Cell Biology Revision Session

12 Questions

How do lysosomes contribute to preventing the spread of infection within cells?

By destroying infected cells early on

What is the main function of lysosomes in a cell?

Break down cellular waste or foreign invaders

What is the primary role of centrosomes during cell division?

Organizing and separating chromosomes

What is the unique feature of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Responsible for photosynthesis

What is the function of a cell wall in plant cells?

Provides structural support

Name two types of organelles found in plant cells but not in animal cells.

Chloroplasts and plastids

Who was the scientist credited with the first observation of cells?

Robert Hooke

What are the two main types of cells based on the presence of a true nucleus?

Prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells

What organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria

What is the main function of the Golgi apparatus in a cell?

Packaging and modifying products from the endoplasmic reticulum

What is the structural difference between plant cells and animal cells regarding the cell wall?

Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose, while animal cells lack a cell wall

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum near the nucleus and what are their main functions?

Smooth ER contains lipids, Rough ER has ribosomes for protein synthesis

Study Notes

The speaker is providing a 15-minute revision session on the fundamental unit of life chapter, specifically focusing on cell biology.
Cells are divided into two main types: prokaryotic cells (primitive, lacking a true nucleus) and eukaryotic cells (true nucleus with nuclear membrane and nucleolus).
Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane, containing chromatin threads and a nucleolus surrounded by a nuclear envelope.
Types of cells based on structure include unicellular organisms (single-celled) and multicellular organisms (composed of multiple cells).
The discovery of cells was first observed by Robert Hooke, followed by additional contributions from Robert Brown and Matthias Schleiden.
Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose, providing flexibility, strength, and a distinct shape, while animal cells lack a cell wall.
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for energy production through aerobic respiration.
Smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum are organelles near the nucleus: smooth ER contains lipids and rough ER has ribosomes for protein synthesis.
The Golgi apparatus functions in packaging and modifying products from the endoplasmic reticulum, preparing them for transport.
Lysosomes are organelles containing hydrolytic enzymes that break down cellular waste or foreign invaders in compromised situations, leading to cell death.- Lysosomes help prevent the spread of infection within cells by destroying infected cells early on.
Lysosomes also help in digesting waste material in dead cells, maintaining hygiene within the cell.
Vacuoles in animal cells store food or small products, while in plant cells, they can be much larger and prominent.
During cell division, centrosomes are essential for organizing and separating chromosomes.
Cell membrane is composed of proteins and lipids, creating a fluid-filled cytoplasm where organelles are suspended.
Chloroplasts are unique to plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, containing pigments that capture sunlight for energy production.
Cell wall provides structural support to plant cells, acting like a rigid wall around the cell, not found in animal cells.
Plant cells contain various organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, plastids, and plasma membrane, along with nuclear membrane, nucleus, and nucleolus.