Bio Paper 1

What is the cellular structure of a plant cell?

A plant cell has a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a large central vacuole, and is surrounded by a cell membrane.

What are the main stages of mitosis?

The main stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

What is meant by osmosis?

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.

Describe the function of enzymes in biological systems.

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process.

What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are smaller, simpler, lack a nucleus, and have no membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells are larger, more complex, have a nucleus, and contain membrane-bound organelles.

What is the role of DNA in genetic inheritance?

DNA carries genetic information that is passed from parents to offspring, determining traits and characteristics.

What factors can affect enzyme activity?

Factors affecting enzyme activity include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration.

What is homeostasis?

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

Explain the process of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

What is the function of the xylem in plants?

The xylem transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

What is the significance of the double helix structure of DNA?

The double helix structure of DNA allows for precise replication and storage of genetic information.

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

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

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into different cell types and have the potential for regeneration and repair of tissues.

What is the process of natural selection?

Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more than those less adapted.

Define the term 'biodiversity'.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including the variety of species, genetic diversity, and the variety of ecosystems.

What are the components of a balanced diet?

A balanced diet includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water in adequate amounts.

What is the role of the liver in metabolism?

The liver plays a key role in metabolism by processing nutrients from the digestive system, detoxifying harmful substances, and producing biochemicals necessary for digestion.

What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

What is a mutation?

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in an organism's traits.

Define photosynthetic organisms.

Photosynthetic organisms, such as plants and algae, convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

What is cell differentiation?

Cell differentiation is the process by which unspecialized cells develop into specialized cells with distinct functions.

What are glycogen and starch?

Glycogen is the storage form of glucose in animals, while starch is the storage form of glucose in plants.

What is a gene?

A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or trait.

What are the main parts of the brain?

The main parts of the brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.

What is the function of the mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.

What is selective breeding?

Selective breeding is the process of breeding plants or animals for specific traits.

Describe the function of the phloem in plants.

Phloem transports sugars and nutrients produced in photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant.

What is a biome?

A biome is a large area characterized by specific climatic conditions and distinct communities of plants and animals.

What is assimilation?

Assimilation is the process by which the body incorporates nutrients from food into its cells and tissues.

What is the difference between dominant and recessive alleles?

Dominant alleles express their trait even when only one copy is present, while recessive alleles require two copies to express their trait.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs.

What are the stages of the cell cycle?

The stages of the cell cycle include interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

What is the role of the nervous system?

The nervous system coordinates the body's activities by transmitting signals between different parts of the body.

Define biodiversity hotspots.

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with a high level of endemic species that are significantly threatened by human activities.

What is homology in biology?

Homology refers to similarities between species due to shared ancestry.

What is the role of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis.

What is a food web?

A food web is a complex network of interlinked food chains in an ecosystem.

What are the three main types of rock?

The three main types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?

Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services.

What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Enzyme activity typically increases with temperature until an optimal point, beyond which it declines due to denaturation.

What is the role of the pancreas?

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin that regulate blood sugar levels.

What is diffusion?

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

What is the significance of the wildlife corridors?

Wildlife corridors are areas that connect habitats, allowing animals to migrate safely and maintain genetic diversity.

Define ecosystem.


An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

What is the purpose of photosynthesis?

The purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

What are trophic levels?

Trophic levels represent the hierarchical positioning of organisms in a food chain or web, from primary producers to apex predators.

Explain the concept of carrying capacity.

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

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

What are abiotic factors?

Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical components of the environment, such as temperature, water, and minerals.

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering involves manipulating an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits.

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

A habitat is the environment in which an organism lives, while a niche is the role or function an organism has in its ecosystem.

What is homeotic mutation?

A homeotic mutation is a change in a gene that results in improper development of body structures.

Describe the characteristics of life.

Characteristics of life include growth, reproduction, cellular organization, metabolism, homeostasis, and response to stimuli.

What role do lipids play in cells?

Lipids provide energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and serve as signaling molecules.

What is the role of insulin in the body?

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

What is the effect of pollutants on biodiversity?

Pollutants can harm ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, altering habitats, and threatening species survival.

What is the function of the skeletal system?

The skeletal system provides structure, support, and protection for the body, and facilitates movement.

What is a biodiversity index?

A biodiversity index is a measure used to quantify the biodiversity of a given area.

What is transpiration in plants?

Transpiration is the process by which water evaporates from the surface of plant leaves.

What is a keystone species?

A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

What is cell respiration?

Cell respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Describe the process of glycogenesis.

Glycogenesis is the process of forming glycogen from glucose for energy storage in the liver and muscles.

What is the role of hormones in homeostasis?

Hormones regulate various physiological processes to maintain homeostasis, including growth, metabolism, and response to stress.

What is the concept of habitat fragmentation?

Habitat fragmentation occurs when large habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches, affecting wildlife and biodiversity.