Biology Unit Test Review Notes

Overview of Cell Biology

• Study materials include all lessons and worksheets on Brightspace.

Cell Structure

• Plant Cell Parts: Review unique structures in plant cells such as cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuole.
• Animal Cell Parts: Understand structures in animal cells like lysosomes and smaller vacuoles.

Key Cell Functions

Cell Theory

• All known living things are composed of cells.
• The cell is the basic unit of life.
• All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Cell Cycle

• Phases:
  • Interphase: Cell growth and DNA replication.
  • Prophase: Chromatin condenses into chromosomes.
  • Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator.
  • Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart.
  • Telophase: New nuclear membranes form around separated chromosomes.
  • Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two daughter cells.

Cell Division

• Why cells divide: Growth, repair, and reproduction.
• Checkpoints: Ensure the cell is ready to proceed with division.
  • G1 Checkpoint: Checks for cell size and DNA damage.
  • G2 Checkpoint: Ensures DNA replication has completed successfully.
  • M Checkpoint: Ensures all chromosomes are attached to the spindle before division.

Differences in Cytokinesis

• Animal Cells: Pinch inwards (cleavage furrow).
• Plant Cells: Formation of a cell plate due to the presence of a rigid cell wall.

Genetics

• Relationships: DNA is packaged into chromosomes, which contain genes, the instructions for making proteins.
• Nitrogen Bases: Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).

Mutations

• Causes of mutations: External factors (e.g., radiation, chemicals) or errors during DNA replication.

Tumors

• Definition: Abnormal growth of tissue, can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• Normal Cells vs. Cancer Cells:
  • Normal cells: Regulated growth, adhere to each other.
  • Cancer cells: Uncontrolled division, can invade nearby tissues.

Cancer

• Definition: Uncontrolled cell growth that can spread to other parts of the body.
• Diagnostic Tools: Biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI), blood tests.
• Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

Plant Structures

• Functions:
  • Cuticle: Prevents water loss.
  • Epidermis: Protective layer for plant surfaces.
  • Mesophyll Tissue: Site of photosynthesis.

Meristematic Tissue

• Location: Found at the tips of roots and shoots.
• Differentiation: Can become various types of plant tissues.

Plant Organs and Functions

• Roots: Anchor the plant and absorb water/nutrients.
• Stems: Support and transport nutrients and water.
• Leaves: Main site of photosynthesis.
• Flowers: Reproductive organs of the plant.

Stomata

• Function: Facilitate gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out) and transpiration.
• Guard Cells: Regulate the opening and closing of stomata.

Photosynthesis

• Definition: Process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into glucose and O2.
• Location: Occurs in chloroplasts.
• Balanced Chemical Equation:
  ext{6CO}2 + ext{6H}2 ext{O} + ext{light energy}
  ightarrow ext{C}6 ext{H}{12} ext{O}6 + ext{6O}2

Water Transport in Trees

• Processes: Capillary action, root pressure, transpiration pull.

Sugar Pathway through Phloem

• Knowledge of seasonal variations affecting sugar movement in plants (Spring: growth phase, Fall: storage phase).

Levels of Organization

• Complexity: Organ systems → Organs → Tissues → Cells.

Stem Cells

• Definition: Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to specialized cell types.

Medical Technology

• Explore various imaging and diagnostic techniques, their advantages and limitations.

Animal Tissues

• Four Major Types:
  • Epithelial Tissue: Covers body surfaces, e.g., skin.
  • Connective Tissue: Supports and binds other tissues, e.g., bone, blood.
  • Muscle Tissue: Enables movement, e.g., skeletal, cardiac.
  • Nervous Tissue: Transmits impulses, e.g., neurons.

Human Circulatory System

• Blood Components:
  • Red Blood Cells: Transport oxygen.
  • White Blood Cells: Immune response.
  • Platelets: Blood clotting.
  • Plasma: Transports nutrients and waste.

Heart Anatomy

• Understand deoxygenated and oxygenated blood flow through heart compartments.

Blood Flow Tracing

• Trace path of blood starting from the right atrium and circulate through the body back to the heart, labeling structures along the way.

Connective Functions of Systems

• Digestive and Circulatory Systems: Cooperate by distributing nutrients throughout the body after digestion.
• Respiratory and Circulatory Systems: Work together to deliver oxygen to cells and remove carbon dioxide.