Biology Chapter: Cell Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

To engulf pathogens

To carry nutrients to cells

To carry oxygen from the lungs to the body (correct)

To produce antibodies

Lymphocytes are responsible for producing antibodies against pathogens.

True

What structure in nerve cells helps prevent electrical impulses from affecting surrounding areas?

myelin sheath

The powerhouse of the cell, responsible for releasing energy, is called the _____

mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of blood cell with its primary function:

Red blood cells = Carry oxygen Phagocytes = Engulf pathogens Lymphocytes = Produce antibodies Sperm cells = Fertilize egg Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sperm cells?

To fertilize an egg Signup and view all the answers

Phagocytes are designed to produce specific antibodies.

False Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature allows red blood cells to maximize their oxygen-carrying capacity?

lack of nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the palisade cell?

To carry out photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Ciliated cells have tiny hairs called cilia that help to waft the ovum down the oviducts.

True Signup and view all the answers

What structure is designed to absorb large amounts of water from the soil?

Root hair cells Signup and view all the answers

The __________ cell carries the mother's genetic information for fertilisation.

Ova or Egg (Ovum) Signup and view all the answers

Match the cell type with its primary function:

Root hair cell = Absorbs water and minerals Palisade cell = Carries out photosynthesis Ciliated cell = Wafts mucus and ovum Ovum = Carries genetic information for fertilisation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about mitochondria?

They are present in large numbers in cells for energy release. Signup and view all the answers

Guard cells are responsible for photosynthesis.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is magnification in the context of biology?

The number of times larger an image is compared to the real size of the object. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Starter Activity

Students were asked a question and were given mini whiteboards to write their answers on.

Mitochondria

Sometimes called the powerhouse of the cell
Releases energy in respiration
Contains DNA and controls cell activities
Responsible for protein synthesis
Found in all prokaryotes but only some eukaryotes
An organelle found in plant cells, algae, and some prokaryotes

Learning Objectives

Specialised cells and magnification calculations
Describe how specialised cells are adapted to their function

Cell Types (Diagram)

Two cells are shown, a Phagocyte and a Lymphocyte, with labels for the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Red Blood Cells

Structure:
- Biconcave shape for maximum surface area for oxygen diffusion
- Contains haemoglobin to carry oxygen
- No nucleus to increase space for haemoglobin
- Small and flexible to fit through capillaries
Function:
- Carries oxygen from the lungs to the body and carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs

Phagocyte

Structure:
- Flexible shape to engulf microorganisms
- Lobed nucleus
Function:
- Found in blood
- Attracted to diseases and bacteria
- Engulfs bacteria/pathogens to prevent infection

B Lymphocyte

Structure:
- A type of white blood cell with surface receptors
Function:
- Produces specific antibodies to destroy pathogens
- Recognises pathogens via antigens (foreign proteins)
- Reproduces quickly to create more antibodies to neutralize pathogens

Neuron

Structure:
- Extremely elongated (long) cells with branches at both ends to connect to other nerve cells
- The axon (main branch) has a myelin sheath (fat) to prevent electrical impulses affecting other parts of the body
Function:
- Carries nerve impulses throughout the body

Sperm Cell

Structure:
- Long tail for swimming to the egg
- Enzymes in the head (acrosome) to penetrate the egg's outer coating
- Many mitochondria for energy for locomotion
- Made in the testes of males
Function:
- Carries the father's DNA to the egg for fertilization

Root Hair Cell

Structure:
- Large surface area to absorb water
- Thin cell wall for easy water passage
- Lacks chloroplasts
- May contain many mitochondria for active transport of mineral ions
Function:
- Absorbs minerals and water from the soil

Palisade Cell

Structure:
- Tall shape with large surface area for capturing sunlight
- Packed with chloroplasts for sunlight absorption
- Found beneath the epidermis for shorter light travel distance
- Regular shape for efficient packing
Function:
- Carries out photosynthesis

Ciliated Cell

Structure:
- Lines air passages and oviducts
- Has tiny hairs called cilia
Function:
- Prevents lung damage by wafting mucus containing dust and bacteria out of the lungs
- Moves the ovum through the oviduct
- Cilia die when exposed to smoke causing mucus buildup & smoker's cough

Ovum

Structure:
- Contains large amounts of cytoplasm with organelles
Function:
- Stores energy for a developing embryo
- Carries the mother's DNA for fertilization

Rods and Cones

Structure:
- Specialized cells with outer segments containing photosensitive chemicals and nuclei.
Function:
- Responsible for sight

Guard Cells

Structure:
- Cells surrounding stomata (pores) with a thick inner wall and thin outer wall
- Contain chloroplasts
Function:
- Regulate water loss (transpiration)

Magnification Calculation

Formula: magnification = size of image / actual size of specimen
A triangle diagram illustrating the relationship between magnification, image size, and actual size is provided.
This formula is used to determine the actual size if image size and magnification are known or vice versa.

Units of Measurement

Millimeters (mm), micrometers (µm), and nanometers (nm) are commonly used in microscopy
Important conversions are shown: 1 m = 1000 mm, 1 mm = 1000 µm, and 1 µm = 1000 nm
Methods for converting measurements are explained.

Further Examples

Several examples of converting units like the diameter of an arteriole (1.5 mm to µm or a mitochondrion of 2 µm to nm or a chloroplast of 10,500 nm to µm) have been shown.

Taboo Words

A list of words the students are prohibited from using during the activity is provided
Words from different types of specialized cells covered, and various body systems for which these cells are useful for.

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Description

This quiz covers important aspects of cell biology, including the structure and function of organelles like mitochondria and specialized cells such as red blood cells. Students will explore the adaptations of various cell types, their roles in the body, and perform magnification calculations related to cell diagrams.