Biology Unit 1: Cell Structure & Function

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the human body?

Forming bones and muscles

Making genetic blueprints

Providing stored energy reserves

Serving as the body's main source of energy (correct)

Which term refers to the simplest unit of carbohydrates?

Oligosaccharide

Monosaccharide (correct)

Polysaccharide

Disaccharide

What are the two primary categories of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides and polysaccharides

Simple sugars and complex sugars

Sugars and starches (correct)

Simple sugars and proteins

What role do enzymes play in carbohydrate breakdown?

They lower the activation energy needed for the reaction Signup and view all the answers

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for forming new bones and muscles?

Proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of polysaccharides?

They are the largest unit of carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Which type of carbohydrate consists of 3-10 monosaccharide units?

Oligosaccharide Signup and view all the answers

Why are enzymes considered catalysts in biological reactions?

They speed up reactions without changing themselves Signup and view all the answers

Who coined the term 'cell' in biology?

Robert Hooke Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist is known for the discovery of the nucleus?

Robert Brown Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental statement of the cell theory?

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

What is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

They are typically unicellular organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of cell identified in the content?

Epithelial Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about eukaryotic cells is true?

They contain organelles surrounded by membranes. Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist contributed to the understanding that all cells arise from preexisting cells?

Rudolf Virchow Signup and view all the answers

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

Storage of genetic information Signup and view all the answers

What is the molecule that enzymes act upon called?

Substrate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements are NOT found in proteins?

Phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when amino acids bond together?

Peptides Signup and view all the answers

Which of these substances plays a role in breaking down lipids?

Enzymes and bile Signup and view all the answers

What type of macromolecule is DNA classified as?

Nucleic Acid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding enzymes?

Enzymes are affected by temperature and pH. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes triglycerides?

They are a type of lipid. Signup and view all the answers

How does the body utilize proteins?

By breaking them down into amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is responsible for producing energy through chemical reactions?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

Control movement in and out of the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is only found in plant cells?

Chloroplasts Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of lysosomes in a cell?

Digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure that surrounds the nucleus?

Nuclear membrane Signup and view all the answers

What organelle is involved in protein synthesis?

Ribosome Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle helps in moving materials within and out of the cell?

Golgi Bodies Signup and view all the answers

The gel-like mixture within a cell is referred to as what?

Cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for the structural integrity of plant cells?

Cell wall Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle contains RNA and plays a key role in building proteins?

Nucleolus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Cell Study

Robert Hooke (1665) identified and named "cells" while observing cork cells.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek developed advanced optics to visualize single cells, which were not utilized for 200 years.
Robert Brown (1831) discovered the "nucleus" as a significant cell structure.
Theodor Schwann (1838) observed animal cells in cartilage, asserting that cells are fundamental to both plants and animals.
Mattias Schleiden posited that cells form the basis of life.
Rudolf Virchow (1858) established that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Cell Theory

All living organisms are comprised of one or more cells.
Cells serve as the basic unit of structure and function in living things.
All cells derive from pre-existing cells.

Definition and Types of Cells

A cell is the smallest unit capable of performing life functions.
Two main types of cells are:
- Prokaryotic: Lack membrane-bound structures, few internal components, and include single-celled organisms like bacteria.
- Eukaryotic: Contain membrane-bound organelles and are more complex; includes plant and animal cells.

Common Cell Structures in Plant and Animal Cells

Found in both: Nucleus, Golgi Complex, Mitochondria, Lysosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Cell Membrane, Ribosomes, Vacuoles.
Unique to Plant Cells: Chloroplasts, Cell Wall.

Cell Components and Organelles

Cell Membrane: Outer layer controlling movement in and out, consists of a double layer.
Cell Wall: Found in plant cells and bacteria for support and protection.
Nucleus: Directs cell activities, contains DNA, surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance within the cell membrane containing hereditary material.
Endoplasmic Reticulum: Transports materials; smooth type lacks ribosomes, rough type contains ribosomes.
Ribosomes: Produce proteins, can be free or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Mitochondria: Energy producers that break down nutrients and control material levels.
Golgi Bodies: Package and distribute proteins within and outside the cell.
Lysosomes: Digestive organelles that break down waste and can cause cell breakdown if ruptured.
Vacuoles: Storage areas for nutrients and waste, help maintain cell structure.
Chloroplasts: Site of photosynthesis, contain chlorophyll, primarily in plant cells.

Macromolecules

Four major macromolecules essential for life: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

Carbohydrates

The primary energy source for the body composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.
Categories:
- Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose).
- Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides (e.g., lactose, sucrose).
- Polysaccharides: Long chains (e.g., starch).
Broken down by enzymes into simple sugars, crucial for energy release.

Role of Enzymes

Enzymes lower activation energy, facilitating faster biochemical reactions without changing.
Each enzyme acts on a specific substrate and is sensitive to factors like temperature and pH.

Proteins

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, used for growth and repair of tissues.
Comprised of amino acids linked into peptides and polypeptides.
Breakdown of proteins into amino acids occurs in the stomach and small intestine.

Lipids

Serve as energy reserves, insulation, and assist in vitamin absorption.
Consist of triglycerides, formed from glycerol and fatty acids.
Lipids are degraded into fatty acids and glycerol by enzymes in the small intestine.

Nucleic Acids

Store and transmit genetic information.
Made up of nucleotides; DNA is a critical example.
Not obtained through food, unlike the other macromolecules.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of cell structure and function in this introductory biology quiz. Dive into the history of cell study, including key figures like Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. Test your knowledge of the basic attributes and structures of cells.