Cell Biology Quiz: Structure and Function
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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of cells in living organisms?

The main function of cells is to maintain proper homeostasis in the organism.

What are the two main types of cells based on their structure?

The two main types of cells are prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

What separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm in a cell?

The nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane.

What is the composition of the cell membrane in terms of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates?

<p>The cell membrane consists of 50-55% lipids, 40-45% proteins, and 5-10% carbohydrates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure of the cell membrane.

<p>The cell membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which has hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What roles do integral and peripheral membrane proteins play in the cell membrane?

<p>Integral proteins span the membrane and assist in transport, while peripheral proteins attach to the membrane's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'homeostasis' as it relates to cell function?

<p>Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of stable internal conditions within a cell or organism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average thickness of the cell membrane?

<p>The average thickness of the cell membrane is about 7.5 nm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the arrangement of phospholipid molecules in the lipid layer and the orientation of their ends.

<p>Phospholipid molecules are arranged in two rows with hydrophobic ends lined up side by side, abutting each other, while the polar heads face outward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of substances can pass through the lipid layer and why?

<p>Only fat-soluble substances like oxygen, carbon dioxide, and alcohol can pass through due to the semi-permeable nature of the lipid layer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between integral membrane proteins and peripheral proteins.

<p>Integral membrane proteins traverse the membrane forming channels, while peripheral proteins are located outside the lipid bilayer but attached to polar heads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does cholesterol play in the cell membrane?

<p>Cholesterol contributes to both lipid density and fluidity of the membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of carbohydrates in the cell membrane.

<p>Carbohydrates form cell surface receptors that enable communication between the extracellular environment and the cell's interior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is endocytosis and how does it function in cellular transport?

<p>Endocytosis is a process where a large molecule enters the cell by the invagination of the plasma membrane, forming an endocytic vesicle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the lipid layer's semi-permeability affects molecule transport.

<p>The lipid layer's semi-permeability means that gases and steroid hormones can pass freely, while other molecules need specific transport mechanisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do glycoproteins and glycolipids contribute to cell membrane function?

<p>Glycoproteins and glycolipids are involved in forming cell surface receptors, facilitating communication and signaling between cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does clathrin play in endocytosis?

<p>Clathrin molecules guide receptor-mediated endocytosis by forming a coated pit on the inner side of the membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of phagocytosis and its significance.

<p>Phagocytosis is a type of endocytosis where immune cells engulf large molecules or cells, like bacteria, forming a phagosome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of pinocytosis?

<p>Pinocytosis involves the uptake of fluids and smaller molecules through the formation of pinocytic vesicles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between passive transport and active transport.

<p>Passive transport moves substances down the concentration gradient without energy, while active transport moves substances against the gradient using energy from ATP hydrolysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is housed within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell?

<p>The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material, DNA, which is organized into chromosomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure forms around the centromere during cell division?

<p>A kinetochore forms around the centromere, attaching chromosomes to the mitotic spindle fibers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of histones in the organization of DNA.

<p>Histones are basic proteins that form nucleosomes around which DNA is wrapped, facilitating the compaction of DNA into chromatin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What processes occur within the nucleus during cell division?

<p>DNA replication and RNA synthesis (transcription) occur within the nucleus during cell division.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What pH level do lysosomes operate at, and why is this significant?

<p>Lysosomes operate at a pH of about 4.5, which is significant because it enables the activation of acid hydrolase enzymes necessary for digestion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between lysosomal storage disorders and hydrolase enzymes.

<p>Lysosomal storage disorders are linked to defects in hydrolase enzymes, which hinder the breakdown and transport of smaller molecules from lysosomes to the cytoplasm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do peroxisomes play in cellular metabolism, and how do they deal with hydrogen peroxide?

<p>Peroxisomes are involved in various oxidation reactions and detoxify hydrogen peroxide by converting it to water and oxygen using the enzyme catalase.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of plasmalogens, and where are they predominantly found?

<p>Plasmalogens are significant as they are a type of phospholipid crucial for the structure of plasma membranes in heart and brain cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequences arise from mutations associated with peroxisomes?

<p>Mutations in peroxisomes can lead to cognitive impairment, developmental issues, intellectual disabilities, impaired vision and hearing, and liver failure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the cristae in the inner mitochondrial membrane?

