Biology Cell Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the simplest collection of matter that can live?

Organ

Cell (correct)

Tissue

Organism

What does a light microscope magnify, and what are its limitations?

It magnifies effectively but has resolution issues and is limited by the shortest wavelength of light.

Define magnification in relation to microscopy.

Ratio of the object's image size to its real size.

What is resolution in microscopy?

A measure of the clarity of the image; the minimum distance two points can be separated and still be distinguished. Signup and view all the answers

What does an electron microscope focus?

A beam of electrons through the specimen or into its surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a scanning electron microscope?

Provides a 3D image. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of a transmission electron microscope?

Good for studying ultrastructure; cannot look at living things. Signup and view all the answers

What does cell fractionation do?

Takes cells apart and separates the major organelles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a centrifuge in a laboratory?

Separates cells by size and density. Signup and view all the answers

What is cytosol?

Semi-fluid within the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

List two characteristics of prokaryotic cells.

No nucleus, has nucleoid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleoid?

Region of prokaryotic cells where DNA is located. Signup and view all the answers

What are pili?

Outside the cell wall used to exchange information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a cell wall?

Provides a sturdy area where a cell can thrive. Signup and view all the answers

List three characteristics of eukaryotic cells.

True nucleus, membranous nuclear envelope, larger than prokaryotic cells. Signup and view all the answers

What does cytoplasm refer to?

The entire region between the nucleus and the plasma membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is the plasma membrane?

Functions as a selective barrier allowing passage of materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental structure of a membrane?

Generally consists of a double layer of phospholipids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the central vacuole in plant cells?

Storage unit for water. Signup and view all the answers

What are plasmodesmata?

Holes in the cell wall allowing entrance/exit from/to the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What does the nuclear envelope do?

Encloses the nucleus separating its contents from the cytoplasm. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pore complex?

A protein structure that regulates entry and exit of large macromolecules. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the nuclear lamina.

Lines nuclear side of envelope, maintaining the shape of the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What are chromosomes made of?

Chromatin. Signup and view all the answers

What is ribosome's role in the cell?

Carries out protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What are free ribosomes?

Ribosomes suspended in cytosol making proteins the cell needs. Signup and view all the answers

What are bound ribosomes?

Attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, making specific proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a peroxisome?

Uses enzymes to get rid of metabolic wastes. Signup and view all the answers

What role do mitochondria play in the cell?

Convert organic material into ATP. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of lysosomes?

Aids in waste removal system of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is apoptosis?

Programmed suicide for the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Processes and ships proteins and lipids within the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Basics

Cells are the simplest living units, enclosed by a plasma membrane and containing chromosomes.
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and consist of bacteria and archaea; they have a nucleoid region for DNA.
Eukaryotic cells possess a true nucleus with a membrane and include protists, fungi, animals, and plants.

Microscopy

Light microscopes magnify samples but have resolution limitations, suitable for studying live cells.
Electron microscopes utilize electrons for imaging, offering greater detail with two types: Scanning (3D images) and Transmission (ultrastructure, non-living specimens).

Cellular Components

Cytosol is the semi-fluid matrix within a cell's membrane.
Cytoplasm refers to the entire region between the nucleus and plasma membrane.
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, found as free-floating or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Mitochondria convert organic material into ATP, serving as the cell's power plant.

Organelles and Structures

The plasma membrane acts as a selective barrier, controlling the passage of substances.
The central vacuole in plant cells stores water, contributing to cell structure and turgor.
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes for breaking down waste and cellular debris.
Peroxisomes help detoxify harmful compounds, especially hydrogen peroxide, prevalent in liver cells.

Nuclear Structure

The nuclear envelope encloses the nucleus and features a lipid bilayer structure.
Pore complexes within the envelope regulate the movement of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
The nuclear lamina supports the nucleus's shape with a net-like array of protein filaments.

Genetic Material

Chromosomes carry genetic information and are composed of chromatin, a combination of DNA and proteins.
The nucleolus, situated within the nucleus, is essential for ribosome synthesis.

Additional Cell Features

Cell walls in plants provide structure and rigidity, composed mainly of cellulose.
Plasmodesmata are channels in plant cell walls that facilitate communication and transport of materials between cells.
Pili on prokaryotic cells enable the exchange of genetic material and information.

Membrane Structure

Membranes consist of a phospholipid bilayer with integrated proteins (cholesterol, glycoproteins, glycolipids) that contribute to cellular organization and functions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of cell biology, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microscopy techniques, and key cellular components. This quiz covers essential topics that are fundamental to understanding life at the cellular level.