UPCAT Biology — Basic Life Functions & The CellSlides
Visual slide deck for Basic Life Functions & The Cell. Perfect for reviewers who prefer seeing concepts laid out with diagrams and bullet points rather than long paragraphs. Built specifically for UPCAT Biology aspirants preparing for the 2026 cycle.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests Biology under a "Core" label, with Basic Life Functions & The Cell in the 1st slot across 7 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 Biology questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Basic Life Functions & The Cell - Slides
This chapter explores the fundamental characteristics that distinguish living organisms from non-living matter through the seven basic life processes (MRS GREN), and examines the cell as the basic unit of life. We will study cell theory, types of cells, cellular structures, and essential life processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration that sustain all living organisms.
Slides
Basic Life Functions & The Cell
This chapter introduces the essential characteristics that make something alive and explores how cells, the smallest units of life, perform these vital functions.
Notes
Introduction slide providing chapter overview and learning objectives
Topic
Chapter Introduction
Slide Id
S1
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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1
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Basic Life Functions & The Cell)) Life Functions MRS GREN Movement Respiration Sensitivity Growth Reproduction Excretion Nutrition The Cell Cell Theory Cell Types Prokaryotic Eukaryotic Cell Processes Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Overview of chapter topics showing the relationship between basic life functions and cellular biology
MRS GREN: The Seven Basic Life Processes
These seven processes are essential for life and help distinguish living organisms from non-living matter. Every living organism must demonstrate all seven processes.
Notes
MRS GREN is a helpful acronym for remembering the seven basic life processes
Topic
Basic Life Functions
Slide Id
S2
Visual Type
mermaid
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2
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Living Organism] --> B[Movement] A --> C[Respiration] A --> D[Sensitivity] A --> E[Growth] A --> F[Reproduction] A --> G[Excretion] A --> H[Nutrition] B --> I[fa:fa-check Life] C --> I D --> I E --> I F --> I G --> I H --> I
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Flowchart showing how all seven life processes must be present for something to be considered alive
Movement in Living Organisms
Movement is not just about walking or swimming. Even plants and single-celled organisms show movement through internal processes and responses to stimuli.
Notes
Movement occurs at all levels of biological organization, from molecules to whole organisms
Topic
Movement
Slide Id
S3
Visual Type
mermaid
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3
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Movement in Living Things] --> B[Cellular Level] A --> C[Tissue Level] A --> D[Organ Level] A --> E[Organism Level] B --> F[Molecular transport] B --> G[Organelle movement] C --> H[Blood flow] C --> I[Muscle contraction] D --> J[Heart pumping] D --> K[Lung breathing] E --> L[Locomotion] E --> M[Response to stimuli]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Hierarchical view of movement from molecular to organism level
Respiration and Energy Release
Respiration is the process that powers all cellular activities by converting glucose and other nutrients into usable energy forms.
Notes
Cellular respiration is essential for producing ATP, which powers all cellular activities
Topic
Respiration
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S4
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mermaid
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4
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Glucose + Oxygen] --> B[fa:fa-cogs Cellular Respiration] B --> C[ATP Energy] B --> D[Carbon Dioxide] B --> E[Water] C --> F[fa:fa-bolt Cell Activities] F --> G[Movement] F --> H[Growth] F --> I[Repair]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Process of cellular respiration showing inputs, process, and outputs
The Cell Theory
Cell theory is one of the fundamental principles of biology, established through the work of several scientists over time. It explains the basic properties of all living organisms.
Notes
Cell theory was developed over time by multiple scientists, each contributing important discoveries
Topic
Cell Theory
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S5
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mermaid
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5
Mermaid Diagram
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timeline title Development of Cell Theory 1665 : Robert Hooke : Discovered cells in cork 1838 : Matthias Schleiden : Plant cells study 1839 : Theodor Schwann : Animal cells study 1855 : Rudolf Virchow : Cells from pre-existing cells
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Timeline showing the historical development of cell theory by different scientists
Types of Cells: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic
The presence or absence of a membrane-bound nucleus is the key difference between these two cell types, representing a major evolutionary distinction.
Notes
The evolution from prokaryotic to eukaryotic cells was a major step in the development of complex life
Topic
Cell Types
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
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6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Cell Types] --> B[Prokaryotic] A --> C[Eukaryotic] B --> D[No nucleus] B --> E[No organelles] B --> F[Bacteria] B --> G[Archaea] C --> H[Membrane-bound nucleus] C --> I[Organelles present] C --> J[Plants] C --> K[Animals] C --> L[Fungi] C --> M[Protists]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Classification of cell types showing the major differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Key Differences: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
These differences reflect billions of years of evolution and determine how each cell type functions and reproduces.
Notes
Understanding these differences helps explain the evolutionary relationship between different forms of life
Topic
Cell Comparison
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
none
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7
Mermaid Diagram
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none
Plant Cell Structure and Functions
Plant cells have unique features that allow them to produce their own food through photosynthesis and maintain rigid structure.
