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Questions and Answers
What are organelles and what is their role in the cell?
Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions, contributing to the overall functioning of the cell.
What is the nucleus and what are its main functions?
The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing most of the cell's genetic material (DNA), and is responsible for regulating cell growth, division, and reproduction.
What is the function of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane is semi-permeable, regulating what enters and leaves the cell, providing structural support and maintaining cell shape, and acting as a barrier against external substances.
What is the cytoskeleton and what is its role in the cell?
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Which organelle is responsible for generating most of the energy for the cell through cellular respiration?
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What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?
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What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?
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What is the difference between passive and active cell transport?
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What is the structural characteristic of the inner membrane of mitochondria that increases its surface area?
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Where can ribosomes be found in a cell?
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Study Notes
Organelles
- Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions
- Examples: nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, Golgi apparatus
- Each organelle has a unique structure and function that contributes to the overall functioning of the cell
Nucleus
- Control center of the cell
- Contains most of the cell's genetic material (DNA)
- Surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope
- Has pores that allow for the exchange of materials with the cytoplasm
- Responsible for regulating cell growth, division, and reproduction
Cell Membrane
- Thin layer of lipid and protein molecules that surrounds the cell
- Semi-permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through while keeping others out
- Functions:
- Regulates what enters and leaves the cell
- Provides structural support and maintains cell shape
- Acts as a barrier against external substances
Cytoskeleton
- Network of protein filaments that crisscross the cell
- Provides structural support and shape to the cell
- Involved in cell movement, division, and signaling
- Composed of three main types of filaments:
- Microtubules
- Microfilaments
- Intermediate filaments
Mitochondria
- Often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell
- Responsible for generating energy for the cell through cellular respiration
- Have two main parts: outer membrane and inner membrane
- Inner membrane is highly folded, increasing surface area for energy production
Ribosomes
- Small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm
- Responsible for protein synthesis
- Read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains
- Can be found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum
Cell Transport
- Movement of molecules across the cell membrane
- Types of cell transport:
- Passive transport:
- Diffusion
- Osmosis
- Facilitated diffusion
- Active transport:
- Requires energy input
- Examples: pumping ions or molecules against their concentration gradient
- Passive transport:
- Cell transport is essential for maintaining proper cellular function and responding to changes in the environment
Organelles and Cellular Components
- Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions, such as nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, and Golgi apparatus.
Nucleus
- The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing most of the cell's genetic material (DNA).
- It is surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope, with pores that allow for the exchange of materials with the cytoplasm.
- The nucleus regulates cell growth, division, and reproduction.
Cell Membrane
- The cell membrane is a thin layer of lipid and protein molecules that surrounds the cell.
- It is semi-permeable, regulating what enters and leaves the cell, and provides structural support and maintains cell shape.
- It acts as a barrier against external substances.
Cytoskeleton
- The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that crisscross the cell, providing structural support and shape.
- It is involved in cell movement, division, and signaling.
- The cytoskeleton is composed of three main types of filaments: microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
Mitochondria
- Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, generating energy through cellular respiration.
- They have two main parts: an outer membrane and a highly folded inner membrane, increasing surface area for energy production.
Ribosomes
- Ribosomes are small organelles found throughout the cytoplasm, responsible for protein synthesis.
- They read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains.
- Ribosomes can be found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Cell Transport
- Cell transport is the movement of molecules across the cell membrane, essential for maintaining proper cellular function and responding to changes in the environment.
- There are two types of cell transport:
- Passive transport: diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion
- Active transport: requires energy input, pumping ions or molecules against their concentration gradient.
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Description
Learn about the specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions, including the nucleus, mitochondria, and more.
