Life and Physical Sciences Review

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts in Life and Physical Sciences related to cell structure, function, organization, and biological processes.

What is the most elementary unit of life?

The cell.

What do organelles house within cells?

Smaller structures that perform specific functions.

What are the two principal types of cells?

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

What do prokaryotic cells lack?

A nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

It regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell and helps maintain homeostasis.

What is the main function of ribosomes?

Protein synthesis.

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER and smooth ER.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

It modifies, packages, and sorts proteins for secretion or use within the cell.

What is the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria.

What is the main role of chloroplasts?

Photosynthesis in plant cells.

What are lysosomes?

Organelles that digest cellular debris and break down biomolecules.

What do vacuoles primarily do in plant cells?

Store nutrients and waste products.

What process occurs during prophase one of meiosis?

Crossing over of homologous chromosomes.

What differentiates mitosis from meiosis?

Mitosis creates two identical diploid cells, while meiosis results in four genetically distinct haploid gametes.

What is heredity?

The transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

What is the basic monomer of DNA?

Nucleotide.

What pairs with adenine in DNA?

Thymine.

What feature distinguishes RNA from DNA?

RNA contains uracil instead of thymine.

What are the main types of RNA involved in protein synthesis?

mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

What role does tRNA play in protein synthesis?

It transfers amino acids to the ribosome based on codons in mRNA.

What do we call the observable characteristics of an organism?

Phenotype.

What is a Punnett square used for?

To predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms.

What type of diseases can be spread through droplet transmission?

Infectious diseases like influenza.

What type of organism causes malaria?

Protozoa.

What structure do bacteria typically lack?

A membrane-bound nucleus.

What is the function of viruses?

To invade host cells and replicate.

What are the two types of microscopes?

Light microscopes and electron microscopes.

What type of lipid is primarily used for long-term energy storage?

Triglycerides.

What is the role of regulatory genes?

They produce proteins or RNAs that control the expression of other genes.

Which macromolecule forms cell membranes?

Lipids, specifically phospholipids.

What are the main roles of proteins?

Structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.