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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a light microscope?
What is the primary function of a light microscope?
To magnify images by passing visible light through a specimen and glass lenses.
How does the resolution of an electron microscope compare to that of a light microscope?
How does the resolution of an electron microscope compare to that of a light microscope?
Electron microscopes have significantly higher resolution due to shorter wavelengths of electrons compared to visible light.
What is the purpose of using heavy metal atoms in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)?
What is the purpose of using heavy metal atoms in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)?
They enhance the density of electrons in certain parts of the cell, improving contrast and detail in imaging.
What is one major disadvantage of using electron microscopes?
What is one major disadvantage of using electron microscopes?
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Describe the functionality of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Describe the functionality of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
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What technique avoids the use of preservatives and allows for viewing specimens in their natural state?
What technique avoids the use of preservatives and allows for viewing specimens in their natural state?
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What is the definition of magnification in microscopy?
What is the definition of magnification in microscopy?
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What is cell fractionation?
What is cell fractionation?
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Why do cells tend to be narrow and elongated rather than cube-shaped?
Why do cells tend to be narrow and elongated rather than cube-shaped?
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Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells regarding DNA organization.
Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells regarding DNA organization.
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What role do microvilli serve in cells?
What role do microvilli serve in cells?
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Why is the size of a cell significant for metabolism?
Why is the size of a cell significant for metabolism?
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What is the function of organelle membranes within eukaryotic cells?
What is the function of organelle membranes within eukaryotic cells?
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How do enzymes embedded in cell membranes assist cellular functions?
How do enzymes embedded in cell membranes assist cellular functions?
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Discuss the significance of the plasma membrane in a cell.
Discuss the significance of the plasma membrane in a cell.
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Why are larger organisms composed of more cells rather than larger cells?
Why are larger organisms composed of more cells rather than larger cells?
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What is the relationship between cell size and surface area to volume ratio?
What is the relationship between cell size and surface area to volume ratio?
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Define mycoplasma in the context of cell size.
Define mycoplasma in the context of cell size.
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What is the primary role of ribosomes in the cell?
What is the primary role of ribosomes in the cell?
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Differentiate between free and bound ribosomes.
Differentiate between free and bound ribosomes.
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What is the endomembrane system, and what is its function?
What is the endomembrane system, and what is its function?
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Describe the difference between smooth ER and rough ER.
Describe the difference between smooth ER and rough ER.
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How does the smooth ER contribute to muscle cell contraction?
How does the smooth ER contribute to muscle cell contraction?
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What role do enzymes in the smooth ER play regarding drug metabolism?
What role do enzymes in the smooth ER play regarding drug metabolism?
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Explain the process of glycoprotein synthesis in the ER.
Explain the process of glycoprotein synthesis in the ER.
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What happens to a polypeptide once it is synthesized by the rough ER?
What happens to a polypeptide once it is synthesized by the rough ER?
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How does the structure of ribosomes aid in their function?
How does the structure of ribosomes aid in their function?
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Identify one key function of vesicles in the endomembrane system.
Identify one key function of vesicles in the endomembrane system.
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Why do cells tend to have a higher surface area to volume ratio as they decrease in size?
Why do cells tend to have a higher surface area to volume ratio as they decrease in size?
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What structural features of microvilli contribute to a cell's surface area?
What structural features of microvilli contribute to a cell's surface area?
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How does the nuclear envelope contribute to cellular organization?
How does the nuclear envelope contribute to cellular organization?
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What role does the pore complex play within the nuclear envelope?
What role does the pore complex play within the nuclear envelope?
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Describe the function of histones in the context of DNA organization.
Describe the function of histones in the context of DNA organization.
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What is the role of chromatin when a cell is not dividing?
What is the role of chromatin when a cell is not dividing?
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Explain how the nucleolus is involved in ribosome production.
Explain how the nucleolus is involved in ribosome production.
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What distinguishes free ribosomes from bound ribosomes?
What distinguishes free ribosomes from bound ribosomes?
