Cell Structure and Function Quiz

The nucleus is the control center of a eukaryotic cell. It houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and directs all cellular activities.

The cell theory states that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living organisms, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

The nucleolus is a dense region within the nucleus responsible for producing ribosomes, crucial for protein synthesis.

Light microscopes use visible light to illuminate the specimen, while electron microscopes use a beam of electrons to illuminate the specimen. Electron microscopes have far higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes.

Chromatin is the combination of DNA and proteins in the nucleus. It allows DNA to be tightly packed and organized, facilitating cell division and gene regulation.

A prokaryotic cell is a simple type of cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells are typically found in bacteria and archaea.

The ER is a network of interconnected membrane-bound sacs and tubes that serves as a transport system within the cell. It plays a role in protein and lipid synthesis.

A eukaryotic cell is a complex type of cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells are found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its surface, making it appear rough. It's involved in protein modification and transport. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

The plasma membrane is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds every cell. It controls what enters and leaves the cell and is selectively permeable, allowing some substances to pass through while blocking others.

The Golgi apparatus is a stack of flattened, membrane-bound sacs that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids received from the ER. It acts as the cell's postal service.

The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the space between the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope in a cell. It contains various organelles and dissolved molecules.

Ribosomes are small organelles responsible for protein synthesis in cells. They are made of RNA and proteins and are found in all living organisms.

The Golgi apparatus receives proteins and lipids from the ER, modifies them, sorts them, packages them into vesicles, and sends them to their final destination.

The ER and Golgi apparatus work together as a team in protein synthesis, modification, and transport. The ER produces proteins, which are then transported to the Golgi apparatus for further processing.

DNA is a long, double-stranded molecule that carries the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism. It is housed within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and in the nucleoid region of prokaryotic cells.

A cell organelle that processes, packages, and distributes molecules synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Membrane-bound vesicles containing digestive enzymes that break down unwanted molecules, such as old organelles, toxins, and pathogens.

Two small cylindrical structures found only in animal cells, composed of microtubules, that organize the cytoskeleton and aid in chromosome movement during cell division.

Short, numerous hair-like projections from the cell membrane that contain microtubules and are used to move fluids or propel the cell.

Long, whip-like extensions from the cell membrane that contain microtubules and are used for cell movement.

Simple membrane-bound sacs in the cytoplasm that primarily function in storage and structural support, particularly in plant cells.

Organelles responsible for generating energy for the cell through aerobic respiration, breaking down glucose to release energy.

Green organelles containing chlorophyll, found in plant cells, where photosynthesis takes place.

The lipid bilayer is selectively permeable, allowing small uncharged molecules like water and CO2 to pass through but blocking larger molecules like glucose and ions (Na+, Cl-, Ca2+).

Integral proteins are permanently embedded within the cell membrane, often spanning the entire bilayer. They act as channels, transporters, and receptors.

Peripheral proteins are temporarily attached to the surface of the cell membrane through non-covalent interactions. They can act as enzymes or structural support.

The glycocalyx is a sugar-coated layer that covers the exterior of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. It's composed of glycoproteins and glycolipids, aiding in cell recognition and protection.

Passive transport moves substances across the cell membrane without requiring energy. It occurs when there's a concentration gradient, and molecules move from high to low concentration.

Diffusion is a type of passive transport where molecules move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. This happens until the concentration is equal on both sides.

Osmosis is the special case of diffusion for water. Water molecules move across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration.

Active transport requires energy to move substances across the cell membrane, often against the concentration gradient (from low to high concentration).

Movement of molecules across a membrane without the help of proteins. Molecules move from high to low concentration.

Movement of molecules across a membrane with the help of protein carriers. Molecules bind to the carriers and are transported across.

A protein pump that uses ATP to move sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, maintaining cell potential.

Process where the cell membrane engulfs material and brings it into the cell. This can be of solid particles (phagocytosis) or liquid (pinocytosis).

Process where the cell releases material from inside to the outside. Vesicles containing the material fuse with the cell membrane and release their contents.

Different ways molecules move across the cell membrane, including simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, active transport, and bulk transport (endocytosis and exocytosis).