Fundamental Biological Processes and Cell Structure

Fundamental Biological Processes

What is Germination?

Germination is the process of seeds developing into new plants.

What is Growth?

An increase in the size of an organism or part of an organism, usually as a result of an increase in the number of cells.

What is Respiration?

The transfer of oxygen from the outside environment to cells within tissues, as well as the removal of carbon dioxide in the opposite way.

What is Photosynthesis?

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen.

What is Interdependence?

Organisms depend on each other for survival. This is called interdependence. Both living and non-living factors will affect the abundance and distribution of organisms in a habitat.

Cellular Energy Production

Aerobic Respiration

Aerobic respiration is the most efficient and common process used by organisms to produce energy. It involves several stages:

• Glycolysis: This is the first step of aerobic respiration and occurs in the cytoplasm. Glucose is broken down into molecules of pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.
• Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle): Pyruvate molecules produced in glycolysis are transported into the mitochondria.

Anaerobic Respiration

Anaerobic respiration occurs when there is no oxygen available for the cell to carry out aerobic respiration.

Alcoholic Respiration

This is commonly observed in yeast and some bacteria. It converts glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide:

Glucose $\rightarrow$ Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide

Cell Structure and Organization

What is a Single Cell?

A single cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life in all living organisms.

Unicellular Organisms

Unicellular organisms consist of a single cell (e.g., bacteria, amoeba, yeast).

Multicellular Organisms

A multicellular organism is one that consists of two or more cells (e.g., plants, animals, and fungi).

Chemical Reactions

What is a Chemical Reaction?

A chemical reaction is a process that occurs when two or more molecules interact to form a new product.

Examples of Chemical Reactions

Examples include:

• Burning fuels
• Smelting iron
• Making glass and pottery
• Brewing beer
• Making wine and cheese