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How does the nuclear matrix contribute to nuclear function?
How does the nuclear matrix contribute to nuclear function?
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Why do eukaryotic cells contain internal membranes?
Why do eukaryotic cells contain internal membranes?
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In what ways does the structure of biological membranes support their function?
In what ways does the structure of biological membranes support their function?
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What is the significance of the nuclear lamina in cell structure?
What is the significance of the nuclear lamina in cell structure?
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How do larger organisms manage their cellular needs?
How do larger organisms manage their cellular needs?
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What happens to chromosomes as a cell prepares for division?
What happens to chromosomes as a cell prepares for division?
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What is the process of separating cellular components using centrifuges called?
What is the process of separating cellular components using centrifuges called?
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What is one main advantage of electron microscopy over light microscopy?
What is one main advantage of electron microscopy over light microscopy?
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Describe the primary function of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Describe the primary function of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
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What role do vacuoles play in the function of plant cells?
What role do vacuoles play in the function of plant cells?
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What limits the size of a cell with regards to metabolism?
What limits the size of a cell with regards to metabolism?
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How does the contractile vacuole function in protists?
How does the contractile vacuole function in protists?
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What are the main features all cells share?
What are the main features all cells share?
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What distinguishes Rough ER from Smooth ER?
What distinguishes Rough ER from Smooth ER?
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How does the magnification of an object relate to its real size?
How does the magnification of an object relate to its real size?
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What is the primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of DNA location?
What is the primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of DNA location?
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Explain the purpose of lysosomal digestion in relation to food vacuoles.
Explain the purpose of lysosomal digestion in relation to food vacuoles.
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What is the function of glycoproteins produced in the Rough ER?
What is the function of glycoproteins produced in the Rough ER?
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Why do electron microscopes often require specimens to be prepared post-mortem?
Why do electron microscopes often require specimens to be prepared post-mortem?
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How do vacuoles contribute to plant protection?
How do vacuoles contribute to plant protection?
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What are cryo-electron microscopes (Cryo-EM) used for?
What are cryo-electron microscopes (Cryo-EM) used for?
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What is the role of the central vacuole in mature plant cells?
What is the role of the central vacuole in mature plant cells?
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What role does the plasma membrane play in a cell?
What role does the plasma membrane play in a cell?
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How does the surface area of a cell relate to its volume as it increases in size?
How does the surface area of a cell relate to its volume as it increases in size?
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Describe how the endomembrane system is interconnected.
Describe how the endomembrane system is interconnected.
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What is the role of ribosomes within cells?
What is the role of ribosomes within cells?
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What metabolic processes are associated with Smooth ER?
What metabolic processes are associated with Smooth ER?
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How does the smooth ER contribute to drug detoxification?
How does the smooth ER contribute to drug detoxification?
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What comprises the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?
What comprises the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?
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Identify the smallest known bacteria and their size range.
Identify the smallest known bacteria and their size range.
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What is the significance of a cell's ability to modify membrane composition?
What is the significance of a cell's ability to modify membrane composition?
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What is the significance of contrast in microscopy?
What is the significance of contrast in microscopy?
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In what way do vacuoles assist in attracting pollinators?
In what way do vacuoles assist in attracting pollinators?
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Explain the effect of barbiturates on smooth ER proliferation.
Explain the effect of barbiturates on smooth ER proliferation.
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Define the role of the ER lumen.
Define the role of the ER lumen.
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What role do transport vesicles play after proteins leave the ER?
What role do transport vesicles play after proteins leave the ER?
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How does the rough ER contribute to the formation of membrane proteins?
How does the rough ER contribute to the formation of membrane proteins?
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What is the purpose of the Golgi Apparatus in a cell?
What is the purpose of the Golgi Apparatus in a cell?
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Describe the structural directionality of the Golgi apparatus.
Describe the structural directionality of the Golgi apparatus.
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What modifications can occur to glycoproteins in the Golgi apparatus?
