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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
Which organelle is responsible for performing cellular respiration?
Which organelle is responsible for performing cellular respiration?
What role do lysosomes play in the cell?
What role do lysosomes play in the cell?
What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?
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Which structure is considered the control center of the cell?
Which structure is considered the control center of the cell?
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What is the main difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
What is the main difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
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What is primarily stored in the central vacuole of plant cells?
What is primarily stored in the central vacuole of plant cells?
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Which process describes the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration?
Which process describes the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration?
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What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plant cells?
What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plant cells?
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During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
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What is the fate of chromatids during anaphase?
What is the fate of chromatids during anaphase?
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Which structure is responsible for the strength and rigidity of plant cells?
Which structure is responsible for the strength and rigidity of plant cells?
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What occurs during cytokinesis in animal cells?
What occurs during cytokinesis in animal cells?
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Which statement about mitosis is correct?
Which statement about mitosis is correct?
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What are chromosomes comprised of?
What are chromosomes comprised of?
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Which phase follows prophase in the mitotic process?
Which phase follows prophase in the mitotic process?
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What occurs during apoptosis?
What occurs during apoptosis?
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Which of the following accurately differentiates plant cells from animal cells?
Which of the following accurately differentiates plant cells from animal cells?
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Study Notes
Cell Structure and Function
- Cells are the fundamental units of life, found in all living organisms.
- Cells take in nutrients and release waste products.
- Cells can reproduce by dividing.
- Organelles within cells perform essential life processes like nutrient intake, gas exchange, movement, waste removal, growth, reproduction, and responding to stimuli.
Cell Components and Their Roles
- Cell Membrane: A protective, lipid bilayer barrier. Semi-permeable, allowing selective substance passage; diffusion occurs across it.
- Cytoplasm: A jelly-like substance filling the cell; holds organelles, nutrients, allowing internal movement.
- Nucleus: The control center, containing DNA (stored as chromatin, or chromosomes during division). Enclosed by a nuclear envelope with pores.
- Vacuoles: Storage compartments for nutrients, wastes, and other substances. Plant cells have a large central vacuole for support.
- Mitochondria: The "powerhouse" of the cell; site of cellular respiration (glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy).
- Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for digesting cellular waste, bacteria, and damaged organelles.
- Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins based on DNA instructions; can be free-floating or bound to the ER.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): A network of interconnected tubes for transport within cells; Rough ER has ribosomes for protein synthesis; Smooth ER makes fats and oils.
- Golgi Apparatus: Processes, modifies, and packages proteins for delivery.
- Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support and maintains cell shape.
Plant Cell Specifics
- Cell Wall: A rigid outer layer providing support, protection and strength only found in plants, bacteria, fungi, and some algae.
- Chloroplasts: Sites of photosynthesis (carbon dioxide + water + sunlight → glucose + oxygen). Containing chlorophyll, they are only in plant cells and some algae.
- Thylakoids are stacks of compartments within a Chloroplast and are surrounded by stroma.
Animal vs. Plant Cells
- Plant cells have cell walls, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole; animal cells lack these.
- Animal cells contain centrioles (important for cell division).
Cell Cycle and Mitosis
- The cell cycle is a repeating series of events; cell division involves mitosis forming two daughter cells for growth and repair.
- Chromosomes: Long DNA strands, visible during division. Humans have 46.
- Chromosomes consist of identical chromatids joined by a centromere.
- Mitosis stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
- Prophase: Chromatin condenses, nuclear envelope breaks down, spindle fibers form.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator.
- Anaphase: Chromatids separate to opposite poles.
- Telophase: Chromosomes uncoil, nuclear envelope reforms, nucleolus reappears.
Cytokinesis
- Cytoplasm division after nucleus division, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
- Animals pinch at the cell membrane; plants form a cell plate.
Factors Affecting Mitosis
- Factors like altitude, light and chemicals (e.g., antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs) affect mitosis rates.
Cell Longevity and Death
- Cells can die due to damage (necrosis) or programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Key Vocabulary
- Mitosis: Cell division for growth and repair
- Chromosomes: Structures made up of DNA and proteins
- Chromatids: Identical pieces of a chromosome
- Cytokinesis: Cytoplasm Division.
- Apoptosis: Programmed cell death.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental units of life with this quiz on cell structure and function. Explore the roles of various organelles including the cell membrane, nucleus, and mitochondria. Perfect for students learning about biology and cellular processes.
