Introductory Biology Study Guide
The Cell – Structure & Function
• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
o Prokaryotes: No nucleus, no
membrane-bound organelles (e.g.
bacteria)
o Eukaryotes: Have a nucleus and
organelles (e.g. plant and animal
cells)
• Cell Organelles
o Nucleus: Contains DNA, controls cell
activities
o Mitochondria: Powerhouse, site of
cellular respiration
o Ribosomes: Protein synthesis
o Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
▪ Rough ER: Has ribosomes,
processes proteins
▪ Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids
o Golgi Apparatus: Modifies and
packages proteins
o Lysosomes: Break down waste
o Chloroplasts: (plants only)
Photosynthesis
o Cell Wall: (plants only) Structural
support
o Cell Membrane: Regulates what
enters/leaves the cell
2. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
• Photosynthesis Equation
6CO2+6H2O+light
energy→C6H12O6+6O26CO_2 + 6H_2O +
\text{light energy} → C_6H_{12}O_6 +
6O_26CO2 +6H2 O+light energy→C6 H12 O6
+6O2
• Cellular Respiration Equation
C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+ATPC_6H_{1
2}O_6 + 6O_2 → 6CO_2 + 6H_2O +
\text{ATP}C6 H12 O6 +6O2 →6CO2 +6H2
O+ATP
• ATP: Main energy currency of the cell
3. DNA and Genetics
• DNA Structure: Double helix made of
nucleotides (A, T, C, G)
• Replication: DNA makes an identical
copy before cell division
• Transcription & Translation:
o Transcription: DNA → RNA
o Translation: RNA → Protein
• Mendelian Genetics
o Dominant/Recessive traits
o Punnett Squares for predicting
offspring traits
o Genotype: Genetic makeup (e.g. Aa)
o Phenotype: Physical traits (e.g. blue
eyes)
4. Evolution and Natural Selection
• Proposed by Charles Darwin
• Natural selection: Organisms with
favorable traits survive & reproduce
• Mutation: Source of genetic variation
• Adaptation: Trait that increases survival
5. Ecology Basics
• Levels of Organization:
Organism → Population → Community →
Ecosystem → Biosphere
• Food Chain vs Food Web
o Producers (plants) → Consumers →
Decomposers
o Energy pyramid: 10% of energy
passed to next level
6. Human Body Systems (Overview)
• Circulatory: Transports nutrients, gases,
waste
• Respiratory: Gas exchange (lungs)
• Digestive: Breaks down food for energy
• Nervous: Controls body via signals
(brain, nerves)
• Musculoskeletal: Movement and
support
• Immune: Defends against disease