What modifications can occur to glycoproteins in the Golgi apparatus?
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Explain how lysosomes prevent self-digestion.
Explain how lysosomes prevent self-digestion.
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What process do lysosomes use to digest macromolecules?
What process do lysosomes use to digest macromolecules?
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What is autophagy, and why is it important?
What is autophagy, and why is it important?
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How do inherited lysosomal storage diseases affect cell functionality?
How do inherited lysosomal storage diseases affect cell functionality?
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What is the significance of molecular identification tags in the Golgi apparatus?
What is the significance of molecular identification tags in the Golgi apparatus?
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What occurs during phagocytosis in macrophages?
What occurs during phagocytosis in macrophages?
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How does the Golgi apparatus modify polysaccharides?
How does the Golgi apparatus modify polysaccharides?
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What process occurs when a transport vesicle exits the trans face of the Golgi?
What process occurs when a transport vesicle exits the trans face of the Golgi?
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What is the role of the transitional ER in the transport of secretory proteins?
What is the role of the transitional ER in the transport of secretory proteins?
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How does the Golgi apparatus differ structurally from the endoplasmic reticulum?
How does the Golgi apparatus differ structurally from the endoplasmic reticulum?
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Explain the cisternal maturation model in relation to the Golgi apparatus.
Explain the cisternal maturation model in relation to the Golgi apparatus.
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What mechanisms prevent lysosomes from self-digesting?
What mechanisms prevent lysosomes from self-digesting?
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Define phagocytosis and its significance in the immune system.
Define phagocytosis and its significance in the immune system.
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What is the primary function of lysosomes in eukaryotic cells?
What is the primary function of lysosomes in eukaryotic cells?
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Describe the process by which transport vesicles merge with the Golgi membrane.
Describe the process by which transport vesicles merge with the Golgi membrane.
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What changes occur to glycoproteins as they move through the Golgi apparatus?
What changes occur to glycoproteins as they move through the Golgi apparatus?
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How does autophagy contribute to cellular homeostasis?
How does autophagy contribute to cellular homeostasis?
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What is the main difference between the plus end and the minus end of microtubules?
What is the main difference between the plus end and the minus end of microtubules?
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What role do molecular identification tags play in the Golgi apparatus?
What role do molecular identification tags play in the Golgi apparatus?
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Describe the structure and function of centrioles within the centrosome.
Describe the structure and function of centrioles within the centrosome.
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What is the importance of lysosomal enzymes functioning best in acidic environments?
What is the importance of lysosomal enzymes functioning best in acidic environments?
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How do dyneins contribute to the movement of cilia and flagella?
How do dyneins contribute to the movement of cilia and flagella?
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What pattern of microtubule arrangement is found in most eukaryotic flagella and motile cilia?
What pattern of microtubule arrangement is found in most eukaryotic flagella and motile cilia?
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Explain how inherited lysosomal storage diseases affect cellular function.
Explain how inherited lysosomal storage diseases affect cellular function.
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Describe the composition and function of vacuoles in cells.
Describe the composition and function of vacuoles in cells.
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Explain the primary role of microfilaments in muscle contraction.
Explain the primary role of microfilaments in muscle contraction.
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How do intermediate filaments differ from microfilaments in terms of stability?
How do intermediate filaments differ from microfilaments in terms of stability?
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What role does the basal body play in the structure of cilia and flagella?
What role does the basal body play in the structure of cilia and flagella?
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Describe the composition and function of plant cell walls.
Describe the composition and function of plant cell walls.
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What is the significance of the primary cell wall in young plant cells?
What is the significance of the primary cell wall in young plant cells?
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What is cytoplasmic streaming, and why is it important in plant cells?
What is cytoplasmic streaming, and why is it important in plant cells?
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How do cilia function as sensory receptors in cells?
How do cilia function as sensory receptors in cells?
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Explain the role of the middle lamella in plant cells.
Explain the role of the middle lamella in plant cells.
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What is the relationship between microtubules and organelle movement?
