Cell Biology: Metabolism and Nucleus

Questions and Answers

What is the role of the nucleus in a cell?

It controls metabolic reactions. (correct)

It produces energy for cellular processes.

It surrounds the cell membrane.

It stores nutrients for the cell.

Which of the following statements about the cell wall is correct?

It is made of proteins.

It contains genetic material.

It is living and actively participates in metabolism.

It is freely permeable and helps maintain cell shape. (correct)

What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?

Formation of energy (correct)

Control of substance movement

Protein synthesis

Chemical reaction facilitation

What characteristic do red blood cells and xylem vessels share regarding their nuclei?

They have no nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is responsible for protein synthesis?

Ribosome Signup and view all the answers

What determines which proteins a cell can produce?

Genes made up of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the cell membrane?

It controls movements of substances in and out of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'turgid' refer to in the context of plant cells?

Cells filled with absorbed water causing internal pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of the cytoplasm?

Living material Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cells is false?

All cells in plants and animals are identical. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of red blood cells allows for efficient oxygen exchange?

Their biconcave disk shape provides a large surface area. Signup and view all the answers

What material strengthens xylem cells and prevents them from collapsing under pressure?

Lignin Signup and view all the answers

How do cells contribute to the formation of organs in living organisms?

Cells group together to form tissues with specific functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of xylem vessels in plants?

To carry water and ions from roots to leaves. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the development of cells into tissues and organs?

Cells of similar structures and functions group together to form tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the bacterial cell wall?

To support the shape of the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the capsule in bacteria?

To provide extra protection and prevent desiccation Signup and view all the answers

Which component of bacteria carries genes and is utilized in genetic engineering?

Plasmids Signup and view all the answers

What is found in the cytoplasm of bacteria?

A single strand of chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

How does the flagellum contribute to bacterial movement?

By propelling the cell in a rotating motion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sap vacuole in a fully developed plant?

Stores sugars and ions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding chloroplasts?

They contain chlorophyll that facilitates photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

How do root hair cells enhance water and ion absorption?

Through their long and thin shape, increasing surface area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells are generally larger than animal cells Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes the cell membrane from the cell wall?

The cell membrane is living and flexible, while the cell wall is non-living and rigid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of binary fission in prokaryotic organisms?

One cell divides into two genetically identical cells. Signup and view all the answers

During binary fission, how is the DNA arranged before cell division?

One large strand moves to one side while plasmids are unequally arranged. Signup and view all the answers

What factors can affect the division frequency of bacteria?

Warmth, moistness, and availability of nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the cell wall during binary fission?

A new cell wall develops to divide into separate cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the replication of genetic material in binary fission?

Genetic material must be fully replicated before division. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metabolism

Metabolism occurs in organelles, including the nucleus and chloroplast.

Nucleus

Largest organelle visible in a cell, located in the cytoplasm.
Specialized cells like red blood cells and xylem vessels lack a nucleus.
Regulates metabolic reactions and contains genes within chromosomes.
Genes, composed of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA), dictate protein production and inheritance of physical traits.

Cell Wall

Non-living structure surrounding the cell membrane in plants.
Composed of cellulose, a carbohydrate that is freely permeable to salts and water.
Maintains plant shape by becoming turgid, which results from water absorption creating internal pressure.

Cells

Basic structural and functional unit of organisms, with 10-100 million cells in the human body.
Shared components in plant and animal cells include cytoplasm, nucleus, cell membrane, ribosomes, and mitochondria.

Mitochondria

Known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for energy production during respiration.

Ribosome

Site of protein synthesis, essential for cellular function.

Cell Membrane

Thin surface layer made of proteins and lipids, not visible under regular microscopes.
Partially permeable, controlling substance movement in and out of the cell, while retaining cell contents.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance making up most of the cell, involved in numerous chemical reactions.

Blood Cells

Most common cells in the human body derived from bone marrow.
Mature blood cells lose their nucleus, acquiring a biconcave disk shape for enhanced oxygen exchange.
Flexible structure facilitates movement through narrow blood capillaries.

Xylem Vessels

Composed of dead, hollow cells transporting water and ions from roots to leaves.
Mature cells elongate and lose walls between cells, with lignin providing structural support.

Tissue and Organ Formation

Similar cells group to form tissues; similar tissues combine to create organs, which work in concert within organ systems to sustain life.

Bacteria

Unicellular organisms that are simpler and smaller than plant and animal cells.

Bacterial Cell Wall

Comprised of peptidoglycan, a protein distinct from cellulose and chitin, providing structural support.

Capsule

Protective slime layer around bacteria, preventing desiccation.

Cytoplasm in Bacteria

Contains minimal organelles and lacks a nucleus; chromosomes exist as a loose single strand.

Plasmids

Circular DNA rings carrying genes, utilized in genetic engineering.

Flagellum

A tail-like structure enabling bacteria to swim by moving in a propeller-like motion.

Sap Vacuole

Large, permanent cytoplasmic space in mature plants, containing a sugary solution that acts as a solvent.

Chloroplast

Large organelle in green plant parts, containing chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells

Animal cells are smaller and contain centrioles; they lack a rigid cell wall, allowing for flexible shape.

Specialized Cells

Root hair cells facilitate water absorption by increasing surface area through their elongated shape, optimizing osmosis and transport of ions.

Binary Fission

Reproductive process in prokaryotic organisms (like bacteria) where a single cell divides into two after replicating genetic material.
Resulting cells possess similar genetic material, with plasmids distributed randomly during division.
Bacteria can divide every 20 minutes given favorable conditions of warmth, moisture, and nutrient availability.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of cell biology with this quiz on metabolism and the structure of the nucleus. Understand the roles of organelles, chromosomes, and the significance of DNA in controlling metabolic processes within cells. Test your knowledge and learn about cell functions!