Biology Module Quiz: Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of eukaryotic cells that distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells?

Presence of introns in all their genes

Larger ribosomes compared to prokaryotes (correct)

Absence of membrane-bound organelles

Presence of a single circular chromosome

Which of the following microscopy techniques allows for higher resolution than standard light microscopy due to the use of fluorescent dyes?

Fluorescence microscopy (correct)

Brightfield microscopy

Phase contrast microscopy

Electron microscopy

What is the typical size range for eukaryotic cells?

10 - 100 microns

0.5 - 50 microns

1 - 10 microns

2 - 1000 microns (correct)

What biomedical tool is limited to a magnification of approximately 2000X due to the wavelength of visible light?

Light microscope Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the DNA structure in eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have multiple linear chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary aims of the module?

To introduce basic concepts of cell biology Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as a vital skill during lectures?

Actively making notes to enhance understanding Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the final assessment is attributed to the lab report?

70% Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT mentioned as a learning outcome of the module?

Designing and analyzing complex experiments Signup and view all the answers

What is one ethical consideration mentioned in the aims of the module?

Acquiring and presenting experimental data ethically Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to enhance your ability to learn from lectures?

Processing the material actively during the lecture Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a key goal for students at the end of this module?

Acquiring an understanding of cell and molecular biology Signup and view all the answers

Who is best known as the 'Father of Microbiology'?

Anton van Leeuwenhoek Signup and view all the answers

What did the early 19th-century biologists propose about living things?

All living things are composed of cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a key tenet of the Cell Theory?

Cells are the smallest living unit of structure and function. Signup and view all the answers

What did Rudolf Virchow contribute to the Cell Theory in 1855?

Cells arise only from pre-existing cells. Signup and view all the answers

What principle did the Cell Theory discard?

Spontaneous generation of cells occurs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures were observed by Anton van Leeuwenhoek?

Muscle fibers and bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Who were the scientists that formed the foundational statements of the Cell Theory in 1839?

Theodor Schwann and Matthias Schleiden Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Omnis cellula e cellula' mean?

All cells arise from pre-existing cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the smallest living unit of structure and function in all organisms?

Cell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle of the Cell Theory?

All cells have a nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not. Signup and view all the answers

Which outlined concept refers to the variety of ways in which cells can communicate?

Signal transduction Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cell biology, what is the primary function of ribosomes?

To synthesize proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell structure allows for the selective transport of materials into and out of the cell?

Cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of multicellular organisms?

They show cellular specialization. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the theory that explains the origin of eukaryotic cells through symbiotic relationships?

Endosymbiotic theory Signup and view all the answers

Which shape corresponds to rod-shaped bacteria?

Bacilli Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist is credited with the first discovery of cells?

Robert Hooke Signup and view all the answers

What is one main role of programmed cell death in multicellular organisms?

To eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of proteins in cells?

Performing various functions in the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of all cells?

A cell membrane surrounding the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which process is NOT a fundamental activity of cells?

Photosynthesis in all cell types Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the region of DNA concentration in prokaryotic cells?

Nucleoid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes eukaryotic DNA?

Linear and membrane-bound Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell is represented by bacteria?

Prokaryotic cells without a nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What role does a cell membrane play in a cell?

Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities does NOT involve cellular signaling?

Transport of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cytoplasm in a cell?

It is the interior space of the cell excluding the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs as bleached molecules diffuse out of a bleached area in cellular membranes?

Intact fluorescent molecules diffuse into the area. Signup and view all the answers

In the fluid mosaic model, where do the apolar regions of lipids and proteins interact?

In the core of the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with the abundance of eukaryotic cells?

High genetic diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the nuclear envelope of eukaryotic cells?

It is formed from lipid bilayers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of intracellular organelles in eukaryotic cells?

To perform specific functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately summarizes the mobility of membrane proteins in the fluid mosaic model?

They can freely move within the lipid bilayer. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of prokaryotic cells?

They have a nuclear envelope. Signup and view all the answers

What role does cholesterol play in a lipid bilayer?

Acts as a fluidity buffer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of membrane protein spans across the lipid bilayer?

Integral proteins Signup and view all the answers

What structure is primarily responsible for the selective transport of substances in eukaryotic cells?

Cell membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the membranes in eukaryotic cells?

They are dynamic and fluid. Signup and view all the answers

How do anchored proteins differ from integral and peripheral proteins?

They are linked to lipids or carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the movement of phospholipids within the lipid bilayer?

They can laterally diffuse within the membrane plane. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell organelles are characterized as resembling bacteria?

Chloroplasts. Signup and view all the answers

Which property of cholesterol contributes to making the lipid bilayer less permeable?

Its rigid structure Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is used to study protein mobility in membranes?

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the shape of integral proteins?

They are amphipathic. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the lipid fluid mosaic model?

