Biology Lecture Notes: Basics of Life, Cell Theory, and Body Systems

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering biological organization, cell structures, genetics, metabolism, taxonomy, and human body systems based on the Brain Train Biology manual.

How is the level of biological organization known as the biosphere defined?

The biosphere consists of all ecosystems on Earth.

What are the four types of biomolecules and their corresponding building blocks?

Carbohydrates (monosaccharides), Proteins (amino acids), Lipids (fatty acids and glycerol), and Nucleic Acids (nucleotides).

According to the Modern Cell Theory, what is the most basic unit of life?

The cell is the most basic unit of life.

What are the primary differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells regarding the nucleus and organelles?

Prokaryotic cells have no true nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What are the base pairing rules for DNA and RNA?

In DNA, Adenine pairs with Thymine ($A-T$) and Guanine pairs with Cytosine ($G-C$). In RNA, Adenine pairs with Uracil ($A-U$) and Guanine pairs with Cytosine ($G-C$).

What is the function of the mitochondria in a cell?

The mitochondria is responsible for $ATP$ synthesis.

Which organelle is responsible for the production of spindle fibers during cell division?

Centrioles.

What occurs during the anaphase stage of mitosis?

Sister chromatids head towards opposite poles.

Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis in terms of cell division type and outcome.

Mitosis is equational division resulting in two diploid ($2n$) daughter cells; Meiosis is reductional division resulting in four haploid ($n$) daughter cells.

What is the general equation for photosynthesis?

$CO_2 + H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_12O_6 + O_2$ (facilitated by sunlight and chlorophyll).

What is the function of light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) in photosynthesis?

The formation of carbohydrate molecules from carbon dioxide using the chemical energy produced from light-dependent reactions.

What is the general chemical equation for cellular respiration?

$$C_6H_12O_6 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O + \text{energy}$$

What type of fermentation converts glucose into lactic acid ($C_3H_6O_3$)?

Lactic acid fermentation.

Define osmosis in terms of concentration and solvent movement.

Osmosis is the movement of a solvent across a semi-permeable membrane from low to high concentration.

What are the three steps of the Central Dogma of molecular genetics?

Replication, Transcription, and Translation.

What is the difference between a genotype and a phenotype?

The genotype is an organism's actual genetic composition, while the phenotype refers to its physical characteristics.

In the classification of organisms, what are the three Domains?

Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of Monocots versus Dicots regarding cotyledons and leaf veins?

Monocots have $1$ cotyledon and parallel veins; Dicots have $2$ cotyledons and netted veins.

Which plant hormone is responsible for fruit ripening?

Ethylene.

Who proposed the Theory of Natural Selection, also known as "survival of the fittest"?

Charles Darwin.

In the human digestive system, where does the initial digestion of starch occur?

In the mouth, via ptyalin in the saliva.

What is the function of the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas?

It facilitates glucose uptake into body cells.

In the circulatory system, which vessels are the only veins that carry oxygenated blood?

Pulmonary veins.

What part of the brain is responsible for body balance?

Cerebellum.