16 Questions
What is the primary function of the cell nucleus?
Protecting the majority of the DNA within each cell
What is the origin of chloroplasts?
They evolved from once free-living bacteria
What is the result of the light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis?
The formation of ATP and NADPH
What is the purpose of chlorophyll in chloroplasts?
To capture light energy
What is the Calvin cycle responsible for?
Fixing CO2 into organic molecules
What is the result of the light-independent reactions in photosynthesis?
The conversion of CO2 to organic molecules
Why are chloroplasts essential for plants and photosynthetic algae?
They generate energy through photosynthesis
What is a characteristic of chloroplasts that is similar to solar panels?
They convert light energy into a usable form
What is the primary source of energy for Rafflesia?
The Tetrastigma vines it parasitizes
What is the purpose of stomata in most plants?
To take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen
What is the byproduct of carbon fixation in plants?
O2
Where was CAM metabolism first discovered and studied?
Crassula plants
What is the primary function of anabolism?
Building simple molecules into more complex ones
What happens to the energy released during catabolism?
It is stored in the bonds of ATP
What is the result of increasing ATP concentrations in the cell during catabolism?
The ATP becomes much more likely to release its energy
Why do most plants open their stomata during the day?
Because that is when energy is received from the Sun
Study Notes
Cell Nucleus
- The cell nucleus is a large organelle in eukaryotic organisms that protects most of the DNA within each cell.
- It produces precursors necessary for protein synthesis.
- The DNA housed within the cell nucleus contains information necessary for creating most proteins needed to keep a cell functional.
Chloroplasts
- Chloroplasts are found only in algal and plant cells and produce energy through photosynthesis.
- They have a high concentration of chlorophyll, the molecule that captures light energy, giving plants and algae a green color.
- Chloroplasts are thought to have evolved from once free-living bacteria.
- They are essential for the growth and survival of plants and photosynthetic algae.
Functions of Chloroplasts
- Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, converting light energy to energy stored in the form of sugar and other organic molecules.
- Photosynthesis has two stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).
- In light-dependent reactions, chlorophyll and carotenoids capture sunlight to form ATP and NADPH.
- In the Calvin cycle, NADPH converts inorganic carbon dioxide to an organic molecule in the form of a carbohydrate (CO2 fixation).
- Carbohydrates and other organic molecules can be stored and used at a later time for energy.
Special Cases
- Rafflesia, a parasitic plant genus, has lost its chloroplasts and obtains its nutrients from other plants.
- CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) is a method of carbon fixation evolved by some plants in dry circumstances.
- CAM plants open their stomata at night to take in CO2 and release O2, reducing water loss.
Metabolism
- Catabolism is the part of metabolism responsible for breaking complex molecules down into smaller molecules.
- During catabolism, energy is released from the bonds of large molecules and stored in ATP.
- ATP concentrations increase as nutrients and food are broken down, making it more likely to be used for energy.
This quiz covers the structure and functions of the cell nucleus and chloroplast organelles in eukaryotic cells, including their roles in protein synthesis and photosynthesis.
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