<p>The cristae increase the surface area, enhancing the mitochondria's ability to generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fluid found inside the mitochondrial matrix.

<p>The mitochondrial matrix contains a gel-like fluid that houses various enzymes, calcium storage, mitochondrial DNA, and ribosomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of molecules do transport vesicles carry, and where do they transport them?

<p>Transport vesicles carry newly synthesized and modified proteins from the Golgi complex to other locations within the cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lysosomes within a cell?

<p>Lysosomes serve as the cell's digestive system, degrading external polymers and performing autophagy on worn-out organelles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do secretary vesicles contribute to cellular function?

<p>Secretary vesicles are involved in secreting proteins and other substances outside the cell by fusing with the plasma membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the permeability of the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes?

<p>The outer mitochondrial membrane is relatively permeable due to porin proteins, while the inner membrane is highly selective in its permeability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the mitochondrial matrix play in programmed cell death?

<p>The mitochondrial matrix is involved in the initiation of programmed cell death, or apoptosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify and explain the function of storage vesicles.

<p>Storage vesicles store specific molecules, such as neurotransmitters, until they are needed for release.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of rough endoplasmic reticulum?

<p>The primary function of rough endoplasmic reticulum is protein synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does smooth endoplasmic reticulum differ from rough endoplasmic reticulum in terms of structure?

<p>Smooth endoplasmic reticulum lacks ribosomes and is mainly composed of tubules, while rough ER has ribosomes and is composed of cisternae.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Golgi complex play in relation to proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum?

<p>The Golgi complex processes, modifies, and packages proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one important function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and explain its significance.

<p>One important function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum is lipid synthesis, which is crucial for producing membranes and hormones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of mitochondria and why is it critical for cellular functions?

<p>Mitochondria have a double membrane system and possess their own DNA, which is critical for energy production through ATP synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus.

<p>The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) supplies proteins to the Golgi apparatus, where they are processed and packaged for transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of endoplasmic reticulum, and what distinguishes their functions?

<p>The two main types of endoplasmic reticulum are rough ER, which synthesizes proteins, and smooth ER, which synthesizes lipids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do mitochondria contribute to the concept of endosymbiotic theory?

<p>Mitochondria contribute to the endosymbiotic theory by demonstrating that they have their own DNA and can multiply independently through fission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Structure and Cell Division

  • Cells are the fundamental structural and functional units of living matter
  • They independently carry out life processes
  • Their primary function is maintaining homeostasis in the organism

Functions of Cells

  • Cells provide structural support to the body
  • Cells take nutrients from food and convert them to energy
  • Cells carry out specialized functions

Types of Cells

  • Cells are categorized as prokaryotic and eukaryotic
  • Prokaryotic cells are unicellular. Eukaryotic cells can be either unicellular or multicellular.
  • Sizes of prokaryotic cells range from 0.2 to 2.0 µm in diameter whilst eukaryotic cells range from 10 to 100 µm in diameter.
  • Prokaryotic cells have a simple cell wall. Eukaryotic cells have a complex cell wall.
  • The nucleus is absent in prokaryotic cells but present in eukaryotic cells.
  • Prokaryotic cells lack mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes. Eukaryotic cells have them.
  • Prokaryotic cells may lack membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells have specialized organelles.
  • Prokaryotic cells reproduce asexually by binary fission. Eukaryotic cells reproduce both asexually and sexually.
  • Examples of prokaryotes are bacteria. Examples of eukaryotes are plant and animal cells.

Cell Structure

  • Cells contain various microscopic structures (organelles) like intermediate filaments, ribosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, nucleus, nucleolus, chromatin, Golgi apparatus, Golgi vesicles, cytoplasm, mitochondria, plasma membrane, microtubules, centrosome, microfilaments, lysosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicle, peroxisome, vacuole

