Advanced Biology Study Notes
Chapter 1: Cell Biology
Structure and Function of Cells
● Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
➔ Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller, simpler structure (e.g., bacteria).
➔ Eukaryotic: Contains a nucleus and organelles, larger and more complex
(e.g., plants, animals).
● Organelles and their Functions
➔ Nucleus: Contains DNA; controls cell activities.
➔ Mitochondria: The powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP production through
cellular respiration.
➔ Ribosomes: Protein synthesis; can be free-floating or bound to the
endoplasmic reticulum.
➔ Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.
Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids; detoxifies certain
chemicals.
➔ Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for
secretion or use within the cell.
➔ Lysosomes: Contains enzymes for digestion; breaks down waste.
➔ Cell Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier; composed of a phospholipid
bilayer with embedded proteins.
● Cell Cycle and Division
➔ Interphase: Includes G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2
(preparation for mitosis).
➔ Mitosis: Four phases (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase);
results in two identical daughter cells.
➔ Meiosis: Reduction division; produces gametes (sperm and eggs) with
half the chromosome number.
Chapter 2: Genetics
● Mendelian Genetics
➔ Alleles: Different versions of a gene.
➔ Genotype vs. Phenotype: Genotype: genetic makeup; Phenotype:
observable traits.
➔ Homozygous vs. Heterozygous: Homozygous: two identical alleles;
Heterozygous: two different alleles.
● Punnett Squares- Tool for predicting the genotype and phenotype ratios in offspring
based on parental genotypes.
Chapter 1: Cell Biology
Structure and Function of Cells
● Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
➔ Prokaryotic: No nucleus, smaller, simpler structure (e.g., bacteria).
➔ Eukaryotic: Contains a nucleus and organelles, larger and more complex
(e.g., plants, animals).
● Organelles and their Functions
➔ Nucleus: Contains DNA; controls cell activities.
➔ Mitochondria: The powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP production through
cellular respiration.
➔ Ribosomes: Protein synthesis; can be free-floating or bound to the
endoplasmic reticulum.
➔ Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins.
Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids; detoxifies certain
chemicals.
➔ Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for
secretion or use within the cell.
➔ Lysosomes: Contains enzymes for digestion; breaks down waste.
➔ Cell Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier; composed of a phospholipid
bilayer with embedded proteins.
● Cell Cycle and Division
➔ Interphase: Includes G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2
(preparation for mitosis).
➔ Mitosis: Four phases (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase);
results in two identical daughter cells.
➔ Meiosis: Reduction division; produces gametes (sperm and eggs) with
half the chromosome number.
Chapter 2: Genetics
● Mendelian Genetics
➔ Alleles: Different versions of a gene.
➔ Genotype vs. Phenotype: Genotype: genetic makeup; Phenotype:
observable traits.
➔ Homozygous vs. Heterozygous: Homozygous: two identical alleles;
Heterozygous: two different alleles.
● Punnett Squares- Tool for predicting the genotype and phenotype ratios in offspring
based on parental genotypes.
