What is the powerhouse of the cell?
Answer
The mitochondria. It produces ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for all cellular processes.
Describe the process of DNA replication.
Answer
DNA replication is a semi-conservative process where the double helix unwinds, each strand acts as a template, and DNA polymerase synthesizes new complementary strands using free nucleotides.
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Answer
Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells for growth/repair. Meiosis produces 4 genetically unique haploid cells for sexual reproduction.
What is Mendel's Law of Segregation?
Answer
During gamete formation, allele pairs segregate so that each gamete receives only one allele from each pair. This ensures genetic variation in offspring.
What is the role of RNA polymerase?
Answer
RNA polymerase transcribes DNA into RNA by reading the template strand 3' to 5' and synthesizing RNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
Define osmosis.
Answer
Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration.