Cell Biology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What structure in eukaryotic cells protects and stores the cell's DNA?

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Golgi Apparatus

Nucleus (correct)

Ribosome

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through the conversion of glucose?

Nucleus

Mitochondria (correct)

Ribosome

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Which statement about ribosomes is correct?

They only exist inside the nucleus.

They store the cell's DNA.

They are composed solely of smooth ER.

They link amino acids to form proteins. (correct)

What is the primary function of the Golgi Apparatus?

Modification and packaging of proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Cholesterol production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lysosomes in cells?

Breakdown of polymers and destruction of damaged cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about centrioles?

Centrioles aid in organizing chromosomes during cell division. Signup and view all the answers

What do cilia primarily assist with?

Locomotion and filtration Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the chloroplast in plant cells?

Capturing solar energy Signup and view all the answers

How do vacuoles function in plant cells?

They store water and food materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells require more Golgi apparatus due to their secretion functions?

Pancreas cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of lysosomes within cells?

To break down polymers Signup and view all the answers

Why do white blood cells contain more lysosomes than other cell types?

To destroy pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What process do lysosomes assist in for all cells?

Autolysis Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a bacterium is engulfed by a macrophage?

It is digested by lysosomes that fuse with the vacuole Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is unique to prokaryotic cells?

Reproduces by binary fission Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic shared by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Has ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

How do eukaryotic cells primarily reproduce?

By mitosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding eukaryotic cells?

They contain membrane-bound organelles. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the nucleoid region in prokaryotic cells?

It is where the DNA is concentrated. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Parts

All cells contain a membrane and cytoplasm.
All cells consist of a cytoskeleton to support movement.

The Nucleus

The nucleus is a large, spherical structure that stores and protects the cell's DNA.
DNA is stored in a long strand called chromatin.
All eukaryotic cells that divide produce cells with a nucleus.
Red blood cells don’t have a nucleus to allow room for hemoglobin to bind oxygen.

### The Nucleolus

Located inside the nucleus.
DNA is concentrated in the nucleolus.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes move out of the nucleus to assemble proteins by linking amino acids together through peptide bonds.
Some float freely in the cytoplasm while others are attached to organelles.
A large subunit and small subunit make a complete ribosome.

### Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Flattened sacs that function like a highway.
Ribosomes can attach to the rough ER.
It produces proteins and phospholipids for cells.
The smooth ER is a network of connected tubes without ribosomes.
It produces cholesterol.

### The Mitochondria

Located in the cytoplasm.
Where energy is produced for cells.
Glucose is converted into chemical energy (ATP) here.
Cells with high energy demands (muscle, liver, sperm) have a lot of mitochondria.

### Golgi Apparatus

A system of flat sacs that modify and package proteins.
Receives material from the ER in spheres called vesicles.
Vesicles containing protein are "address labeled."

### Vocabulary

Cytoplasm: where organelles are suspended.
Chromatin: where DNA is copied to RNA to build proteins.
Subunit: a smaller component of a molecule, usually a protein molecule.

### Lysosomes

Contain digestive enzymes to break down polyers so cells can use them for energy production or to create new structures.
All cells use lysosomes for autolysis, the process of destroying old/damaged cells.
White blood cells have more lysosomes to destroy pathogens.
The liver uses them to convert glycogen to glucose.

Cilia

Hair-like structures on the outside of a cell.
Assist with movement in unicellular organisms and to move eggs in ovaries.
Serve as filters in lung cells.

Flagella

Long, single strands that aid in movement in unicellular organisms or single cells.
Help to propel sperm cells, bacteria, and protists.

### Centrioles

Structures made from cytoskeleton pieces that are used during cell division.
Make fibers that attach and organize chromosomes, letting new cells get the right number.
Found in animal cells, NOT plant cells.

### Plant Cells

Have several vacuoles for storage, including a large central vacuole for water storage.
The main plastid is the chloroplast, containing chlorophyll to capture solar energy.

### Animal Cell

A diagram of an animal cell is present.

### Vocabulary

Autolysis: Self breakdown.
Cytoskeleton: Large network of protein fibers, etc., that gives shape and structure to cells inside the body.
Vacuole: Membrane-bound organelle in a cell that stores stuff like water and food for cell survival.

### The Golgi Apparatus and Vesicles

Pancreas cells need a lot of Golgi apparatus because they are a gland that secretes insulin, glucagon, and lipase to other body parts.
Nerve cells also need a lot of Golgi apparatus because they secrete neurotransmitters—chemicals between other nerve cells.

Lysosomes

Lysosomes are vesicles that contain digestive enzymes.
They break down polymers of the four macromolecules so that the cell can use them for energy or to produce new structures.
White blood cells have more lysosomes so that they can destroy pathogens, and the liver uses them to convert glycogen to glucose.
All cells use lysosomes for the process of autolysis ("self breakdown") to destroy old or damaged cells.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Venn Diagram

This diagram compares two types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

### Prokaryotic Cells

Characteristics:
- Archea and Eubacteria.
- Doesn't have a nucleus.
- Lacks membrane-bound organelles.
- Has a cell wall.
- Has cytoplasm.
- Reproduces by binary fission.
- Smaller in size.
- Has a nucleoid region.

### Eukaryotic Cells

Characteristics:
- Protists, plants, animals, fungi.
- Has DNA.
- Has ribosomes.
- Has a nucleus.
- Has a cell/plasma membrane.
- Has membrane-bound organelles.
- Has cytoplasm.
- Uses mitosis to make new cells.
- Can have a nucleus.
- Larger in size.

### Overlapping Characteristics

Has DNA
Has ribosomes
Has cytoplasm

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This quiz covers key components of cell biology, including the structure and functions of the nucleus, nucleolus, ribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum. Test your knowledge on how these cell parts work together to support life. Ideal for students studying biology at any level.