Cell Membrane

  • Also known as plasma membrane. Forms the outer covering of the cell
  • It isolates the cell and maintains the internal environment through ion and nutrient transport
  • Electron micrographs show a thin, invisible structure, sometimes folded into a brush border
  • The average thickness of cell membrane is approximately 7.5 nanometers
  • Composition:
    • Lipids: 50-55%
    • Proteins: 40-45%
    • Carbohydrates: 5-10%
  • Lipids in the cell membrane form a phospholipid bilayer
  • Interspersed within this layer are integral and peripheral membrane proteins
  • The membrane has two ends: a polar/hydrophilic (water-soluble) head end and a non-polar/hydrophobic (water-insoluble) tail end
  • Phospholipid molecules have the hydrophilic ends facing away from each other which are in contact with aqueous solutions. Hydrophobic ends point opposite to each other

Cell Membrane Composition

  • Hydrophilic head: Water-soluble, positive charge
  • Hydrophobic tail: Water-insoluble, negative charge
  • Protein and lipid molecules form the cell’s inner/outer layers
  • The protein molecules are embedded in the polar group

Cell Membrane Functions

  • The lipid layer is semi-permeable. Only fat-soluble substances (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, alcohol) can pass
  • Water-soluble substances (e.g., glucose, urea, electrolytes) cannot pass through the membrane

Proteins in Cell Membrane

  • Integral proteins traverse the cell membrane and form channels for the passage of hydrophilic substances (e.g., water, ions, monosaccharides, amino acids).
  • Peripheral proteins are located on the inner or outer surface of the bilayer.
  • Peripheral protein connects with intracellular cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix to maintain connections

Role of Cholesterol

  • Cholesterol contributes to the membrane's density and fluidity

Role of Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates, as glycoproteins and glycolipids, form cell surface receptors and aid intercellular communication

Membrane Transport

  • Cell membrane is selectively permeable to transport of molecules. Gases and steroids pass freely, others require specific mechanisms.

Types of Transport

  • Endocytosis: Large molecules enter the cell via plasma membrane invagination.
  • Exocytosis: Materials are expelled from the cell via vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane.
  • Pinocytosis: Uptake of fluids and smaller molecules, mediated by pinocytic vesicles.
  • Phagocytosis: A type of endocytosis where large molecules/cells (e.g., bacteria) are engulfed into a phagosome.
  • Simple Diffusion: Molecules move down their concentration gradient
  • Facilitated Diffusion: Molecules need a membrane protein for transport
  • Active Transport: Molecules move against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP)

Nucleus

  • The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells
  • It houses the cell's genetic material, DNA, in the form of chromosomes
  • Chromosomes are thread-like structures of packaged DNA and proteins.
  • A typical chromosome has a centromere (middle) and telomeres (ends).
  • A kinetochore forms around the centromere during cell division for chromosome attachment to mitotic spindle fibers
  • Histones are proteins forming nucleosomes, wrapping the DNA. DNA is supercoiled multiple times to form a chromatin fiber

Nucleoplasm

  • Nucleoplasm is the fluid within the nucleus that suspends components such as DNA, RNA, associated proteins, and enzymes.
  • The nucleoplasm is compartmentalized by a double-layered nuclear membrane with pores, enabling communication and transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm .

Cytoplasm

  • The gel-like substance inside the cell membrane, containing proteins, ions, enzymes, and various organelles
  • It contains numerous organelles with specialized metabolic functions essential for maintaining homeostasis.

Organelles

  • Mitochondria: The "powerhouses" of the cell; generate ATP (energy)
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): A network of membranes involved in synthesis and transport of molecules. Rough ER has ribosomes for protein synthesis. Smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies.
  • Golgi Complex: Processes and packages proteins and lipids
  • Lysosomes: Involved in intracellular digestion and recycling
  • Peroxisomes: Involved in oxidation reactions, particularly breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids
  • Centrosomes: Important in cell division; contains centrioles

Cytoskeleton

  • Provides structural support and facilitates movement of organelles and cell structures
  • Composed of intermediate filaments, microfilaments, and microtubules

Role of Mitochondria

  • Generates energy
  • The powerhouse of the cell

Role of ER

  • Synthesis and transport of molecules within the cell

Role of Golgi Apparatus

  • Processes the products from ER and packs them for cellular use or secretion into vesicles

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Test your knowledge on cell structure and function with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as cell membrane composition, protein roles, and the importance of homeostasis. Gather a deeper understanding of cellular transport and membrane dynamics.

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