Notes
Plant cells have specialized structures that allow them to be autotrophic (self-feeding)
Topic
Plant Cell Structure
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
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8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Plant Cell] --> B[Cell Wall] A --> C[fa:fa-leaf Chloroplasts] A --> D[Central Vacuole] A --> E[Nucleus] A --> F[Mitochondria] A --> G[ER and Golgi] B --> H[Structure and Protection] C --> I[Photosynthesis] D --> J[Storage and Support] E --> K[fa:fa-cogs Control Center] F --> L[Energy Production] G --> M[Processing and Transport]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Plant cell organelles and their primary functions
Animal Cell Structure and Functions
Animal cells are specialized for movement and complex multicellular organization, lacking the rigid structures of plant cells.
Notes
Animal cells are more flexible and specialized for different functions in multicellular organisms
Topic
Animal Cell Structure
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Animal Cell] --> B[Cell Membrane] A --> C[Nucleus] A --> D[fa:fa-bolt Mitochondria] A --> E[Ribosomes] A --> F[Lysosomes] A --> G[Centrioles] B --> H[Selective Barrier] C --> I[fa:fa-cogs Control Center] D --> J[ATP Production] E --> K[Protein Synthesis] F --> L[Digestion and Cleanup] G --> M[Cell Division Support]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Animal cell organelles and their primary functions
Plant vs Animal Cells: Key Differences
These differences reflect the different lifestyles: plants are stationary autotrophs while animals are mobile heterotrophs.
Notes
These differences allow plants and animals to thrive in their respective ecological niches
Topic
Cell Comparison
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Cell Comparison] --> B[Plant Cell] A --> C[Animal Cell] B --> D[Cell Wall Present] B --> E[fa:fa-leaf Chloroplasts Present] B --> F[Large Central Vacuole] B --> G[No Centrioles] C --> H[No Cell Wall] C --> I[No Chloroplasts] C --> J[Small Vacuoles] C --> K[Centrioles Present]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Comparison showing key structural differences between plant and animal cells
Introduction to Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process that captures solar energy and converts it into chemical energy, forming the base of most food chains on Earth.
Notes
Photosynthesis is arguably the most important biological process on Earth, supporting most life forms
Topic
Photosynthesis Overview
Slide Id
S11
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mermaid
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11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[fa:fa-sun Light Energy] --> B[fa:fa-leaf Chloroplast] C[Carbon Dioxide] --> B D[Water] --> B B --> E[Glucose] B --> F[Oxygen] E --> G[fa:fa-apple Food for organism] F --> H[fa:fa-wind Released to atmosphere]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Overview of photosynthesis showing inputs, process location, and outputs
Light-Dependent Reactions of Photosynthesis
Light-dependent reactions capture light energy and convert it to chemical energy forms that can be used in the Calvin cycle to make glucose.
Notes
Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes and produce the energy carriers needed for the Calvin cycle
Topic
Light-Dependent Reactions
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant L as Light participant PS2 as Photosystem II participant ETC as Electron Transport participant PS1 as Photosystem I participant ATP as ATP Synthase L->>PS2: Energy absorption PS2->>ETC: Electrons released PS2->>PS2: Water split, O2 released ETC->>PS1: Electrons transferred ETC->>ATP: Protons pumped L->>PS1: Energy absorption PS1->>PS1: NADPH produced ATP->>ATP: ATP synthesized
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence of events in light-dependent reactions showing energy and electron flow
Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions)
The Calvin cycle uses the ATP and NADPH from light reactions to convert atmospheric CO₂ into organic molecules that form glucose.
Notes
The Calvin cycle runs continuously during daylight, using the products of light reactions to make glucose
Topic
Calvin Cycle
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> CarbonFixation CarbonFixation --> Reduction: ATP and NADPH used Reduction --> Regeneration: G3P produced Regeneration --> CarbonFixation: RuBP regenerated Reduction --> [*]: G3P exits for glucose
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
Calvin cycle showing the three phases and how they cycle to continuously produce glucose
Cellular Respiration Overview
Cellular respiration is how cells extract energy from glucose, providing the ATP needed for all cellular activities.
Notes
Cellular respiration is the reverse of photosynthesis and provides energy for all cellular activities
Topic
Cellular Respiration Overview
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Glucose + Oxygen] --> B[fa:fa-cogs Cellular Respiration] B --> C[Glycolysis] B --> D[Pyruvate Oxidation] B --> E[Krebs Cycle] B --> F[Electron Transport] C --> G[2 ATP] D --> G E --> H[2 ATP + NADH + FADH2] F --> I[34 ATP] G --> J[fa:fa-bolt Total: 38 ATP] H --> J I --> J
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Overview of cellular respiration stages and ATP production
Glycolysis: The First Stage
Glycolysis is the first step in cellular respiration and can occur without oxygen, making it important for both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Notes
Glycolysis is ancient and occurs in almost all living organisms, reflecting its fundamental importance
Topic
Glycolysis
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
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15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[Glucose] --> B[fa:fa-cogs Glycolysis] C[2 ATP invested] --> B B --> D[2 Pyruvate] B --> E[4 ATP produced] B --> F[2 NADH] B --> G[2 H2O] E --> H[Net: 2 ATP gained]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Glycolysis process showing glucose breakdown and energy production
Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle)
The Krebs cycle completes the breakdown of glucose derivatives, producing electron carriers that will be used in the electron transport chain.
