Cells are the smallest living units that make up all organisms and are considered the building blocks of life. Tissues and organs, while important, are composed of cells.

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell because they produce ATP, the energy currency. Other organelles have different primary functions such as storage or synthesis.

Photosynthesis allows plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is stored as glucose. The other processes play different roles in cellular metabolism or water regulation.

DNA is the molecule that holds the genetic blueprint for living organisms. Although proteins perform many functions, they do not serve as the primary storage medium for genetic information.

Ribosomes are the sites where proteins are synthesized by translating messenger RNA. Other functions such as lipid production and energy generation occur in different cellular structures.

DNA replication takes place during the S phase of the cell cycle. G1 and G2 are periods of cell growth and preparation, while M phase is focused on cell division.

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, crucial for growth and repair, whereas meiosis generates gametes that are genetically diverse due to recombination and reduction division. This diversity is essential for sexual reproduction.

A phenotype encompasses the observable traits and characteristics of an organism, such as structure, color, and behavior, which result from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. The genotype is the underlying genetic code.

A mutation is a permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of DNA which can lead to variations in the organism or even genetic disorders. The other processes refer to steps in gene expression or DNA duplication.

Proteins serve as enzymes to catalyze reactions and also provide structural support to cells. While carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids have key roles, proteins are central for these functions.

Translation is the process by which mRNA is decoded by ribosomes to synthesize a polypeptide chain, leading to protein formation. Transcription, on the other hand, is the synthesis of mRNA from DNA.

The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the synthesis of proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER). It does not directly partake in DNA replication or energy production, which occur in other cellular locations.

Biodiversity refers to the wide range of different life forms within an ecosystem, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity. It is a broad concept that goes beyond simply counting species.

Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the environment. This process is essential for nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem balance.

Stomata are small openings on the surfaces of leaves that allow for the exchange of gases, such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. While other parts of the plant have critical roles, they do not facilitate gas exchange in this manner.

Genetic variation is generated by mutations, recombination during meiosis, and the movement of genes between populations (gene flow). These mechanisms introduce new traits and are critical for evolution.

Natural selection is the mechanism by which advantageous traits become more common within a population, as individuals with these traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. Although genetic drift can affect populations, natural selection is the primary driver of evolutionary adaptation.

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for biochemical reactions, allowing them to proceed faster while not changing the overall equilibrium. They function as catalysts and are not consumed during the reaction.

Traits are inherited as parents pass on DNA contained in gametes to their offspring. This genetic transmission is the basis for inheritance, while other processes such as mitochondrial fusion or respiration have distinct roles.

Feedback mechanisms, particularly negative feedback loops, detect deviations from a set point and trigger corrective actions to restore balance. This process is essential for maintaining an organism's internal environment despite changes externally.