PRE-IB BIOLOGY EOC REVIEW (for you nerds >:) ((yea you gavin.))

IB bio

What is evolution?

Evolution is the process through which species change over time through natural selection and genetic drift.

What role does the cell membrane play in a cell?

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing structure and support.

What is the function of mitochondria?

Mitochondria produce energy for the cell through the process of cellular respiration.

What are ribosomes responsible for?

Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA.

What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.

How do vacuoles function in plant cells?

Vacuoles store nutrients, waste products, and help maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.

What is the difference between diploid and haploid cells?

Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent), whereas haploid cells contain one set.

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

The ER plays a role in protein and lipid synthesis; there are two types: rough ER (with ribosomes) and smooth ER (without ribosomes).

What is the Golgi apparatus's role in a cell?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.

What is the significance of the genetic material DNA?

DNA contains the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

What are enzymes, and why are they important in biology?

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, speeding them up and allowing processes to occur under conditions compatible with life.

What is osmosis?

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

What is cell division, and why is it important?

Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells; it is crucial for growth, repair, and reproduction.

What is the importance of photosynthesis in the ecosystem?

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which provides food for plants and oxygen for other organisms.

How do mutations contribute to evolution?

Mutations are changes in DNA that can introduce new traits to an organism, potentially leading to adaptations that contribute to evolutionary change.

What is the cell theory?

The cell theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

What are the functions of the cytoskeleton?

The cytoskeleton provides structural support, facilitates cell movement, and aids in intracellular transport.

What is the role of lysosomes in a cell?

Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What is the relationship between DNA and RNA?

DNA is the genetic blueprint, while RNA is involved in translating that blueprint into proteins.

How does natural selection work?

Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

What is a virus?

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of an organism.

How do bacteria differ from archaea?

Bacteria and archaea differ in their RNA sequences, cell wall composition, and membrane lipids; archaea are generally more resistant to extreme conditions.

What is a stem cell?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.

What is meiosis, and how does it differ from mitosis?

Meiosis is the type of cell division that produces gametes, leading to genetic diversity, while mitosis produces identical somatic cells.

What role does cholesterol play in cell membranes?

Cholesterol helps maintain membrane fluidity and stability, allowing cells to function properly.

What is the role of the plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane protects the cell's integrity by acting as a barrier and regulating the transport of substances in and out of the cell.

What is anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration is the process of generating energy without oxygen, producing byproducts like lactic acid or ethanol.

How do adaptations contribute to survival?

Adaptations are traits that improve an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

What are trophic levels in an ecosystem?

Trophic levels describe the hierarchical levels of energy transfer in an ecosystem, from producers to various levels of consumers.

What is the concept of ecological succession?

Ecological succession is the process through which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.

What is a genotype?

A genotype is the genetic constitution of an individual, determining specific traits.

What is the role of antioxidants?

Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to aging and diseases.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

How does cellular respiration work?

Cellular respiration is the process where cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

What is the function of the nucleolus?

The nucleolus is responsible for producing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosome subunits.

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

The cell wall provides structural support and protection to plant cells, giving them shape and rigidity.

What are the stages of protein synthesis?

The stages of protein synthesis include transcription (DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to amino acid chain).

What role do hormones play in biological systems?

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate physiological processes and maintain homeostasis.

What is the purpose of the immune system?

The immune system protects the body from pathogens and disease by identifying and destroying invaders.

What are plasmids?

Plasmids are small circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

What is a capillary action?

Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces against gravity, important for water movement in plants.

What is a hypothesis in scientific research?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation.

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

What is a species?

A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

How do plants absorb water?

Plants absorb water through their roots via osmosis, facilitated by root hairs.

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

What are gametes?

Gametes are sex cells (sperm and eggs) that combine during fertilization to form a new organism.

What is a food chain?

A food chain is a linear sequence showing how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another.

What is the main purpose of cellular respiration?

The main purpose of cellular respiration is to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP, which powers cellular activities.

What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their physical environment, interacting as a system.

What are the main differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more energy, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces less energy.

What is a mutation?

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

How do enzymes affect chemical reactions?

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for chemical reactions, increasing their rate.

What are the primary types of carbohydrates?

The primary types of carbohydrates include monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (two sugars), and polysaccharides (chains of sugars).

What are the main types of lipids?

The main types of lipids include fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

How does the structure of a protein relate to its function?

The structure of a protein determines its function; changes in structure can lead to loss of function.

What is the role of the large intestine in digestion?

The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes and compacts waste for excretion.

What is the function of fiber in the diet?

Fiber aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps maintain a healthy gut.

What is selective permeability?

Selective permeability is the property of cell membranes that allows certain molecules to pass through while blocking others.