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Questions and Answers
What is the study of cellular structure and function?
What is the study of cellular structure and function?
Cytology
What are the major tools of cytologists?
What are the major tools of cytologists?
- Light microscopy
- Electron microscopy
- Cell chemistry
- All of the above (correct)
The cell is the structural, functional, and biological unit for all living organisms.
The cell is the structural, functional, and biological unit for all living organisms.
True (A)
What is the smallest unit capable of performing all life functioning and replicating independently?
What is the smallest unit capable of performing all life functioning and replicating independently?
All known living things are made up of one or more cells.
All known living things are made up of one or more cells.
All living cells arise from pre-existing cells by division.
All living cells arise from pre-existing cells by division.
The activity of an organism depends on the total activity of independent cells.
The activity of an organism depends on the total activity of independent cells.
Energy flow occurs within cells.
Energy flow occurs within cells.
Cells contain DNA which is found specifically in the chromosome and RNA found in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm.
Cells contain DNA which is found specifically in the chromosome and RNA found in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm.
All cells are basically the same in chemical composition in organisms of similar species.
All cells are basically the same in chemical composition in organisms of similar species.
Which of these are unicellular organisms?
Which of these are unicellular organisms?
Which of these are multicellular organisms?
Which of these are multicellular organisms?
Which of these are true of prokaryotic cells?
Which of these are true of prokaryotic cells?
Which of these are true of eukaryotic cells?
Which of these are true of eukaryotic cells?
What are the two major categories of prokaryotes?
What are the two major categories of prokaryotes?
What is the size of prokaryotic cells typically?
What is the size of prokaryotic cells typically?
What is the size of eukaryotic cells typically?
What is the size of eukaryotic cells typically?
What is the function of the cell wall in bacterial prokaryotes?
What is the function of the cell wall in bacterial prokaryotes?
The cell wall in eukaryotic plant cells is chemically simple.
The cell wall in eukaryotic plant cells is chemically simple.
The plasma membrane of prokaryotic cells generally lacks sterols.
The plasma membrane of prokaryotic cells generally lacks sterols.
Eukaryotic plasma membranes contain sterols and carbohydrates that serve as receptors.
Eukaryotic plasma membranes contain sterols and carbohydrates that serve as receptors.
Prokaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton.
Prokaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton.
Eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton.
Eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton.
Bacterial ribosomes are larger than ribosomes in eukaryotic cells.
Bacterial ribosomes are larger than ribosomes in eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic chromosomes consist of a single, circular chromosome, while eukaryotic chromosomes are multiple, linear, and contain histones.
Prokaryotic chromosomes consist of a single, circular chromosome, while eukaryotic chromosomes are multiple, linear, and contain histones.
Prokaryotic cells reproduce asexually by a process called binary fission, while eukaryotic cells reproduce asexually by mitosis or sexually by meiosis.
Prokaryotic cells reproduce asexually by a process called binary fission, while eukaryotic cells reproduce asexually by mitosis or sexually by meiosis.
All cells share in having a plasma membrane, cytosol, genetic material (chromosome & DNA), and ribosomes.
All cells share in having a plasma membrane, cytosol, genetic material (chromosome & DNA), and ribosomes.
What are the two major classes of organelles in eukaryotic cells?
What are the two major classes of organelles in eukaryotic cells?
The endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells consists of the nuclear envelope, membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and vesicles.
The endomembrane system in eukaryotic cells consists of the nuclear envelope, membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and vesicles.
What are the energy-related organelles in eukaryotic cells?
What are the energy-related organelles in eukaryotic cells?
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to be basically independent and self-sufficient organelles
Mitochondria and chloroplasts are considered to be basically independent and self-sufficient organelles
What is the name of the structure that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?
What is the name of the structure that separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?
Chromatin is made up of DNA, and proteins.
Chromatin is made up of DNA, and proteins.
What is the function of the nucleolus?
What is the function of the nucleolus?
What is the organelle responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?
What is the organelle responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?
Ribosomes are composed of rRNA and proteins.
Ribosomes are composed of rRNA and proteins.
Ribosomes are located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free in the cytoplasm either singly or in groups called polyribosomes.
Ribosomes are located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free in the cytoplasm either singly or in groups called polyribosomes.
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?
Rough ER is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes and modifies proteins, while also adding sugar to proteins to form glycoproteins.
Rough ER is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes and modifies proteins, while also adding sugar to proteins to form glycoproteins.
Smooth ER does not bind with ribosomes, but it does synthesize lipids, acts as a site for various synthetic processes, detoxification, and storage, and forms transport vesicles.
Smooth ER does not bind with ribosomes, but it does synthesize lipids, acts as a site for various synthetic processes, detoxification, and storage, and forms transport vesicles.
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
What is the function of lysosomes?
What is the function of lysosomes?
What is the function of mitochondria?
What is the function of mitochondria?
What are the main types of plastids?
What are the main types of plastids?
Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
Chromoplasts are responsible for pigment synthesis and storage.
Chromoplasts are responsible for pigment synthesis and storage.
Leucoplasts are responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids.
Leucoplasts are responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids.
Amyloplasts are responsible for storage of starch and sugars.
Amyloplasts are responsible for storage of starch and sugars.
Elaioplasts are responsible for storage of lipids and oils.
Elaioplasts are responsible for storage of lipids and oils.
Proteinoplasts are responsible for sites of enzyme (protein) activity.
Proteinoplasts are responsible for sites of enzyme (protein) activity.
Which of the following should be used to see the cell structure of the Elodea plant?
Which of the following should be used to see the cell structure of the Elodea plant?
Which of the following should be used to see the amyloplasts in a potato?
Which of the following should be used to see the amyloplasts in a potato?
Which of the following should be used to investigate the lactobacillus bacteria in yogurt?
Which of the following should be used to investigate the lactobacillus bacteria in yogurt?
Which of the following should be used to see the cell structure of onion epidermal cells?
Which of the following should be used to see the cell structure of onion epidermal cells?
Which of the following should be used to investigate cheek epithelium?
Which of the following should be used to investigate cheek epithelium?
What is cytology?
What is cytology?
What are the major tools used by cytologists?
What are the major tools used by cytologists?
What is the fundamental unit of life?
What is the fundamental unit of life?
All living cells arise from pre-existing cells by division.
All living cells arise from pre-existing cells by division.
Match the following cell categories with their corresponding examples:
Match the following cell categories with their corresponding examples:
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
What are the building blocks of bacterial flagella?
What are the building blocks of bacterial flagella?
What is the name of the complex carbohydrate present in the cell wall of bacteria?
What is the name of the complex carbohydrate present in the cell wall of bacteria?
What is the name of the process by which prokaryotic cells divide?
What is the name of the process by which prokaryotic cells divide?
What are the two main types of eukaryotic cells?
What are the two main types of eukaryotic cells?
Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose while animal cells do not.
Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose while animal cells do not.
Animal cells typically have a large central vacuole, whereas plant cells have smaller vacuoles.
Animal cells typically have a large central vacuole, whereas plant cells have smaller vacuoles.
Which of the following organelles is responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?
Which of the following organelles is responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?
What are the two main types of endoplasmic reticulum?
What are the two main types of endoplasmic reticulum?
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
What is the function of lysosomes?
What is the function of lysosomes?
Which of the following organelles is responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production?
Which of the following organelles is responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production?
Chloroplasts are present in both animal and plant cells.
Chloroplasts are present in both animal and plant cells.
What is the primary function of the central vacuole in plant cells?
What is the primary function of the central vacuole in plant cells?
Which of the following is used to stain onion epidermal cells for viewing under a microscope?
Which of the following is used to stain onion epidermal cells for viewing under a microscope?
What is the study of cellular structure and function called?
What is the study of cellular structure and function called?
What are the major tools used by cytologists?
What are the major tools used by cytologists?
The cell is the fundamental unit of life because it is the smallest unit capable of performing all life functions and replicates independently.
The cell is the fundamental unit of life because it is the smallest unit capable of performing all life functions and replicates independently.
What are the basic principles of the modern cell theory? (Select all that apply)
What are the basic principles of the modern cell theory? (Select all that apply)
What are the two domains of unicellular organisms that are prokaryotes?
What are the two domains of unicellular organisms that are prokaryotes?
What are the four types of multicellular organisms?
What are the four types of multicellular organisms?
Match the following characteristics with their correct descriptions:
Match the following characteristics with their correct descriptions:
What are the four main components that all cells share?
What are the four main components that all cells share?
What is the largest prokaryote, formerly called blue-green algae?
What is the largest prokaryote, formerly called blue-green algae?
Bacteria are smaller than cyanobacteria and don’t have chlorophyll.
Bacteria are smaller than cyanobacteria and don’t have chlorophyll.
Which of the following are examples of bacteria shapes?
Which of the following are examples of bacteria shapes?
What are the three main components of the bacteria*s cell envelope?
What are the three main components of the bacteria*s cell envelope?
What are the three main groups of Protists?
What are the three main groups of Protists?
Amoeba have pseudopodia for movement and surround food, and they have contractile vacuoles to get rid of waste.
Amoeba have pseudopodia for movement and surround food, and they have contractile vacuoles to get rid of waste.
What are the four main groups of the domain Eukarya?
What are the four main groups of the domain Eukarya?
What part of the cell acts as the command center?
