Cell Organelle Functions Quiz

Nucleus: Stores DNA and is responsible for transcription, the process of creating RNA from DNA.
Mitochondria: Powerhouses of the cell; generate energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): A network of membranes involved in protein synthesis and transport.
Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis; translate genetic information from mRNA into proteins.
Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for breaking down waste products, cellular debris, and engulfed materials.
Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles within the cell.
Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support, aids in cell movement, and plays a role in cell division.
Plasma Membrane: Regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell, participates in cell signaling and provides protection.
Chloroplasts (in plant cells): Sites of photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars.
Peroxisomes: Breakdown fatty acids and amino acids, produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a byproduct.

Protein Synthesis: Ribosomes, ER, and Golgi Apparatus work together to synthesize, modify, and package proteins.
Cellular Respiration: Mitochondria and the ER work together to provide energy for the cell.
Cell Signaling: Plasma membrane and cytoskeleton interact to receive and transmit signals within and between cells.
Photosynthesis (in plant cells): Chloroplasts and Mitochondria work together to convert light energy into chemical energy and use that energy for cellular processes.

Movement: Microtubules (tubulin), microfilaments (actin), and intermediate filaments play crucial roles in cell and organelle movement.
Structural Support: Provides structural support, maintaining the cell's shape and integrity.
Cell Division: Essential for separating chromosomes during cell division.

Evidence: Mitochondria and chloroplasts possess their own DNA, distinct from the cell's nuclear DNA. Their membrane structures resemble bacterial membranes.
Support: Suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from ancient bacteria that were engulfed by primitive eukaryotic cells. This symbiotic relationship eventually led to the evolution of modern eukaryotic cells.

Muscle cells: High abundance of mitochondria for energy production to support contraction.
Nerve cells: More mitochondria and ER to produce and transport neurotransmitters.
Plant cells: Many chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Pancreatic cells: Extensive ER and Golgi Apparatus for insulin production and secretion.

Bacteria: Prokaryotic cells; lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryotic cells: Simple cells, including bacteria and archaea, without a nucleus.
Eukaryotic cells: Complex cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; can be single-celled or multicellular.

Plasma membrane: Essential for regulating the passage of substances and maintaining cell integrity.
Cytoplasm: The gel-like substance within the cell that contains organelles and other components.
Genetic material (DNA/RNA): Instructions for cell processes, including protein synthesis.
Metabolic processes: Chemical reactions necessary for life, such as energy production and waste removal.

Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis; translate mRNA into protein sequences.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Provides a network for protein folding, modification, and transport.
Golgi Apparatus: Further modifies proteins, sorts, and packages them for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Missing mitochondria: Impaired energy production, leading to cell dysfunction.
Missing lysosomes: Disruption of cellular digestion and recycling; accumulation of cellular debris.
Missing ER: Disruption of protein synthesis and transport; impaired cellular function.

Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration outside the cell; water moves out of the cell, causing it to shrink.
Isotonic: Equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell; no net movement of water.
Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration outside the cell; water moves into the cell, causing it to swell.

Concentration gradient: The difference in solute concentration across a membrane; a steeper gradient leads to faster osmosis.
Surface area: Larger surface area allows for faster osmosis.
Temperature: Higher temperature increases the rate of osmosis.
Pressure: Increased pressure slows down osmosis.

Hypertonic: Cell appears shrunken, membrane pulls away from the cell wall (in plant cells).
Hypotonic: Cell swells, membrane stretches.
Isotonic: Cell remains unchanged in size.

Active Transport: Requires energy (ATP) to move molecules against their concentration gradient. Examples include pumping ions and transporting large molecules.
Passive Transport: Does not require energy; molecules move down their concentration gradient. Examples include diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.

Concentration gradient changes: Measuring changes in the concentration of the transported molecule on either side of the membrane.
ATP consumption: Measuring the amount of ATP used during transport.
Ion or molecule movement against concentration gradient: Observing the movement of the molecule from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration.
Use of transport proteins/inhibitors: Using specific inhibitors to block transport proteins and observe the effects on transport.

Facilitated Diffusion: Uses transport proteins to move molecules across membranes; faster rate and specific for certain molecules.
Simple Diffusion: Does not use transport proteins; slower rate and non-specific for molecules.

Macromolecules: Large molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids.
Polymers: Long chains of monomers (e.g., proteins, DNA).
Monomers: Small building blocks that make up polymers (e.g., amino acids, sugars, nucleotides).

Selective permeability: The property of a membrane that allows some substances to pass through while blocking others.
Transport proteins (channel, carrier): Proteins embedded in membranes that facilitate the movement of specific molecules.
Osmotic pressure: The pressure required to prevent the inward flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.
Tonicity: A measure of the relative solute concentration of two solutions separated by a semipermeable membrane.