Topic 1: Variety of living organisms

Question 1

What are eukaryotic organisms?

Answer 1

Eukaryotic organisms are made up of eukaryotic cells. They can be multicellular or unicellular. Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Question 2

What are some examples of eukaryotic organisms?

Answer 2

Plants such as peas or beans, animals like humans, fungi such as yeast and protoctists like chlorella.

Question 3

What are the 8 essential life processes?

Answer 3

MRSGREN.H:

M - Movement: living organisms move in the direction of food or sources of survival, and away from danger

R - Respiration: organisms release energy from their food

S - Sensitivity: living organisms react to changes in their surroundings

G - Growth: organisms grow and develop

R - Reproduction: organisms produce offspring in order for their species to survive

E - Excretion: organisms excrete waste products

N - Nutrition: living organisms need nutrition to provide them with energy and raw minerals for growth and repair

H - Homeostasis: organisms can control their internal conditions such as temperature and water content

Question 4

What is the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms?

Answer 4

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not. Differences in cellular structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes include the presence of mitochondria and chloroplasts, the cell wall, and the structure of chromosomal DNA.

Question 5

Define the term ‘pathogen’

Answer 5

An organism or a virus that causes disease

Question 6

Name some examples of pathogens

Answer 6

Virus: Coronavirus
Bacteria: Pneumococcus which causes pneumonia
Protoctist: Plasmodium which causes malaria
Fungi: Dermatophytes which cause athlete’s foot