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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?
What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?
Which of the following elements is not primarily composed of cells?
Which of the following elements is not primarily composed of cells?
What role does cytoplasm play within a cell?
What role does cytoplasm play within a cell?
What is a key characteristic of the cell wall?
What is a key characteristic of the cell wall?
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Which component of a cell is responsible for protein synthesis?
Which component of a cell is responsible for protein synthesis?
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Which of the following best describes the composition of the plasma membrane?
Which of the following best describes the composition of the plasma membrane?
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What percentage of a cell's composition is made up of oxygen?
What percentage of a cell's composition is made up of oxygen?
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What process allows cells to grow and divide?
What process allows cells to grow and divide?
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What is the primary function of the nucleus in a cell?
What is the primary function of the nucleus in a cell?
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Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
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What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
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Which part of the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in making fats?
Which part of the endoplasmic reticulum is involved in making fats?
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How does the Golgi body contribute to protein shipment?
How does the Golgi body contribute to protein shipment?
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What role do lysosomes play in a cell?
What role do lysosomes play in a cell?
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What genetic material is contained within the nucleus?
What genetic material is contained within the nucleus?
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What is the significance of proteins made by ribosomes?
What is the significance of proteins made by ribosomes?
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What happens to enzymes when the body temperature exceeds 42°C?
What happens to enzymes when the body temperature exceeds 42°C?
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How does carbon dioxide affect the pH of the blood?
How does carbon dioxide affect the pH of the blood?
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What is the consequence of a lack of vitamin C in the body?
What is the consequence of a lack of vitamin C in the body?
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What role does excess carbon dioxide play in regulating breathing rate?
What role does excess carbon dioxide play in regulating breathing rate?
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What is the optimal internal body temperature for human functioning?
What is the optimal internal body temperature for human functioning?
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What is the primary reason enzymes denature at extreme temperatures?
What is the primary reason enzymes denature at extreme temperatures?
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Which process helps in maintaining the balance of pH in the blood?
Which process helps in maintaining the balance of pH in the blood?
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How are chemical substances transported to cells in the body?
How are chemical substances transported to cells in the body?
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Study Notes
Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
- Cells are the smallest units of life, providing structure and performing essential functions.
- Main functions include structural support, growth via mitosis, transportation of materials, energy production, metabolic reactions, and aiding in reproduction.
Characteristics of Cells
- Composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen: 59% Hydrogen, 24% Oxygen, 11% Carbon, 4% Nitrogen, and 2% other elements (Phosphorus, Sulfur, etc.).
- All cells share basic parts: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
Common Parts of a Cell
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Plasma Membrane:
- A lipid bilayer that forms a barrier between the cell and its environment.
- Semi-permeable, allowing selective material entry/exit.
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Cytoplasm:
- Gel-like substance where cellular chemical reactions occur.
- Contains organelles such as nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, and more.
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Ribosomes:
- Sites for protein synthesis found in the cytoplasm.
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DNA:
- Genetic material providing instructions for life functions and traits.
Specific Cell Structures
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Cell Wall:
- Present only in plant cells, composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin.
- Provides rigidity, shape, and protection from mechanical injury.
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Nucleus:
- Controls cell activity and contains DNA, crucial for protein synthesis.
Cell Organelles and Their Functions
- Nucleolus: Produces ribosomes.
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Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
- Rough ER: Transports ribosomes; involved in protein production.
- Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids and detoxifies cell.
- Golgi Bodies: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for transport.
- Mitochondria: Known as the powerhouse of the cell; produces ATP, the energy currency.
- Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes that help break down waste and protect the cell from foreign bodies.
Protein Shipment Process
- Ribosome synthesis begins in the nucleolus, continues in the rough ER, gets modified in the Golgi body, and is ultimately released from the cell via vesicles.
Homeostasis and Temperature Regulation
- Optimal body temperature is around 37°C; fluctuations can impair enzyme function.
- Enzymes are sensitive to temperature, and extreme deviations can lead to denaturation, affecting life processes.
Nutrient Maintenance
- Insufficient nutrient intake can lead to diseases (e.g., scurvy from lack of vitamin C).
- Essential for maintaining overall health and avoiding symptoms like bleeding gums and lack of appetite.
Gas Exchange and pH Balance
- Carbon dioxide lowers blood pH and needs rapid removal to prevent acid buildup.
- Increased carbonic acid leads to elevated breathing rates to restore pH balance.
Chemical Substances in the Body
- Body activities are controlled by various chemical substances, transported through blood in mammals or vascular tissues in plants for cellular function.
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Description
Explore the fundamental unit of life with this quiz on cells. Learn about their characteristics, main functions, and how they contribute to the body's structure and processes. Test your knowledge about the building blocks of life!