Chemical Make Up of Cells

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

To synthesize lipids and proteins

To convert energy into ATP

To direct where proteins and lipids are supposed to go (correct)

To carry nutrients to the cytoplasm

How do lysosomes contribute to cellular function?

They store nutrients for the cell

They contain digestive enzymes to break down substances (correct)

They capture energy from light

They synthesize proteins for cellular repair

What is the role of mitochondria in the cell?

To provide structural support

To transport proteins to the membrane

To conduct photosynthesis

To supply energy needed for cellular operations (correct)

Which process occurs in mitochondria to produce ATP?

Aerobic respiration Signup and view all the answers

Why can thylakoids capture energy from light?

They contain chlorophyll, a pigment that facilitates photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of both mitochondria and chloroplasts?

They contain their own DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the cytoskeleton?

Protein filaments and tubules Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic allows cytoskeleton components to change shape?

They break and reform noncovalent bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structure of a phospholipid in plasma membranes?

A bilayer of phospholipids Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the selectively permeable membrane?

To regulate what can move in and out of the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of ribosomes in the endoplasmic reticulum?

To turn amino acids into proteins Signup and view all the answers

What does the nuclear envelope do?

Surrounds and protects the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT typically found in prokaryotic cells?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What structure is primarily involved in building proteins and lipids?

Endoplasmic reticulum Signup and view all the answers

What allows for the hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics of phospholipids?

The polar and nonpolar regions of their molecules Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plasma Membranes

Encloses the cell.
Composed of a phospholipid bilayer: two layers of phospholipids.
Phospholipids have hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.
Hydrophilic heads face outward towards water; hydrophobic tails face inward, away from water.
Selectively permeable membrane; regulates what enters and exits the cell via protein channels.

Prokaryotic Basic Cell Structure (Bacteria & Archaea)

Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Possess a cell membrane and a cell wall (composition varies between bacteria and archaea).
Significantly smaller than eukaryotic cells.
Contain DNA, RNA, proteins, and ions within the cytosol (everything inside the cell membrane).

Eukaryotic Structures (Animals & Plants)

Share many common features.
Cytoplasm: The internal environment of the cell membrane.
Nucleus: Contains DNA; sends instructions for cell function. Surrounded by a nuclear envelope (double membrane).
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Attached to the nucleus; a primary site for protein and lipid synthesis. Rough ER has ribosomes; smooth ER produces lipids and membrane-bound vesicles for transporting proteins.
Golgi Apparatus: Processes and packages proteins and lipids; directs their transport within or out of the cell via vesicles.
Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes; can merge with vesicles to break down materials.
Vacuoles: Larger in plant cells; store water, nutrients, and waste.
Mitochondria: The "powerhouse" of the cell; generate ATP (energy) through aerobic respiration (using oxygen and sugars). Double-membraned; cristae (inner membrane folds) increase surface area for ATP production.
Chloroplasts (Plants & some protists): Double-membraned; contain thylakoids (internal membrane stacks) where photosynthesis occurs. Chlorophyll is the pigment capturing light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars.
Cytoskeleton: Internal network of fibers and tubules providing structural support and enabling changes in cell shape. Composed of protein filaments and constantly reforming due to non-covalent bonds.

Endosymbiotic Relationship

Mitochondria and chloroplasts may have originated through an endosymbiotic relationship, where a smaller cell lived inside a larger cell.
Both contain their own DNA and divide independently within the larger cell.

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Description

Explore the essential features of cell structures, including plasma membranes, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cell components. This quiz covers the differences between bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic cells, providing insights into their unique features and functions. Test your knowledge of the fundamental aspects of cellular biology.