Cell Biology Overview Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the Cell Theory?

All organisms are made up of cells.

Cells are capable of self-reproduction.

Cells come only from preexisting cells.

All of the above. (correct)

What is a plasma membrane?

A membrane surrounding the cytoplasm consisting of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

What is cytoplasm?

The region of a cell between the nucleus and the plasma membrane.

What is the function of the cell wall?

Acts as protection for bacteria and contains peptidoglycan. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a eukaryotic cell?

A membrane-bound nucleus and membranous organelles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

The presence of a nucleus and a variety of other organelles. Signup and view all the answers

Both animal and plant cells contain mitochondria.

True Signup and view all the answers

Chloroplasts are primarily found in animal cells.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus?

Stores the genetic material. Signup and view all the answers

What is chromatin?

A network of DNA strands and associated proteins within a nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What are ribosomes?

Sites of protein synthesis in a cell. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

Modifies, sorts, and packages lipids and proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What are lysosomes?

Membrane-bound vesicles that contain hydrolytic enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

What are vacuoles?

Storage organelles found in plant cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Use solar energy to synthesize carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mitochondria?

Produce ATP during cellular respiration. Signup and view all the answers

What are thylakoids?

Flattened sacs that contain chlorophyll. Signup and view all the answers

What is granum?

A stack of thylakoids containing chlorophyll. Signup and view all the answers

What is chlorophyll?

A pigment located within the thylakoid membrane that captures solar energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of actin filaments?

Play a role in the movement of the cell and its organelles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Theory

States all organisms consist of cells, which are capable of self-reproduction.
Cells arise only from preexisting cells, emphasizing their role in biological processes.

Plasma Membrane

Composed of a phospholipid bilayer embedded with proteins, regulating molecular traffic.
Serves as a protective boundary between a cell's internal contents and the external environment.

Cytoplasm

The aqueous region within a cell, situated between the nucleus/nucleoid and the plasma membrane.
Contains various organelles suspended in the cytosol.

Cell Wall

Provides structural protection particularly in bacteria, giving shape and rigidity.
Composed primarily of peptidoglycan, distinguishing bacterial cells from eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Cell

Characterized by a membrane-bound nucleus and membranous organelles, facilitating greater complexity in functions.

Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells feature a nucleus, unlike prokaryotic cells, which have no such compartmentalization.
Eukaryotes also possess a diverse assortment of organelles enabling specialized functions.

Animal and Plant Cells

Both cell types contain mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell.
Plant cells uniquely feature chloroplasts for photosynthesis, enabling them to convert sunlight into energy.

Nucleus

The most prominent organelle in eukaryotic cells, housing genetic material (DNA).
Functions as the control center for cellular activities and gene expression.

Chromatin

A structure composed of DNA strands and proteins within the nucleus, playing a role in packaging DNA.
Condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Ribosomes

Sites for protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.
Composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins, crucial for cellular growth and function.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages lipids and proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) into vesicles.
Involved in lysosome formation, which contain enzymes for intracellular digestion.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic enzymes, breaking down macromolecules and bacteria.
Often referred to as the cell’s waste disposal system.

Vacuoles

Larger in plant cells, these organelles store substances such as water, salts, sugars, and pigments.
Help maintain turgor pressure against the cell wall in plant cells.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that capture sunlight to synthesize carbohydrates through photosynthesis.
Contain thylakoids where light reactions occur.

Mitochondria

Membrane-enclosed organelles responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration.
Often called the "powerhouse of the cell."

Thylakoids

Flat sac-like membranes within chloroplasts, essential for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Contain chlorophyll, the pigment crucial for capturing solar energy.

Grana

Stacks of thylakoids, increasing the efficiency of light absorption for photosynthesis.
Located within chloroplasts, these structures house chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment situated in the thylakoid membranes, essential for photosynthesis.
Captures solar energy, enabling the synthesis of carbohydrates.

Actin Filament

A type of cytoskeletal filament, integral to cell movement and the transport of organelles within the cell.
Plays a key role in maintaining cell shape and motility.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of cell biology, including cell theory, types of cells, and their structures. This quiz covers essential information about eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, as well as cellular components like the plasma membrane and cell wall.