What is the relationship between microtubules and organelle movement?
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What is the main function of the contractile vacuole in unicellular protists?
What is the main function of the contractile vacuole in unicellular protists?
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How do vacuoles in plants contribute to protection against herbivores?
How do vacuoles in plants contribute to protection against herbivores?
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Describe the relationship between mitochondria and cellular respiration.
Describe the relationship between mitochondria and cellular respiration.
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What is the significance of the Endosymbiont Theory?
What is the significance of the Endosymbiont Theory?
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What structural feature of mitochondria increases their productivity in ATP production?
What structural feature of mitochondria increases their productivity in ATP production?
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What role do thylakoids play in chloroplasts?
What role do thylakoids play in chloroplasts?
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How do peroxisomes contribute to cellular detoxification?
How do peroxisomes contribute to cellular detoxification?
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What is the function of the central vacuole in mature plant cells?
What is the function of the central vacuole in mature plant cells?
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What are chromoplasts and their role in plants?
What are chromoplasts and their role in plants?
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Explain the difference between amyloplasts and chromoplasts.
Explain the difference between amyloplasts and chromoplasts.
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What two compartments are formed by the inner membrane of mitochondria?
What two compartments are formed by the inner membrane of mitochondria?
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Why are chloroplasts considered mobile within plant cells?
Why are chloroplasts considered mobile within plant cells?
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What enzymes are found in the mitochondrial matrix, and what is their purpose?
What enzymes are found in the mitochondrial matrix, and what is their purpose?
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What role do centrosomes play in eukaryotic cells?
What role do centrosomes play in eukaryotic cells?
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How are cilia and flagella structurally similar?
How are cilia and flagella structurally similar?
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What is the function of dyneins in cilia and flagella?
What is the function of dyneins in cilia and flagella?
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Describe the difference between nonmotile and motile cilia.
Describe the difference between nonmotile and motile cilia.
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What is the 9+0 pattern associated with?
What is the 9+0 pattern associated with?
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What is the primary role of microfilaments in cells?
What is the primary role of microfilaments in cells?
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Explain how the cortex contributes to cell shape.
Explain how the cortex contributes to cell shape.
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How do intermediate filaments differ from microfilaments?
How do intermediate filaments differ from microfilaments?
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What is cytoplasmic streaming and its significance in plant cells?
What is cytoplasmic streaming and its significance in plant cells?
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What structural arrangement characterizes the basal body?
What structural arrangement characterizes the basal body?
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How do vesicles utilize the cytoskeleton for movement?
How do vesicles utilize the cytoskeleton for movement?
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What provides the tension-bearing support in the cytoskeleton?
What provides the tension-bearing support in the cytoskeleton?
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How do microtubules contribute to the cell's structure?
How do microtubules contribute to the cell's structure?
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Explain the role of the cytoskeleton in cells that lack cell walls.
Explain the role of the cytoskeleton in cells that lack cell walls.
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What role do integrins play in the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
What role do integrins play in the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM)?
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Explain how plasmodesmata function in plant cells.
Explain how plasmodesmata function in plant cells.
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Describe the structure and function of tight junctions in animal cells.
Describe the structure and function of tight junctions in animal cells.
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What are the main components and purpose of desmosomes?
What are the main components and purpose of desmosomes?
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How does the extracellular matrix (ECM) influence gene activity in cells?
How does the extracellular matrix (ECM) influence gene activity in cells?
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What is a gap junction and what is its significance in cell communication?
What is a gap junction and what is its significance in cell communication?
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Why might large proteoglycan complexes be crucial for the ECM?
Why might large proteoglycan complexes be crucial for the ECM?
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What is the significance of the cytoplasmic side of integrins in cellular communication?
What is the significance of the cytoplasmic side of integrins in cellular communication?
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What are the two primary functions of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?
What are the two primary functions of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?
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How does the Endosymbiont Theory explain the presence of mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells?
How does the Endosymbiont Theory explain the presence of mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells?
