Cell Biology Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

Who is credited with the discovery that cells come from preexisting cells that have multiplied?

Rudolf Virchow (correct)

George Gey

Martha Gey

Henrietta Lacks

What is the primary reason cells grown in vitro are essential tools for cell and molecular biologists?

They are easier to study than cells in the body (correct)

They are harder to study than cells in the body

They are less dependent on cellular organisms

They are more complex than cells in the body

What is a characteristic shared by all cells?

They are all dependent on viruses

They are all found in culture

They are all found in the body

They are all similar in chemical composition (correct)

Where do most of the chemical reactions of life occur?

In aqueous solution within cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of cell division?

Replication and passing on of complete genetic information Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about HeLa cells?

They are descended from a single cell sample and are still being grown today Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

The presence or absence of a membrane-bound nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical shape of most prokaryotic cells?

Spherical or rod-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the area of the cell where prokaryotic DNA is located?

Nucleoid Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a cell wall in prokaryotes?

To provide protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the method of reproduction used by prokaryotes?

Binary fission Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the mycoplasma?

They lack a cell wall and have a small genome Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

Lack of a true nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the study of the naming of organisms using a two-part system?

Binomial nomenclature Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cyanobacteria?

To perform photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Where can thermoacidophiles be found?

In sulphur-based resources around 800°C and having a pH of 2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a eukaryotic organism?

Protist Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of archaea?

They are adapted to extreme environments Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of nucleotides in DNA?

To convey genetic information Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA has a deoxyribose backbone, while RNA has a ribose backbone Signup and view all the answers

What is the central dogma of life?

The flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of RNA molecules in the cell?

To transcribe DNA into a chemically related polymer Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the process of transcription?

The formation of RNA Signup and view all the answers

Why is the central dogma referred to as 'central'?

Because it is fundamental to life Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells that distinguishes them from archaea and bacteria?

Their DNA being kept in a distinct membrane-enclosed compartment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

To provide mechanical strength, control shape, and guide movements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms are typically formed from eukaryotic cells?

Plants, animals, and fungi Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of archaea at a molecular level?

Their machinery for handling genetic information resembles eukaryotes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells that is not typical of bacteria and archaea?

Their large size and complexity Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the compartment in which eukaryotes keep their DNA?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Theory and Characteristics

Rudolf Virchow is credited with the discovery that cells arise from preexisting cells through multiplication.
All cells share structural features such as a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material (DNA).
Most chemical reactions of life take place in the cytoplasm.

Cell Division and HeLa Cells

Cell division is characterized by the replication and distribution of genetic material.
HeLa cells are unique as they are the first immortal human cell line and have been used extensively in research since the 1950s.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have these structures.
Typical shapes of most prokaryotic cells include spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral (spirilla).
The nucleoid is the region where prokaryotic DNA is located, free in the cytoplasm.
Prokaryotic cell walls provide structure and protection, primarily made of peptidoglycan.
Prokaryotic reproduction primarily occurs via binary fission, a simple cell division method.

Mycoplasma and Prokaryotic Characteristics

Mycoplasma are uniquely characterized by their lack of a cell wall and are among the smallest known bacteria.
Prokaryotic characteristics include the absence of a true nucleus and smaller ribosome sizes compared to eukaryotes.

Taxonomy and Organism Classification

The term binomial nomenclature refers to the two-part system used in naming organisms.
Cyanobacteria function as primary producers, converting carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy via photosynthesis.
Thermoacidophiles are found in extreme environments, particularly hot springs and acidic waters.

Eukaryotic Organisms and Traits

Eukaryotic organisms include plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
Characteristics of archaea at a molecular level include unique lipid compositions in their cell membranes and distinct ribosomal RNA sequences.
Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, such as a nucleus, which distinguishes them from bacteria and archaea.

Genetic Material and Central Dogma

Nucleotides in DNA serve as the building blocks for genetic information storage and transmission.
The primary difference between DNA and RNA lies in the sugar component and nitrogenous bases; DNA contains deoxyribose and thymine, while RNA contains ribose and uracil.
The central dogma of molecular biology outlines the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
RNA molecules play various roles, including messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

Transcription Process and Eukaryotic Distinctions

Transcription results in the synthesis of mRNA from a DNA template.
The central dogma is referred to as 'central' because it conveys the fundamental processes that govern heredity and gene expression.
A key characteristic of eukaryotic cells is their compartmentalization, which allows for specialization of functions.
The cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells provides structural support and plays a crucial role in cell shape, transport, and division.
Eukaryotic cells typically form multicellular organisms or complex single-celled organisms.

Compartmentalization in Eukaryotic Cells

The nucleus is the compartment in eukaryotes that houses their DNA, separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane.

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Description

Test your understanding of the basic principles of cell biology, including the origin of cells, their structure, and chemical composition. Learn about the fundamental units of life and how they function. Explore the concepts that form the foundation of life sciences.