Cell Biology: Parts of a Cell and Transport

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Questions and Answers

What is cytoplasm?

Collective term for all of the contents of the cell outside the nucleus, but within the cell membrane, supporting the organelles.

What is a lysosome?

Membrane-bound sacs containing enzymes to break down molecules.

What is the function of a vesicle?

Membrane-bound sacs used for transporting materials.

What does a vacuole do?

Used for storage, digestion, and waste removal, mostly for water storage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell membrane?

A double-layered membrane made of phospholipids with embedded proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of chloroplasts?

Converts energy from the sun into glucose through photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the endoplasmic reticulum?

A network of tubes serving as the cell's transportation system. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ribosome responsible for?

Manufacturing proteins within the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Golgi body?

Composed of a stack of flattened sacs responsible for packaging proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What does the mitochondrion do?

Performs cellular respiration to provide energy (ATP) for the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nuclear membrane?

A double membrane that surrounds the nucleus and contains pores. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nucleus?

Acts as the control center of the cell, containing DNA and RNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleolus?

A densely packed region in the nucleus that is involved in making ribosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is chromatin?

Long strands of DNA that condense into chromosomes during cell division. Signup and view all the answers

What does a centriole do?

Involved in cell division and helps to form spindle fibers. Signup and view all the answers

What are microtubules used for?

Used to make spindle fibers during cell division and cilia/flagella in unicellular organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell wall?

Provides support and protection to the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Organelles

Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance supporting organelles; found in both animal and plant cells; encompasses all contents outside the nucleus.
Lysosome: Membrane-bound sacks containing digestive enzymes; break down proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates; can cause cell digestion if ruptured; present in animal cells only.
Vesicle: Membrane-bound sacs for transporting materials; play a role similar to small vacuoles; found in animal cells.
Vacuole: Large membrane-bound sacs primarily for storage and waste removal; crucial for water balance; primarily in plant cells, usually one large vacuole.

Membrane and Energy Conversion

Cell Membrane (Plasma Membrane): Double-layered phospholipid structure with embedded proteins; semi-permeable; regulates material entry and exit; present in both plant and animal cells.
Chloroplast: Organelles in plant cells and algae; contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis; convert sunlight into glucose; provide energy for plants.

Transportation and Protein Synthesis

Endoplasmic Reticulum: Network of tubes extending from the nuclear membrane; can be rough (with ribosomes) or smooth; functions as the transportation system and storage for proteins; found in both plant and animal cells.
Ribosome: Small organelles responsible for protein synthesis; found free-floating or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum; make up a significant portion of the cell's mass; present in both plant and animal cells.
Golgi Body (Golgi Complex/Apparatus): Series of stacked membranes; packages and modifies proteins for storage or export; found in both plant and animal cells.

Energy Production and Central Control

Mitochondrion: Known as the "powerhouse" of the cell; performs cellular respiration; converts nutrients into energy; present in both plant and animal cells.
Nuclear Membrane (Nuclear Envelope): Double membrane surrounding the nucleus; contains pores for material passage; found in both plant and animal cells.
Nucleus: Control center of the cell; houses DNA and transcribes RNA; consists of nuclear envelope, chromatin, and nucleolus; present in both plant and animal cells.

Genetic Material and Division

Nucleolus: Dense structure within the nucleus; involved in ribosome production; visible only when cell is not dividing; found in both plant and animal cells.
Chromatin: Thread-like DNA strands that condense into chromosomes during cell division; contains genetic material; in humans, there are 46 strands; present in both plant and animal cells.

Structural Components

Centriole: Cylindrical organelles involved in cell division; consist of microtubules; found only in animal cells.
Microtubules: Variable-length structures that aid in forming spindle fibers during cell division; also contribute to cilia and flagella in unicellular organisms.
Cell Wall: Rigid structure made of cellulose fibers; provides support and protection; present in plant cells only.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential components of a cell, including the cytoplasm and lysosomes. This quiz covers key definitions and functions of various cell parts and their roles in cellular transport. Perfect for biology students looking to strengthen their understanding of cell structure.