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What structural feature differentiates mitochondria and chloroplasts from many other organelles?
What structural feature differentiates mitochondria and chloroplasts from many other organelles?
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What is the significance of cristae in the mitochondria?
What is the significance of cristae in the mitochondria?
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What are thylakoids, and what role do they play in chloroplasts?
What are thylakoids, and what role do they play in chloroplasts?
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Explain the function of peroxisomes in plant and animal cells.
Explain the function of peroxisomes in plant and animal cells.
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What is the primary purpose of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?
What is the primary purpose of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?
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What are the three main types of fibers in the cytoskeleton?
What are the three main types of fibers in the cytoskeleton?
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How do microtubules contribute to cell division?
How do microtubules contribute to cell division?
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What compartments are created by the chloroplast membrane, and why is this organization important?
What compartments are created by the chloroplast membrane, and why is this organization important?
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What is the role of amyloplasts and chromoplasts in plant cells?
What is the role of amyloplasts and chromoplasts in plant cells?
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How do the shapes of mitochondria and chloroplasts differ from many other cell organelles?
How do the shapes of mitochondria and chloroplasts differ from many other cell organelles?
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In terms of metabolic activity, why do muscle cells contain more mitochondria than other cell types?
In terms of metabolic activity, why do muscle cells contain more mitochondria than other cell types?
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What is the main function of the secondary cell wall in plants?
What is the main function of the secondary cell wall in plants?
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Describe the role of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Describe the role of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM).
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What is a proteoglycan network and its significance?
What is a proteoglycan network and its significance?
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Explain the function of integrins in relation to the ECM.
Explain the function of integrins in relation to the ECM.
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What connects plant cells through channels, and what is its function?
What connects plant cells through channels, and what is its function?
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Distinguish between the three types of cell junctions found in animal cells.
Distinguish between the three types of cell junctions found in animal cells.
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What is the role of the middle lamella in plant cells?
What is the role of the middle lamella in plant cells?
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How do cell walls differ between primary and secondary types?
How do cell walls differ between primary and secondary types?
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Identify the main components of the extracellular matrix.
Identify the main components of the extracellular matrix.
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What role do fibronectin and integrins play in cell attachment?
What role do fibronectin and integrins play in cell attachment?
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Explain the significance of desmosomes in muscle cells.
Explain the significance of desmosomes in muscle cells.
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How does the ECM influence gene activity in cells?
How does the ECM influence gene activity in cells?
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Describe the composition of proteoglycan molecules.
Describe the composition of proteoglycan molecules.
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What distinguishes gap junctions from plasmodesmata in plant cells?
What distinguishes gap junctions from plasmodesmata in plant cells?
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Study Notes
Concept 6.1: Microscopy and Cell Fractionation
- Cell walls were first observed on dead oak bark in 1665 using microscopes invented in 1590.
- Light microscopes (LM) utilize visible light passing through a specimen and glass lenses to magnify images.
- Magnification is the ratio of an object's size to its actual size.
- Resolution is the clarity of an image, the minimum distance between two points that can still be distinguished as separate.
- Contrast is the difference in light and dark regions of an image.
- Electron microscopes (EM) offer higher resolution than LMs by focusing electron beams onto a specimen.
- Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) visualize surface topography, while transmission electron microscopes (TEM) study internal structures.
- Electron microscopy requires specimen preparation that can introduce artifacts (structures not present in living cells).
- Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) uses low temperatures to avoid preservatives, allowing viewing of specimens in their natural state.
- Cell fractionation separates cellular components using differential centrifugation in a centrifuge.
Concept 6.2: Basic Features of Cells
- Prokaryotic cells include bacteria and archaea; eukaryotic cells include protists, fungi, animals, and plants.
- All cells share features like a plasma membrane(cell membrane), cytosol, chromosomes, and ribosomes.
- In eukaryotic cells, DNA is enclosed in a nucleus, while in prokaryotes, DNA is concentrated in a nucleoid region.
