The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, thereby maintaining homeostasis. Its selective permeability is crucial for proper cell function.

Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration, providing energy for cellular processes. They are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.

Photosynthesis is the process that converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of most life on Earth.

DNA contains the instructions needed for the development and functioning of living organisms. Its unique structure makes it ideal for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Cells are the smallest units that carry out all the functions necessary for life. They serve as the structural and functional building blocks of all organisms.

The defining difference is that eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus where genetic material is stored, while prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus. This distinction is key to understanding cellular complexity.

Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment that absorbs light, driving the process of photosynthesis. Other pigments support by capturing different wavelengths, but chlorophyll a is fundamental.

The Krebs cycle occurs within the mitochondrial matrix, where enzymes facilitate the oxidation of acetyl-CoA. This process is a critical step in cellular respiration.

Meiosis is the cell division process that generates four daughter cells with genetic variations, which is essential for sexual reproduction. In contrast, mitosis produces genetically identical cells.

Ribosomes are crucial for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA sequences into amino acid chains. Their role is fundamental in building the structural and functional proteins of the cell.

The Golgi apparatus is part of the endomembrane system, involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles. Its function is integral to maintaining cellular organization.

DNA replication occurs during the S phase, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genome. This phase is critical for the accuracy of cell division.

Osmosis is the passive movement of water driven by solute concentration differences across a semi-permeable membrane. This process is fundamental in maintaining cellular fluid balance.

A monohybrid cross with heterozygous parents typically results in a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive phenotypes. This outcome follows Mendelian inheritance patterns.

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit - in this case, bees obtain nectar while plants get pollinated. This relationship is vital for the reproduction of many flowering plants.

Enzymes function by stabilizing the transition state, thereby lowering the activation energy required for a reaction. This acceleration occurs without altering the overall equilibrium of the reaction.

DNA polymerase possesses a proofreading ability that corrects errors during replication. This mechanism is essential for maintaining the accuracy of genetic information through successive cell divisions.

The double helix structure of DNA, alongside complementary base pairing, means each strand serves as a template for synthesizing a new strand. This mechanism is key to ensuring accurate replication.

Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This nutrient cycling is critical for soil fertility and the sustainability of the food web.

Evolution by natural selection explains how organisms evolve over time due to environmental pressures and genetic mutations. This process accounts for both similarities and differences among species based on shared ancestry.