Membranes consist of a mosaic of various components that can move laterally. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common role of peripheral proteins in cell membranes?

They provide structural support by forming filaments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cholesterol in cellular membranes?

To stabilize membrane structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nuclear envelope's pore structures?

To allow movement of molecules between nucleus and cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the endoplasmic reticulum?

Secretory cells typically have more rough endoplasmic reticulum than nonsecretory cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

Post-translational modification and packaging of proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of lysosomes?

They contain hydrolytic enzymes for digestion. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelles are known to support the endosymbiotic theory?

Mitochondria and chloroplasts Signup and view all the answers

Which function do mitochondria perform?

Energy generation through respiration Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes smooth endoplasmic reticulum from rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Functions in lipid synthesis and storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of secretory vesicles?

To transport proteins to the cell membrane for secretion Signup and view all the answers

What role do lysosomes play in cellular waste management?

They contain enzymes to digest old organelles and invaders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a shared characteristic of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

They replicate DNA independently. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 006283: Cellular and Molecular Biology

Aims to introduce basic cell biology concepts, including cell structure, biological macromolecules, molecular biology, cell communication, and genetics.
Aims to provide laboratory experience to develop skills in acquiring and presenting experimental data, with ethical considerations and health and safety concerns.
Aims to provide a sufficient background to complement other current modules and enable subsequent specialized courses.

Learning Outcomes

Students should acquire an understanding of key concepts in cell and molecular biology.
Students should be able to design, perform, and analyze simple experiments.

Working with Lectures

Lectures introduce topics and provide new information.
Lectures aim to present material to help students learn facts and understand the subject matter.
Actively taking notes is crucial for capturing understanding.
Passive listening is an ineffective learning method.
Lectures aim to be informative and accessible, recognizing diverse learning styles.
Feedback on lectures is appreciated.

Assessment Information

Two assessment elements are included:
- In-class test (December 10th, 2024, Groups A, B, C, D): 30% weighting.
- Lab report (Canvas submission by 2 PM on November 29th, 2024): 70% weighting

The Iceberg Illusion: Success

Success is like an iceberg; what people see (e.g., persistence, sacrifice, good habits) is only a small part of the whole picture.
Other unseen aspects (e.g., dedication, disappointments) are equally – or even more – important.

Textbooks

Recommended textbooks, available as Kortext e-books, include:
- Essential Cell Biology, Fifth Edition: designed to provide fundamentals of cell biology for biomedical and broader biological issues.
- Another textbook: delivers comprehensive content, clearly written, and illustrated for today's students, in a user-friendly format.
- A third text is aimed at the advanced reader, going more in-depth than the previous textbook.

Brief Overview of Module Topics

Cells (cell theory), and cell membranes
Subcellular organelles and endosymbiotic theory
Membrane transport
Biological macromolecules
DNA structure and replication
Transcription & Translation
Cell cycle & cell division
Cell death (programmed cell death)
Signal transduction – how cells communicate

Question: Defining 'Life'

This question is posed for consideration.

What is a Cell?

Cells are the fundamental units of life.
Cells exist as unicellular organisms or in communities in multicellular organisms (animals, plants, and fungi).
Cells vary greatly in appearance and function in size, ranging from small micrometers to a larger frog egg, measured by millimeters.

An Idea of Cell Size

The sizes of various biological structures are measured on a logarithmic scale, comparing the size of atoms, lipids, viruses, bacteria, mitochondria, and cells from various species to humans on the order of millimeters.

Cells Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes

Cells exhibit diverse shapes and sizes, including spherical (cocci), spiral-shaped (spirilla), rod-shaped (bacilli), neurons, amoeba (Paramecium), petal surfaces, white blood cells (macrophages), and fission yeast.

Brief History of Cell Biology

Robert Hooke, in the 17th century, observed and described cells in cork slices, coining the term "cell."

Anton van Leeuwenhoek

Anton van Leeuwenhoek, a contemporary of Robert Hooke, improved microscopes.
He observed and described single-celled organisms (microorganisms) – animalcules.
His observations included muscle fibers, bacteria, spermatozoa, and blood flow in capillaries.

Cell Theory

Cells are the basic units of life and form all organisms.
All living organisms are made up of one or more cells.
All cells arise from pre-existing cells (Cell Theory Principle #3 introduced in 1855 by Virchow, extending the theory by Schleiden and Schwann introduced in 1839).

Principles of Cell Theory

All living things are made of cells.
The cell is the smallest living unit of structure and function in all organisms.
All cells arise from preexisting cells (disproving spontaneous generation).

All Living Things are Constructed from Cells

Living things, from bacteria to butterflies to roses to dolphins, are built from cells.

All Cells Have Similar Chemistry and Work by the Same Basic Principles

All cells use similar molecules and reactions.
DNA stores genetic information (genes).
Protein molecules are the readouts (activators) of genetic instructions, performing various functions within the cell.

