Biology Q&A (AI generated)

What are the primary functions of different cell organelles?

Organelles each have distinct roles, such as energy production in mitochondria, genetic information storage in the nucleus, and waste digestion in lysosomes.

Which elements make up proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids?

Proteins contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur; carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; lipids contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; and nucleic acids contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

How is the cell membrane structured, and what role do proteins play in it?

The cell membrane consists of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that aid in transport, signaling, and structural support.

How does passive transport differ from active transport in cells?

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances along the concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against the gradient.

What are examples of simple and facilitated diffusion, and how do they work?

Simple diffusion moves small molecules across the membrane without assistance, while facilitated diffusion uses protein channels to transport larger or charged molecules.

How do hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic solutions affect cell size and function?

Hypotonic solutions can cause cells to swell, hypertonic solutions cause cells to shrink, and isotonic solutions maintain cell size by balancing solute levels inside and outside the cell.

What are the key differences between exocytosis, endocytosis, pinocytosis, and phagocytosis?

Exocytosis expels materials from the cell, endocytosis brings materials into the cell, pinocytosis involves engulfing liquids, and phagocytosis involves engulfing solids.

Why is homeostasis crucial for living organisms?

Homeostasis maintains stable internal conditions, allowing organisms to survive in varying external conditions.

What are three specific ways the human body maintains stable internal conditions?

Examples include body temperature regulation, blood glucose level maintenance, and water balance.

How do animals and plants adapt to keep balance in changing environments?

Organisms adjust through mechanisms like sweating in heat, shivering in cold, or storing water during droughts.

In what ways does the cell membrane help maintain cellular homeostasis?

The cell membrane uses selective permeability and transport mechanisms to balance materials entering and exiting the cell, maintaining internal stability.

Why is the surface area-to-volume ratio important for cells, and how is it calculated?

A higher surface area-to-volume ratio allows for efficient nutrient absorption and waste removal, essential for cell survival. It’s calculated as the surface area divided by the volume.