What part of the cell acts as the command center?
The nuclear envelope comprises a double layer of membrane containing nuclear pores that permit the exchange between nucleoplasm and cytoplasm.
The nuclear envelope comprises a double layer of membrane containing nuclear pores that permit the exchange between nucleoplasm and cytoplasm.
What is the function of the nucleolus?
What is the function of the nucleolus?
Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?
Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?
What are the two locations of ribosomes?
What are the two locations of ribosomes?
The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranes that extends through the cell and is continuous with the nuclear envelope.
The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranes that extends through the cell and is continuous with the nuclear envelope.
What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?
What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes and modifies proteins, and it adds sugar to proteins to form glycoproteins.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes and modifies proteins, and it adds sugar to proteins to form glycoproteins.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is not bound with ribosomes and synthesizes lipids, and it’s the site of various synthetic processes, detoxification, and storage, and it forms transport vesicles.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is not bound with ribosomes and synthesizes lipids, and it’s the site of various synthetic processes, detoxification, and storage, and it forms transport vesicles.
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
What are lysosomes?
What are lysosomes?
Lysosomes contain powerful digestive enzymes that are highly acidic. They are involved in the digestion of large molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids to help recycle cellular resources. They also play a role in programmed cell death or apoptosis.
Lysosomes contain powerful digestive enzymes that are highly acidic. They are involved in the digestion of large molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids to help recycle cellular resources. They also play a role in programmed cell death or apoptosis.
What is the function of mitochondria?
What is the function of mitochondria?
What are the different types of Plastids?
What are the different types of Plastids?
Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis and lipid synthesis.
Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis and lipid synthesis.
Amyloplasts are responsible for the storage of starch and sugars.
Amyloplasts are responsible for the storage of starch and sugars.
What are the five steps involved in preparing a wet mount slide of onion epidermal cells?
What are the five steps involved in preparing a wet mount slide of onion epidermal cells?
What are the three steps involved in preparing a wet mount slide of Geranium leaf (epidermal cells)?
What are the three steps involved in preparing a wet mount slide of Geranium leaf (epidermal cells)?
What are the four steps involved in preparing a wet mount slide of cheek epithelium?
What are the four steps involved in preparing a wet mount slide of cheek epithelium?
Organelles that communicate with each other via membrane channels or via small vesicles are part of the endomembrane system.
Organelles that communicate with each other via membrane channels or via small vesicles are part of the endomembrane system.
The endomembrane system consists of the nuclear envelope, membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and vesicles.
The endomembrane system consists of the nuclear envelope, membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and vesicles.
Energy related organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, are basically independent and self-sufficient.
Energy related organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, are basically independent and self-sufficient.
Study Notes
Cell Structure and Function
- Cytology is the study of cellular structure and function.
- Cytologists use light microscopy and electron microscopy.
- A cell is the fundamental unit of life, the structural, functional, and biological unit for all living organisms.
- Key characteristics of the cell as the fundamental unit of life:
- Smallest unit
- Capable of performing all life functions
- Replicates independently
Modern Cell Theory
- All known living things are made up of one or more cells.
- All living cells arise from pre-existing cells by division.
- The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms.
- The activity of an organism depends on the total activity of independent cells.
- Energy flow (metabolism and biochemistry) occurs within cells.
- Cells contain DNA found in the chromosome and RNA in the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- All cells are basically the same in chemical composition in organisms of similar species.
Cell Categories
- Cells are categorized as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
- Prokaryotes:
- Unicellular organisms
- Two domains:
- Bacteria
- Archaea (live in extreme habitats)
- Eukaryotes:
- Unicellular organisms (e.g., Protozoa)
- Multicellular organisms (e.g., Animals, Plants, Fungi, and Algae)
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells (Comparison)
| Characteristic | Prokaryotes | Eukaryotes |
|---|---|---|
| Size of cell | Small (typically 0.1-5.0 µm in diameter) | Large (typically 10-100 µm in diameter) |
| Nucleus | No nuclear membrane; nucleoid region | True nucleus with nuclear membrane and nucleoli |
| Membrane-enclosed organelles | Absent | Present (e.g., lysosomes, Golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, chloroplasts) |
| Flagella | Consist of two protein building blocks | Complex; consist of multiple microtubules |
| Cell wall | Usually present; chemically complex (typical bacterial cell wall includes peptidoglycan) | When present, chemically simple |
| Plasma membrane | No carbohydrates; generally lacks sterols | Sterols and carbohydrates that serve as receptors |
| Cytoplasm | No cytoskeleton or cytoplasmic streaming | Cytoskeleton; cytoplasmic streaming |
| Ribosomes | Smaller size (70S) | Larger size (80S); smaller size (70S) in organelles |
| Chromosome arrangement | Single circular chromosome; lacks histones | Multiple linear chromosomes with histones |
| Cell division | Binary fission | Mitosis or Meiosis |
| Reproduction | Asexual; or transfer of DNA fragments only (conjugation) | Asexual or Sexual |
| Level of organization | Unicellular | Unicellular or Multicellular |
Fundamental Structure of All Cells
- All cells share the following fundamental structures:
- Plasma membrane
- Cytosol
- Genetic material (Chromosome & DNA)
- Ribosomes
Example of Prokaryotes
-
Cyanobacteria:
- The largest prokaryotes (formerly called blue-green algae)
- Contain chlorophyll a and accessory pigments for photosynthesis (e.g., Oscillatoria, Gloeocapsa)
-
Bacteria:
- Smaller than cyanobacteria.