Notes
The Krebs cycle is also called the citric acid cycle because citrate is the first product formed
Topic
Krebs Cycle
Slide Id
S16
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
16
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> AcetylCoA AcetylCoA --> Citrate: Combines with Oxaloacetate Citrate --> Isocitrate: Rearrangement Isocitrate --> AlphaKetoglutarate: CO2 released, NADH made AlphaKetoglutarate --> SuccinylCoA: CO2 released, NADH made SuccinylCoA --> Succinate: ATP made Succinate --> Fumarate: FADH2 made Fumarate --> Malate: H2O added Malate --> Oxaloacetate: NADH made Oxaloacetate --> Citrate: Ready for next cycle
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
Krebs cycle showing the circular nature and products at each step
Electron Transport Chain and ATP Production
The electron transport chain is where most ATP is produced in cellular respiration, using the energy from electron transfers to create a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.
Notes
The electron transport chain is the most efficient ATP-producing stage of cellular respiration
Topic
Electron Transport Chain
Slide Id
S17
Visual Type
mermaid
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Slide Number
17
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant N as NADH/FADH2 participant C1 as Complex I participant C3 as Complex III participant C4 as Complex IV participant O as Oxygen participant A as ATP Synthase N->>C1: Electrons donated C1->>C3: Electrons transferred C1->>A: Protons pumped C3->>C4: Electrons transferred C3->>A: Protons pumped C4->>O: Electrons to oxygen C4->>A: Protons pumped O->>O: Water formed A->>A: ATP synthesized
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence of electron transport and proton pumping leading to ATP synthesis
Anaerobic Respiration and Fermentation
Fermentation allows cells to continue producing ATP when oxygen is unavailable, though much less efficiently than aerobic respiration.
Notes
Fermentation is crucial for many industrial processes and allows life to survive in oxygen-poor environments
Topic
Anaerobic Respiration
Slide Id
S18
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
18
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Glucose] --> B[Glycolysis] B --> C[Pyruvate] C --> D[Lactic Acid Fermentation] C --> E[Alcoholic Fermentation] D --> F[Lactate] E --> G[Ethanol + CO2] B --> H[2 ATP only] F --> I[Muscle fatigue] G --> J[Bread, beer, wine]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Anaerobic pathways showing fermentation alternatives when oxygen is absent
Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis
Cell division allows organisms to grow, repair damaged tissues, and reproduce, with different types of division serving different purposes.
Notes
Understanding cell division is crucial for comprehending growth, development, and inheritance
Topic
Cell Division
Slide Id
S19
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
19
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Cell Division] --> B[Mitosis] A --> C[Meiosis] B --> D[2 identical diploid cells] B --> E[Growth and repair] C --> F[4 different haploid cells] C --> G[Sexual reproduction] D --> H[Same chromosome number] F --> I[Half chromosome number]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Comparison of mitosis and meiosis showing different outcomes and purposes
Chapter Summary: Life Functions and Cellular Processes
This chapter established the foundation of biological understanding by exploring what makes something alive and how cells carry out life processes.
Notes
This chapter forms the foundation for understanding more complex biological processes and systems
Topic
Chapter Summary
Slide Id
S20
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mermaid
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Slide Number
20
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Life Functions & Cell Biology)) MRS GREN Movement Respiration Sensitivity Growth Reproduction Excretion Nutrition Cell Theory All life made of cells Cells are basic units Cells from preexisting cells Cell Types Prokaryotic Bacteria Archaea Eukaryotic Plants Animals Energy Processes Photosynthesis Light reactions Calvin cycle Cellular Respiration Glycolysis Krebs cycle Electron transport
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Comprehensive mind map summarizing all major concepts from the chapter
References
- BRAINBOX UPCAT AND OTHER COLLAGE ENTRANCE — Biology.pdf
- CET 2026 COMPREHENSIVE LECTURE NOTES — Science.pdf
- THE UPCAT CHAMPION CET — Science.pdf
- Campbell, N. A., & Reece, J. B. (2017). Campbell Biology. Pearson.
- Miller, K. R., & Levine, J. S. (2019). Biology. Pearson Prentice Hall.
In summary
Understanding basic life functions and cellular biology provides the foundation for all biological study. The seven life processes (MRS GREN) help us identify what makes something alive, while cell theory explains how life is organized at the most fundamental level. The differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells reflect billions of years of evolution, with each type adapted to different environmental challenges. Energy processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration demonstrate how life captures, converts, and uses energy to maintain organization and carry out essential functions. These concepts are essential for understanding more complex biological systems and processes that will be studied in advanced biology courses.
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