Biology Chapter: What are Cells?

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nucleus in a cell?

  • To transport materials throughout the cell
  • To store water and nutrients
  • To produce energy through cellular respiration
  • To control cellular processes and contain DNA (correct)

Which type of cells lack a nucleus?

  • Eukaryotic cells
  • Prokaryotic cells (correct)
  • Animal cells
  • Plant cells

What are ribosomes primarily responsible for?

  • Storing waste products
  • Synthesizing proteins (correct)
  • Modifying lipids
  • Producing energy

What is the role of mitochondria in a cell?

<p>Producing ATP through cellular respiration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure within the nucleus is responsible for ribosome production?

<p>Nucleolus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes rough ER from smooth ER?

<p>Rough ER has ribosomes attached, while smooth ER does not (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lysosomes in a cell?

<p>Breaking down used or damaged cellular components (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the wave-like movements in cells lining the respiratory tract?

<p>Cilia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What components do all cells have in common?

<p>Cell membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle modifies and packages proteins for the cell?

<p>Golgi apparatus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a cell?

The smallest living unit of an organism.

What is the cell membrane?

The outer boundary of a cell that separates the cell's contents from its external environment.

What is cytoplasm?

The gel-like substance within a cell, containing various structures and molecules.

What is DNA?

The genetic material of a cell, containing instructions for building and maintaining the cell.

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What are eukaryotic cells?

Cells with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, found in plants and animals.

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What are prokaryotic cells?

Cells lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, found in bacteria.

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What are organelles?

Specialized structures within eukaryotic cells that perform specific functions.

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What is the nucleus?

The control center of the cell, containing DNA and dictating cell processes.

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What are ribosomes?

The site of protein synthesis within the cell.

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What is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A network of membranes that transport materials within the cell, especially proteins.

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Study Notes

What are Cells?

  • Cells are the smallest living units of an organism
  • All cells share three common features: a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA

Cell Membrane

  • Separates the cell's interior from the external environment

Cytoplasm

  • Gelatinous fluid within the cell

DNA

  • The cell's genetic material

Types of Cells

Eukaryotic Cells

  • More complex than prokaryotic cells
  • Contain organelles, including the nucleus and other specialized structures
  • Found in plants and animals

Prokaryotic Cells

  • Lack a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles
  • Genetic material is not enclosed within a nucleus
  • Always single-celled organisms (unicellular), like bacteria

What are Organelles?

  • “Small organs”
  • Specialized parts of the cell with specific functions

Nucleus

  • Control center of the cell
  • Contains DNA
  • Dictates cellular processes and function

Chromatin

  • DNA in its interlinked and dispersed form within the nuclear membrane
  • Condenses into chromosomes when the cell is about to divide

Nucleolus

  • Structure within the nucleus responsible for ribosome production

Ribosomes

  • Synthesize proteins
  • Move freely within the cytoplasm or attach to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

  • Network of membranes that transport materials like proteins (synthesized by ribosomes)
  • Two types:
    • Rough (granular) ER - ribosomes attached
    • Smooth (agranular) ER - no ribosomes

Golgi Apparatus

  • Also called Golgi body
  • Receives proteins and other materials from the ER
  • Modifies proteins
  • Packages them into usable forms for the cell
  • Adds lipids or carbohydrates to proteins

Vacuoles

  • Sac-like structures for storing various materials
  • In plant cells, the central vacuole stores water

Lysosomes

  • Waste disposal centers
  • Contain enzymes to break down used or damaged parts of the cell

Mitochondria

  • Powerhouses of both plant and animal cells
  • Produce ATP molecules through cellular respiration, which provides energy for cellular processes
  • Cells with higher energy requirements have more mitochondria

Cytoskeleton

  • Supports and maintains the shape of the cell
  • Contains:
    • Microfilaments: thin protein filaments
    • Microtubules: hollow tubes

Chloroplasts

  • Found in plant cells
  • Site of photosynthesis
  • Green due to the pigment chlorophyll

Cell Wall

  • Present in plant cells outside the cell membrane
  • Provides shape, support, and protection

Cilia

  • Tiny hair-like projections
  • Found in cells lining the respiratory tract
  • Wave-like movements help capture inhaled particles and expel them through coughing

Flagella

  • Tail-like structures
  • Found in some bacteria
  • Allow the cell to move or propel itself forward
  • The only human cell with a flagellum is the sperm

Summary

  • Eukaryotic cells (plant and animal cells) have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
  • Prokaryotic cells (unicellular organisms) lack these features
  • All cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material
  • Only plant cells have chloroplasts, but both plant and animal cells have mitochondria

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