BIO-102 Unlocking the Secrets of Life: A Complete
Guide to Cells, Genetics, Energy, and the Living
World
What are the main functions of the plasma membrane? - Controls entry and exit of substances,
cell communication, protection, structure.
State two differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. - Prokaryotes have no nucleus or
membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes do.
Define osmosis. - The passive movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute
concentration to higher solute concentration through a partially permeable membrane.
What is the function of DNA polymerase? - Synthesizes DNA by adding nucleotides to the 3' end
during replication.
What happens to enzymes at high temperatures? - They denature—active site changes shape, no
longer functional.
Outline the process of transcription. - RNA polymerase binds to DNA, separates strands, builds
mRNA using complementary base pairing.
What is a genotype? - The genetic makeup of an organism.
What is the phenotype? - The physical expression of a genotype.
What does it mean if a trait is dominant? - Only one allele is needed for the trait to be
expressed.
Where does glycolysis occur? - In the cytoplasm.
What are the products of aerobic respiration? - CO₂, water, and ATP (around 36-38 molecules per
glucose).
Write the word equation for photosynthesis - Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (in
presence of light)
Define an ecosystem. - A community of organisms and their physical environment interacting as
a system.
What is a trophic level? - The position of an organism in a food chain.
Guide to Cells, Genetics, Energy, and the Living
World
What are the main functions of the plasma membrane? - Controls entry and exit of substances,
cell communication, protection, structure.
State two differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. - Prokaryotes have no nucleus or
membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes do.
Define osmosis. - The passive movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute
concentration to higher solute concentration through a partially permeable membrane.
What is the function of DNA polymerase? - Synthesizes DNA by adding nucleotides to the 3' end
during replication.
What happens to enzymes at high temperatures? - They denature—active site changes shape, no
longer functional.
Outline the process of transcription. - RNA polymerase binds to DNA, separates strands, builds
mRNA using complementary base pairing.
What is a genotype? - The genetic makeup of an organism.
What is the phenotype? - The physical expression of a genotype.
What does it mean if a trait is dominant? - Only one allele is needed for the trait to be
expressed.
Where does glycolysis occur? - In the cytoplasm.
What are the products of aerobic respiration? - CO₂, water, and ATP (around 36-38 molecules per
glucose).
Write the word equation for photosynthesis - Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (in
presence of light)
Define an ecosystem. - A community of organisms and their physical environment interacting as
a system.
What is a trophic level? - The position of an organism in a food chain.