Fundamental Cell Activities

Maintaining cell integrity (inside and outside).
Storing information for cell building and reproduction.
Converting information into activators (primarily proteins).
Capturing energy for cell activities.
Transporting substances within and outside the cell.
Dividing to create new cells.
Responding to environmental signals.

Characteristics of All Cells

All cells have a surrounding membrane (cell membrane).
All cells have cytoplasm (interior of the cell, excluding the nucleus).
Internal structures (organelles) dedicated to specific tasks such as mitochondria.
Intracellular DNA (either inside a nucleus or elsewhere).

Membrane-Bound DNA or Not...

Defines two fundamental cell types (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) in the classification of living things.
Prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus.
Eukaryotic cells have DNA enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells

Possibly the first cell type on Earth.
Includes Bacteria and Archaea (two domains of prokaryotes).
Unicellular.
Lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
Nucleoid region where DNA concentrates.
Lack of membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Have a nuclear membrane encasing DNA, organized within linear chromosomes.
Possess a nucleus and many membrane-bound organelles.
Are generally larger than prokaryotic cells.
Form the complex cells of plants, animals, and fungi.

Differences Between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells

Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus and multiple linear chromosomes with associated proteins (histones).
Eukaryotic cells contain introns, repetitive DNA sequences that aren't transcribed.
Eukaryotic cells possess larger ribosomes (80S/18S) located outside the nucleus.
Prokaryotes have a single circular chromosome. Introns are found in archaebacteria. Prokaryotic cells utilize smaller ribosomes (70s/16s)
Prokaryotes lack the extensive cytoskeleton and internal membrane systems found in eukaryotes.
Eukaryotes have a typical size range of 10-100 micrometers, while prokaryotes are typically 0.5-50 micrometers.

Representative Eukaryotic Cell

Microscopy

Brightfield microscopy: simplest light microscopy method, with low contrast. The specimen is illuminated from below and white light is transmitted through the specimen.
Fluorescence microscopy: uses fluorescent dyes to stain cells and illuminate them with light passed through two filter systems. This enables the visualization of specific structures or molecules by exciting specific wavelengths to illuminate the fluorescent dye, revealing the location/distribution of the specific molecules in the cell.
Electron microscopy: uses high-energy electrons and has higher resolution than light microscopy, allowing for visualization of detailed structures within cells. These are two types – TEM (transmission) and SEM (scanning).

Limits of Light Microscopy

Light microscopes have a fundamental limitation due to the wavelength of visible light and can not resolve details smaller than the wavelength of the illuminating light.
Resolving power is the shortest distance between two points on a specimen that can be distinguished as separate points.

Electron Microscopy (TEM & SEM)

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM): analogous to light microscopy, where electrons pass through the specimen for imaging. Contrast is created by staining, allowing specific parts of the specimen to either absorb/scatter/reflect illuminating electrons.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): scans the surface of a specimen with a focused beam of electrons, detecting secondary electrons.

The Cell Membrane

A cell membrane is a critical boundary.
The plasma membrane separates a cell's cytoplasm from its external environment.
Membrane presence is essential for defining cells and facilitating cellular activities.
Biological membranes are composed primarily of lipids and proteins, with varying ratios depending on cell type.

Membrane Lipids

Membrane lipids are amphipathic, having both polar and nonpolar parts.
The hydrophobic tails of all membrane lipids are nonpolar but the head groups are polar.
The basic structural model of membrane lipids is a bilayer structure where tails point inwards and head groups outwards, creating a barrier between two aqueous environments.

Membrane Lipids: Glycerophospholipids

Glycerophospholipids are the most abundant lipids, with glycerol as part of their structure.
They are based on the glycerol-3-phosphate structure.
Long-chain fatty acids are attached to the glycerol backbone.
Polar groups, like choline, serine, ethanolamine or inositol, are attached to a phosphate, creating polar head groups.

Structure of Membrane Phospholipids

Long fatty acid chains attach to the glycerol backbone of phospholipids.
A polar group attaches to a phosphate group, giving a polar head to the phospholipid.

Fatty Acid Components of Membrane Lipids

Fatty acid chains vary in length (C14-C24).
Often they are the same length, but can differ.
Fatty acids can be saturated, containing only single bonds, or unsaturated, containing at least one double bond. The presence of cis double bonds create kinks within the structure of the hydrophobic fatty acyl tails, resulting in more fluidity.

Fatty Acid Configurations

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds.
Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.
Cis unsaturated fatty acids have bent configurations.
Trans unsaturated fatty acids have straight configurations.

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Description

Test your understanding of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells with this quiz, which covers key characteristics, microscopy techniques, and important concepts in cellular biology. You will also explore the aims and objectives of the module, emphasizing skills and ethical considerations in biomedical studies.