STARR Biology (All reporting categories) (pt.1)

Front

What is the cell theory?

Back

The cell theory states that: 1) All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. 2) The cell is the basic unit of life. 3) All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Front

Define homeostasis.

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

What is the function of the mitochondria?

Back

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell; they produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration, providing energy for cellular activities.

Front

Explain the role of enzymes in biological reactions.

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

Define biodiversity.

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystem diversity.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary changes.

Front

What are the main components of DNA?

Back

The main components of DNA are nucleotides, which consist of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

Front

Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Back

Prokaryotic cells are unicellular organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria), while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals).

Front

What is the function of ribosomes?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.