Biology Unit 2: Animal Cell Structure

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Questions and Answers

What is the smallest unit of life that is individually alive, even when part of a multicelled organism?

Organ

Cell (correct)

Tissue

Organism

Which of the following statements is NOT part of cell theory?

Cells can form spontaneously from non-living materials. (correct)

Each organism consists of one or more cells.

All living cells arise by division of preexisting cells.

The cell is the structural and functional unit of all organisms.

What has been essential for the discovery of cells?

Invention of DNA sequencing

Discovery of viruses

Development of electron microscopes (correct)

Advanced genetic engineering techniques

What type of microscopes can view structures such as mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Electron microscopes Signup and view all the answers

Which material do cells contain and pass to their offspring during division?

DNA Signup and view all the answers

What can cause sickness and even death in humans due to food contamination?

Toxin-producing bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of the largest organisms visible to the human eye without a microscope?

Frog eggs Signup and view all the answers

How do we know that cells exist?

Invention of microscopes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of motor proteins in relation to the cytoskeleton?

To move cell parts or the entire cell Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cytoskeletal element is involved in the reinforcement of the cell structure?

Microfilaments Signup and view all the answers

What are microtubules primarily composed of?

Tubulin subunits Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes intermediate filaments?

They lock cells and tissues together. Signup and view all the answers

In chloroplasts, where does photosynthesis primarily occur?

At the folded inner membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

To support, organize, and move internal structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ribosomes in prokaryotic cells?

To synthesize proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which structure surrounds the plasma membrane in some prokaryotic cells?

Cell wall Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pili in prokaryotic cells?

To help cells stick to surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is a biofilm?

A community of microorganisms living within a shared mass of slime Signup and view all the answers

What process do ribosomes attached to rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) perform?

Assemble polypeptides Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT associated with the Golgi bodies in eukaryotic cells?

Synthesis of ribosomal RNA Signup and view all the answers

In a eukaryotic cell, what structure is responsible for controlling access to the cell’s DNA?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of vesicles in eukaryotic cells?

Transport substances among organelles and store breakdown substances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi body?

Modify polypeptides and lipids for transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Synthesizing proteins with ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for storing and transporting materials within a cell?

Vesicle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the endomembrane system?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mitochondria having a double membrane structure?

It provides a site for ATP production. Signup and view all the answers

What do peroxisomes primarily break down?

Amino acids and toxic substances Signup and view all the answers

How do lysosomes contribute to cellular function?

By facilitating intracellular digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature that suggests mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from bacteria?

Their resemblance to bacterial shapes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Connect the cytoplasm of adjoining cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the six properties that characterize living things?

Possess a rigid structure Signup and view all the answers

How do plasmodesmata contribute to plant cell communication?

They allow nutrients to flow between cells Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes self-sustaining biological processes in living things?

They include metabolism and other energy-related processes Signup and view all the answers

What type of molecules do living organisms make and use?

Organic molecules of life Signup and view all the answers

Which property allows living organisms to evolve over time?

Collective capacity to change over successive generations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Structure & Function

Cell Theory:
- All organisms consist of one or more cells.
- A cell is the smallest unit of life and functional basis of all organisms.
- Living cells originate from pre-existing cells through division.
- Cells carry hereditary material (DNA) that is passed to offspring.
Microscope Discovery:
- Microscopes enabled the discovery of cells, revealing life forms previously unknown.

Prokaryotic Cell Structure

Cytoplasm:
- Contains ribosomes, the organelles responsible for protein synthesis.
- Houses circular DNA in a nucleoid region, with additional genes potentially found in plasmids.
Cell Wall:
- A semirigid but permeable layer surrounds the plasma membrane in some cells.
- Composed of peptides and polysaccharides in bacteria and proteins in archaea.
Surface Extensions:
- Pili: Protein filaments that help cells adhere to surfaces and share genetic material.
- Flagella: Long structures that provide motility.

Biofilms

Communities of diverse microorganisms enveloped in a shared mass of slime.
Commonly attach to solid surfaces, offering advantages like protection and resource sharing.

Eukaryotic Cell Structure

Nucleus:
- Protects and regulates access to the cell's DNA.
Endomembrane System:
- Comprises rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), vesicles, and Golgi bodies, facilitating lipid and protein production/modification.
Ribosomes:
- Attached to rough ER, synthesize polypeptides that acquire specific structures in the ER.
Golgi Bodies:
- Modify proteins and lipids, packaging them into vesicles for transport.

Organelles

Vesicles:
- Small, membrane-bound structures for storage, transport, or degradation of materials.
Vacuoles:
- Fluid-filled organelles that isolate or remove waste or toxic substances.
Lysosomes:
- Contain enzymes for cellular digestion.
Peroxisomes:
- Break down amino acids, fatty acids, and toxins.
Mitochondria:
- Double-membraned organelles responsible for ATP production.
Chloroplasts:
- Organelles that facilitate photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton

A dynamic network of protein filaments that supports and organizes eukaryotic cells.
Microtubules: Involved in cellular movement, formed from tubulin subunits.
Microfilaments: Reinforce the cell structure with actin fibers.
Intermediate Filaments: Anchor cells and tissues together.

Motor Proteins

Proteins that consume energy to facilitate movement within cells, such as transporting vesicles along microtubules.

Plasmodesmata

Channels connecting adjacent plant cells, allowing the movement of water, nutrients, and signaling molecules.

Characteristics of Life

Living things make and utilize organic molecules.
Composed of one or more cells.
Undergo self-sustaining processes like metabolism.
Experience changes throughout their lifespan.
Use DNA for heredity during reproduction.
Have the capacity for evolution across generations.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of animal cell structure and function in this quiz based on Unit 2 of your biology course. Discover how cells contribute to living organisms and the significance of bacteria in our health. Test your knowledge about cell theory and the impact of toxins.