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Questions and Answers
What structure controls the movement of substances in and out of a cell?
What structure controls the movement of substances in and out of a cell?
Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
Which of the following is a function of the nucleus?
Which of the following is a function of the nucleus?
What is the primary function of ribosomes in the cell?
What is the primary function of ribosomes in the cell?
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In plant cells, which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis?
In plant cells, which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis?
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Study Notes
Cell Structure and Function
- Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.
- Cells vary in size and shape, depending on their function.
- Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both.
- Key differences include the presence or absence of a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and cell wall.
Cell Organelles
- Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities.
- Mitochondria: "Powerhouses" of the cell, generate ATP through cellular respiration
- Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Involved in protein and lipid synthesis, folding, and transport.
- Golgi apparatus: Processes, packages, and distributes proteins and lipids.
- Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for intracellular digestion.
- Vacuoles: Storage compartments for water, nutrients, and waste.
- Chloroplasts (plant cells only): Site of photosynthesis.
- Cell membrane: The outer boundary of the cell, regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
- Cell wall (plant cells only): Provides support and protection.
Cell Membrane
- The cell membrane is selectively permeable, controlling what enters and exits the cell.
- Its structure is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
- Essential in maintaining homeostasis.
- The fluid mosaic model describes the cell membrane structure.
Cell Transport
- Passive transport: Movement of molecules across the membrane without energy input.
- Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
- Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
- Facilitated diffusion: Movement of molecules with the help of transport proteins.
- Active transport: Movement of molecules across the membrane requiring energy (ATP).
- Endocytosis: Taking large molecules into the cell, engulfing it in a vesicle.
- Exocytosis: Removing large molecules from the cell, sending them out in a vesicle.
Cellular Respiration
- Process of breaking down glucose to produce energy (ATP).
- Occurs in the mitochondria.
- Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain are the main stages.
Photosynthesis
- Process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
- Occurs in chloroplasts.
- Carbon dioxide, water, and light are necessary inputs.
- Oxygen is a byproduct.
Mitosis and Meiosis
- Mitosis: Cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells. Crucial for growth and repair.
- Meiosis: Cell division that produces four genetically different daughter cells. Essential for sexual reproduction.
Cell Cycle
- The cell cycle describes the series of events a cell goes through from one division to the next.
- Interphase: The period of growth and preparation before cell division.
- M phase: The phase of cell division (mitosis or meiosis).
Cell Differentiation
- Process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions.
- Different genes are expressed in different cells, leading to their unique properties.
Introduction to Tissues and Organs
- Cells group together to form tissues, fulfilling specific functions
- Tissues further organize into complex organs, which carry out even more complex tasks; such as the nervous system and circulatory systems.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of cell structure and function. This quiz covers the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the specific roles of various cell organelles. Dive into understanding how these building blocks of life operate and interact.