Cell Biology Basics Quiz

Cell Theory

• All living things are made of cells.
• All cells come from other cells.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic:
  • DNA not contained within a nucleus.
  • Simpler and smaller.
  • No membrane-bound organelles.
  • Usually single-celled (e.g., bacteria).
• Eukaryotic:
  • DNA enclosed within a nucleus.
  • Larger and more complex.
  • Contains membrane-bound organelles.
  • Can be single-celled OR multicellular (e.g., plant and animal cells).

Eukaryotic Organelles and Functions

• Genetic control: Nucleus and ribosomes
• Manufacturing, transport, and digestion: Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, peroxisomes, ribosomes
• Energy: Mitochondria and chloroplasts
• Structural support and movement: Cell wall, cytoskeleton, cell membrane

Plant vs. Animal Cells

• Plant cells only: Cell wall, chloroplasts
• Vacuoles: Large in plant cells, small in animal cells.
• All cells contain: Ribosomes, cytosol, cell membrane

Vocabulary

• Cell Theory: Two tenets: all living things are composed of cells, and all cells come from other cells.
• Nucleus: Contains DNA, controls cell activity.
• Nucleolus: Produces ribosomes.
• Cytosol: Fluid outside the nucleus, site of cell metabolism.
• Cytoplasm: Contains cytosol and organelles.
• Centrosome: Produces proteins for cell division (microtubules).
• Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages macromolecules.
• Lysosome: Contains enzymes for intracellular digestion.
• Peroxisome: Contains enzymes for various metabolic reactions.
• Vesicle: Transports materials within the cell.
• Cell membrane: Semipermeable barrier that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.
• Mitochondria: Major ATP producer in cellular respiration.
• Vacuole: Stores water and creates pressure, used for digestion and waste release, larger in plant cells.
• Cell wall: Rigid, protective barrier made of cellulose, present in plant cells.
• Chloroplast: Site of photosynthesis, contains chlorophyll, present in plant cells.
• Smooth ER: Lipid synthesis, breaks down toxins.
• Rough ER: Transports proteins.
• Ribosome: Protein synthesis.
• Cytoskeleton: Maintains cell shape, controls motility.
• Organelles: Specialized structures performing specific tasks in the cell.

Activation Energy and Enzymes

• Activation energy: The energy needed for a chemical reaction to start.
• Enzymes: Lower activation energy, speeding up reactions. They are reusable catalysts.

Enzyme-Substrate Interaction

• Substrate: The molecule the enzyme acts upon.
• Active site: The specific region of the enzyme where the substrate binds.
• Substrate binding causes a slight change in enzyme shape, which promotes catalysis.

Environmental Effects on Enzyme Activity

• Temperature: Enzymes have optimal temperatures and ranges. Higher temperatures can denature them.
• pH: Enzymes have optimal pH ranges. Changes in pH can interfere with enzyme activity (denaturing) by affecting interactions.

Test your knowledge of cell theory, differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the various organelles found within cells. This quiz will help reinforce key concepts from cell biology, including the distinctions between plant and animal cells.