P1 biology topic 1

• What are eukaryotic cells?

  Eukaryotic cells are cells that contain a nucleus and other organelles.
• What structures are common in both animal and plant cells?

  Cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
• What additional structures do plant cells have that animal cells do not?

  Permanent vacuole, chloroplasts, and cell wall.
• What does protein synthesis mean?


  Protein synthesis refers to the process of making proteins.
• What are bacterial cells also known as?

  Prokaryotic cells.
• What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells do not contain nuclei, mitochondria, or ribosomes, and are smaller than eukaryotic cells.
• What is found in place of the nucleus in prokaryotic cells?

  A single DNA loop and free-flowing plasmids.
• What are the two types of microscopes discussed?

  • Light microscope
  • Cheaper and easier to use
  • Uses light to view specimens
  • Electron microscope
  • Higher magnification and resolution
  • Requires dead specimens
• How does the magnification and resolution of a light microscope compare to an electron microscope?

  Electron microscopes have better magnification and resolution than light microscopes.
• What is the function of a light microscope?

  A light microscope uses light to allow you to see cells or tissues.
• What is the function of an electron microscope?

  An electron microscope fires electrons at dead specimens to produce images.
• What is the equation linking magnification, image size, and actual size?

  Magnification = image size / actual size.
• What does cell specialization mean?

  Cell specialization is the process by which cells differentiate to become specialized for a certain function.
• What are examples of specialized cells?

  • Nerve cells
  • Fat cells
  • Muscle cells
  • Brain cells
  • Root hair cells
  • Red blood cells
  • Sperm cells
• What are the two types of stem cells mentioned?

  Embryonic stem cells (totipotent) and adult stem cells (multi-potent).
• What does totipotent mean?

  Totipotent means a stem cell can become any type of cell.
• What does multi-potent mean?

  Multi-potent means a stem cell has the potential to become most types of cells.
• How are stem cells used in medicine?

  Stem cells can be used to cure diseases by generating new cells, such as nerve cells for paralyzed patients.
• What are the phases of mitosis?

  1. DNA duplicates and grows

  2. Chromosomes line up in the center

  3. Fibers pull chromosomes apart

  4. Nuclei reform

  5. Cell membrane splits, creating two daughter cells
• What are the three types of cell transport?

  Diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
• What is diffusion?

  Diffusion is the passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
• What is osmosis?

  Osmosis is the movement of water particles through a partially permeable membrane.
• What is active transport?

  Active transport is the net movement of particles from a low concentration to a high concentration, requiring energy.
• How does active transport occur in plant roots?


  Root hair cells use active transport to absorb nutrients and water from the soil against the concentration gradient.
• What are examples of diffusion and osmosis in the body?

  • Gas exchange in the lungs (diffusion)
  • Water absorption in the large intestine (osmosis)
• What factors affect cell transport?

  1. Surface area

  2. Temperature

  3. Short diffusion pathway

  4. Good blood supply

  5. Constant concentration gradient

  6. Steepness of concentration gradient
• Why is a good blood supply important for cell transport?

  A good blood supply ensures that there is always somewhere for the diffused substances to go, maintaining concentration gradients.
• How does wind affect concentration gradients in leaves?

  Wind helps to pull away oxygen particles, maintaining a constant concentration gradient.
• How does the steepness of the concentration gradient affect diffusion?

  A steeper concentration gradient allows for faster diffusion from high to low concentration.