- Cytoplasm is the region between the nucleus and plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells and is inclusive to prokaryotic cells.
- Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells.
- Cell size is constrained by metabolic needs; smaller cells have a larger surface-area-to-volume ratio.
- Microvilli are projections that increase surface area without a significant volume increase.
- Eukaryotic cells have internal membranes forming organelles.
- Biological membranes consist mainly of phospholipids and proteins, forming selective barriers.
- Enzymes are embedded in cell membranes or organelle membranes to facilitate cellular processes.
Concept 6.3: The Nucleus and Ribosomes
- The nucleus contains most of a cell's genetic material.
- The nuclear envelope surrounds the nucleus, separating it from the cytoplasm and containing pores.
- The nuclear lamina supports the nuclear structure.
- The nuclear matrix provides a framework within the nucleus.
- Histones are proteins that package DNA into chromatin, condensed into chromosomes during cell division.
- The nucleolus produces ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembles ribosome subunits.
- Ribosomes are protein-synthesizing structures, not membrane-bound.
- Free ribosomes reside in the cytoplasm; bound ribosomes are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum or nuclear envelope.
Concept 6.4: The Endomembrane System
- The endomembrane system consists of the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, and the plasma membrane.
- Vesicles transport materials between membranes.
- Smooth ER synthesizes lipids, metabolizes carbohydrates, detoxifies poisons, and stores calcium ions.
- Rough ER synthesizes secretory proteins and membrane proteins, with ribosomes attached to synthesize proteins.
- Glycoproteins have carbohydrates attached in the ER.
- The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.
- Lysosomes are sacs containing digestive enzymes, crucial for intracellular digestion.
- Autophagy is the process of lysosomes breaking down damaged organelles.
- Vacuoles are large vesicles that carry out various functions, like storage (water, nutrients), digestion, and protection (toxins).
Concept 6.5: Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, and Peroxisomes
- Mitochondria are sites of cellular respiration, converting glucose and oxygen into ATP.
- Chloroplasts are sites of photosynthesis, converting solar energy to chemical energy in plants and algae.
- The endosymbiont theory proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from prokaryotic cells engulfed by a larger cell.
- Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA and ribosomes similar to prokaryotic cells.
- Peroxisomes contain enzymes that transfer hydrogen to oxygen, forming hydrogen peroxide, then breaking down into water - Involved in detoxification and fatty acid breakdown.
- Glyoxysomes are specialized peroxisomes in fat-storing plant cells converting fatty acids to sugars.
Concept 6.6: The Cytoskeleton
- The cytoskeleton provides support, shape, structure, and transport for organelles.
- Components include microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
- Microtubules are hollow tubes made of tubulin dimers and are crucial for cell shape and organelle movement. Centrosomes often organize microtubule formation.
- Flagella and cilia are microtubule-containing appendages that enable cell motility or move substances over surfaces.
- Microfilaments, solid rods of actin, give structural support to the cell cortex and contribute to movement (cytoplasmic streaming, amoeboid motion).
- Intermediate filaments provide structural support and stability, especially in animal cells.
Concept 6.7: Cell Walls and Extracellular Matrix
- The plant cell wall protects the cell and maintains its shape against turgor pressure.
- The cell wall is composed primarily of cellulose.
- Plant cell walls have a primary cell wall and, sometimes, a secondary cell wall for added strength, along with a middle lamella that binds adjacent cells.
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) in animal cells consists of glycoproteins, like collagen, embedded in a proteoglycan network which affects cell behavior.
- Integrins, transmembrane proteins, link the ECM to the cytoskeleton, allowing communication between the cell interior and exterior.
- Plasmodesmata are channels that connect plant cells, permitting communication and transport of substances between them.
- Animal cells have other junctions, like tight junctions and gap junctions, that fulfill similar functions.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of microscopy and cell fractionation in this quiz. Dive into the differences between light microscopes and electron microscopes, and understand key concepts like magnification, resolution, and contrast. Test your knowledge of historical discoveries and modern techniques used in cell biology.