Cell Structure and Functions Quiz

Cell Membrane

• Surrounds the outside of the cell
• Controls what substances can enter and exit the cell
• Separates the cell from neighboring cells
• Acts like a security guard

Cytoplasm (Cytosol)

• Jelly-like fluid inside the cell
• Includes the organelles
• Fills the space between the cell membrane and the nucleus
• The liquid, watery part of cytoplasm is called cytosol
• Acts like Jell-O

Nucleus

• Controls and directs all of the cell's activities
• Protects the cell's genetic material (chromatin, also known as DNA)
• DNA contains the instructions for protein synthesis
• Protected by a nuclear membrane (double membrane)
• Allows certain materials to enter and exit through nuclear pores
• Acts like the brain

Ribosomes

• Small, grain-like bodies, floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum
• Site of protein production
• Acts like a work bench or a conveyor belt

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER) and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

• System of membranes connecting the nuclear membrane to the cell membrane
• Rough ER has ribosomes on it. It provides a surface for chemical reactions.
• Acts as channels for storage or transport
• Smooth ER is involved in making and transporting lipids.
• Acts like a massive shipping facility

Golgi Body

• Flattened stacks of membranes (looks like pita bread)
• Packages, tags, and ships proteins to their destinations inside or outside of the cell
• Packages are membrane-surrounded "bubbles" called vesicles
• Acts like a mailroom

Lysosomes

• Small membrane sacs or spheres
• Contains enzymes to digest food, old cell parts, and waste
• Acts like garbage disposal

Mitochondria

• Jelly-bean shaped structure with an outer membrane and inner membrane (folded)
• Produces usable energy for the cell by breaking down glucose
• Acts like a battery or power station of the cell

Cytoskeleton

• Consists of microfilaments and microtubules
• Helps give the cell its shape
• Assists with movement of materials and organelles inside the cell
• Acts like the roads and pathways of the cell

Cilia

• Fine, hair-like projections on the outside of some cells
• Moves substances over the surface of a cell or the whole cell
• Acts like hair

Flagella

• One (or two) singular projections on the outside of some cells
• Moves the whole cell
• Acts like a tail

Inclusions

• Chemicals that are not considered part of the cell, but are found in the cytoplasm of some cells
• Examples include hemoglobin (red pigment in red blood cells) and melanin (pigment in skin, hair, and the iris)

Test your knowledge on basic cell structures, including the cell membrane, nucleus, and organelles like ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. This quiz covers essential functions and characteristics vital for understanding cellular biology.