
Ribosomes (2)
(comprised of what?)
- Comprised of RNA
- Studded on outer surface of ER
Golgi Apparatus (3)
(what is it made of, …proteins, source of…)
- Clusters of flattened membrane sacs
- Modify + distribute proteins synthesized by the ER
- Source of membranes for other organelles
Mitochondria
Produces energy in the cell by converting energy in food into ATP (main fuel of cells)
Protein membrane around mitochondria
Proteins produced by DNA
Centrioles
Important for organization of spindle fibers that function in cellular division
Where are centrioles found?
In specialized region of cytoplasm called the Centrosome
Somatic Cells
Make up the cellular composition of the body
Sex Cells (Gametes)
Cells specifically involved in reproduction
Gamete Function (2)
- To unite with a sex cell from another individual to form a zygote
- transmit genetic information from parent to offspring
2 Types of Gametes
- Ova (eggs)
- Sperm
Cell Division
The process that results in production of new cells
Cell Cycle
The sequence of events from one division to another
Interphase
when ________ processes occur
- The period between cell division
- When basic metabolic processes and other activities occur
*much of the cell’s existence is spent in this phase
3 Phases of Interphase
- G1 phase
- S phase
- G2 phase
Gap 1 (G1) Phase
Begins immediately after a division