- Lack chlorophyll.
- Examples found in yogurt (e.g., Lactobacillus)
Bacteria Shapes
- Coccus (spherical)
- Bacillus (rod-shaped)
- Spirillum (spiral)
- Spirochete (spiral, flexible)
Structure of Bacteria
- Cell Envelope includes:
- Plasma membrane (lipid bilayer with embedded and peripheral proteins)
- Cell wall (maintains cell shape, strengthened by peptidoglycan)
- Glycocalyx (layer of polysaccharides on the outside, resistant to removal, sometimes called a capsule)
Eukaryotic Cells
- Domain Eukarya includes:
- Protists (examples: Amoeba, Paramecium, Spirogyra) are single-celled, and have specific structures and mechanisms for movement and waste removal (pseudopodia, cilia, contractile vacuole).
- Fungi
- Plants
- Animals
Animal Cell Anatomy
- Nucleus: command center of cell
- Cytoplasm: semifluid matrix outside nucleus
- Cytoskeleton: maintains cell shape and assists movement of cell parts
- Centrioles: short cylinders of microtubules of unknown function
- Centrosome: microtubule organizing center containing a pair of centrioles
- Vesicles: small membrane-bounded sacs
- Plasma membrane: regulates entrance and exit of molecules.
- Mitochondria: organelle for cellular respiration.
- Endoplasmic reticulum: protein and lipid metabolism (both rough and smooth).
Plant Cell Anatomy
- Nucleus: command center of the cell
- Central vacuole: large, fluid-filled sac.
- Cell wall: outer surface of the cell.
- Chloroplasts: photosynthesis (site of chlorophyll)
- Mitochondria: cellular respiration.
- Endoplasmic reticulum: protein and lipid metabolism (both rough and smooth).
Difference between Animal and Plant Cells
- Plant cells have a cell wall and a large central vacuole; animal cells do not.
- Plant cells have chloroplasts; animal cells do not.
- Plant cells typically have one large vacuole; animal cells have multiple smaller vacuoles.
Organelle Eukaryotic Cells - Two Classes
- Endomembrane system -Organelles that communicate with one another via membrane channels -Consists of: - Nuclear envelope - Membranes of endoplasmic reticulum - Golgi apparatus - Vesicles
- Energy-related organelles:
- Mitochondria
- Chloroplasts
- Basically independent and self-sufficient.
Nucleus
- Separated from cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope (double membrane)
- Nuclear pores permit exchange between nucleoplasm and cytoplasm
- Contains chromatin (DNA and proteins) which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division
- Nucleolus (composed of rRNA) produces ribosome subunits.
Ribosomes
- The organelle responsible for protein synthesis in the cell
- Composed of rRNA
- Ribosomes are located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free in the cytoplasm
Endoplasmic Reticulum
- A network of membranes inside a cell for transport of proteins and other molecules.
- Rough ER: studded with ribosomes, synthesizes proteins and modifies them to form glycoproteins.
- Smooth ER: not bound with ribosomes, synthesizes lipids, detoxification, and storage.
Golgi Apparatus
- A cell organelle that helps to process and package proteins and lipid molecules.
- Primarily involved in processing proteins destined for export from the cell.
Lysosomes
- Membrane-enclosed organelles produced by the Golgi apparatus.
- Contain powerful digestive enzymes.
- Involved in digestion of large molecules and recycling of cellular resources.
- A key part of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Mitochondria
- Contains their own DNA and ribosomes.
- Produce most of ATP utilized by the cell via cellular respiration.
Plastids
- Chloroplasts: site of photosynthesis
- Amyloplasts: store starch and sugars
- Proteinoplasts: sites of enzyme protein activity.
Practical Part (Methods for viewing cells):
- Use of stains like iodine or Janus Green B with sucrose to view specific organelles in cells.
- Various methods for preparing different cell types like Elodea, potato, yogurt, cheek epithelium, and onion cells (for observation under a microscope).
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