Biology 101: Cell Biology & Genetics -
Exam Prep Notes
Key Concepts
• Cell Theory – All living things are composed of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells
come from pre-existing cells.
• DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid carries genetic information in the form of a double helix.
• Mitosis – Cell division process that results in two identical daughter cells.
• Meiosis – Cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes.
• Photosynthesis – Process by which plants use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon
dioxide and water.
Genetics
1. Mendel’s Laws – Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment.
2. Dominant vs. Recessive traits – Dominant alleles mask recessive alleles.
3. Punnett Squares – Tool to predict the probability of genetic outcomes.
4. DNA Replication – The process of copying DNA before cell division.
Practice Questions
1. What is the main function of mitochondria?
a) Protein synthesis
b) Energy production
c) DNA replication
d) Photosynthesis
Answer: b) Energy production
2. Which scientist is considered the father of genetics?
a) Darwin
b) Watson
c) Mendel
d) Franklin
Answer: c) Mendel
Exam Prep Notes
Key Concepts
• Cell Theory – All living things are composed of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells
come from pre-existing cells.
• DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid carries genetic information in the form of a double helix.
• Mitosis – Cell division process that results in two identical daughter cells.
• Meiosis – Cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes.
• Photosynthesis – Process by which plants use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon
dioxide and water.
Genetics
1. Mendel’s Laws – Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment.
2. Dominant vs. Recessive traits – Dominant alleles mask recessive alleles.
3. Punnett Squares – Tool to predict the probability of genetic outcomes.
4. DNA Replication – The process of copying DNA before cell division.
Practice Questions
1. What is the main function of mitochondria?
a) Protein synthesis
b) Energy production
c) DNA replication
d) Photosynthesis
Answer: b) Energy production
2. Which scientist is considered the father of genetics?
a) Darwin
b) Watson
c) Mendel
d) Franklin
Answer: c) Mendel
