Cell Structure Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Describe the function of the Golgi apparatus and explain why it is important for cell function.

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids received from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It is essential for cell function as it ensures that these molecules are properly processed and delivered to their correct destinations within the cell or for secretion outside the cell.

What is the difference between rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and smooth ER? Explain their respective roles in the cell.

Rough ER is studded with ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage. Rough ER produces proteins that contribute to the cell's structure and function, while smooth ER helps maintain cell membrane integrity and detoxifies harmful substances.

Explain the role of the cytoskeleton in maintaining cell shape and facilitating cell movement.

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that provides structural support and enables cell movement. It helps maintain cell shape, assists in the transport of organelles and vesicles within the cell, and facilitates cell motility through processes like cilia or flagella movement.

Compare and contrast the structure and function of the nucleus and nucleolus.

The nucleus is a large, spherical organelle containing the cell's genetic material (DNA) and functions in regulating gene expression and cell division. The nucleolus is a smaller, spherical structure located within the nucleus. It is responsible for ribosome synthesis. Both are involved in the process of protein synthesis, but the nucleus houses the genetic blueprint, while the nucleolus produces the machinery for translating that blueprint. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the cell membrane and explain its importance in maintaining cell integrity.

The cell membrane is a semi-permeable barrier that controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. It is vital for maintaining cell integrity by regulating the internal environment, preventing the loss of essential molecules, and protecting the cell from harmful substances. Signup and view all the answers

What are the unique organelles found in plant cells, and what are their functions?

Plant cells have unique organelles such as cell walls, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles. The cell wall provides additional structural support and protection. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. Large central vacuoles store water, regulate turgor pressure, and contribute to cell expansion. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why mitochondria are often referred to as the 'powerhouse of the cell.'

Mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration, a process that converts glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the primary energy currency of cells, providing the energy needed for various cellular activities. Hence, mitochondria are considered the 'powerhouse' because they generate the energy vital for cell function. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of lysosomes and explain their importance in maintaining cellular health.

Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes that break down waste products, cellular debris, and foreign substances. They are essential for maintaining cellular health by degrading damaged or worn-out components, recycling cellular materials, and defending against pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the lysosome and how its structure contributes to this function.

Lysosomes are organelles that contain digestive enzymes. Their structure, with a membrane enclosing a compartment filled with enzymes, allows them to break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign substances without harming the rest of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis.

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis. Using mRNA as a template, they translate genetic information into amino acid chains, which are the building blocks of proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?

The cell wall provides structural support and protection for plant cells. It is primarily made of cellulose, which gives it rigidity and helps maintain turgor pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of facilitated diffusion and how it differs from simple diffusion.

Facilitated diffusion is the movement of molecules across a membrane with the help of transport proteins. Unlike simple diffusion, which relies on the concentration gradient, facilitated diffusion requires specific proteins to bind to and transport molecules across the membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions.

An isotonic solution has the same concentration of solutes as the cell's cytoplasm, causing no net water movement. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes, causing water to move out of the cell. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes, causing water to move into the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis?

The cell membrane acts as a selective barrier, regulating what enters and exits the cell. This selective permeability allows the cell to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment, thus contributing to homeostasis. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure of a phospholipid and explain how its structure allows it to form the cell membrane.

A phospholipid has a hydrophilic phosphate head and a hydrophobic lipid tail. This amphipathic nature allows phospholipids to arrange themselves in a bilayer, with the heads facing the watery environment inside and outside the cell, and the tails forming a hydrophobic barrier in the middle. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins.

The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum, modifies them, sorts them, and packages them into vesicles for transport to their final destinations within the cell or outside the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between endocytosis and exocytosis?

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf substances or particles from the external environment and bring them into the cell. Exocytosis is the process by which cells release substances or particles from the internal environment outside the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between phagocytosis and pinocytosis.

Phagocytosis is the engulfment of solid particles by a cell, while pinocytosis is the engulfment of liquid droplets by a cell. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in protein synthesis.

The RER is a network of membranes studded with ribosomes. It receives polypeptide chains from ribosomes and further processes them through folding and modification, creating functional proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of the chloroplast in plant cells.

Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis in plant cells. They convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using carbon dioxide and water. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the vacuole in plant cells.

Vacuoles in plant cells store nutrients, waste products, and water. They also help maintain turgor pressure against the cell wall, which provides structural support for the plant. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concentration gradient drives diffusion.

Diffusion is the movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. This movement is driven by the concentration gradient, as molecules tend to move from areas where they are more crowded to areas where they are less crowded. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the base, stage, and objective lenses on a microscope?

The base provides stability and support for the microscope. The stage is the platform where the slide is placed. The objective lenses are used to magnify the specimen, providing different levels of magnification. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula to find the total magnification of a microscope?

The total magnification is calculated using the formula: Total Magnification = Ocular Magnification x Objective Magnification. Signup and view all the answers

How would you calculate the Field of View (FOV) in micrometers from a measurement in millimeters?

To convert millimeters to micrometers, you multiply the measurement by 1000. Signup and view all the answers

If the diameter of the FOV on low power is measured as 2 mm, what is the diameter in micrometers?

The diameter would be 2000 micrometers, because 2 mm x 1000 = 2000 μm. Signup and view all the answers

What steps should you follow to create a cell drawing under a microscope?

You should add a title with a line, write the magnification on the right, draw a circle for the FOV, label organelles, and use stippling for shading. Signup and view all the answers

How do you determine the diameter of a specimen that occupies one-third of the FOV?

To find the diameter of the specimen, divide the FOV diameter by 3. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Animal and Plant Cell Structure

Animal cells are typically round or irregular in shape, while plant cells are square or rectangular.
Plant cells have unique organelles not found in animal cells, such as cell walls, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.
Animal cells contain centrioles and centrosomes, and lysosomes.
Both plant and animal cells share many of the same organelles.

Organelles and Their Function

Nucleus: Contains DNA, regulates gene expression, controls cell activities and reproduction. Large, sphere-shaped. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Nucleolus: Makes ribosomes and proteins. Located inside the nucleus, sphere-shaped. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Nuclear membrane/envelope: Separates nucleus from cytoplasm. Surrounds the nucleus. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Nuclear pore: Allows small molecules and ions to pass into or out of the nucleus. Small circle/dots on the nuclear membrane. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Chromatin: Packages DNA for fitting within the nucleus. Spaghetti-like structure inside the nucleus (not the nucleolus). Found in both plant and animal cells.
Ribosomes: Make amino acids. Found on the rough ER, shaped like a circle or hamburger. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Rough ER: Turns amino acids into polypeptide chains (protein synthesis). Long, oval-like, weirdly shaped tubes. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Smooth ER: Makes lipids and helps with drug/toxin processing. Lots of circular tubes. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Mitochondria: Produces ATP (energy) by converting glucose. Oval-shaped with folded interior (squiggly lines). Found in both plant and animal cells.
Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids from the ER; stack of hollow pancakes turned sideways. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Peroxisome: Breaks down fatty acids and amino acids; detoxifies harmful substances. Ball-shaped with smaller internal spheres. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support and cell movement (made of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules). Long, bone-shaped structures. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Cell Membrane: Regulates what enters and exits the cell; semi-permeable. Double layer (two lines) with things in between, like a railroad track. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Vacuoles: Stores nutrients and waste; maintains turgor pressure in plants. Water droplet structures. Found in both plant and animal cells.
- Large central vacuole: Same as a regular vacuole, much larger, and found only in plant cells. Massive, smooth shape.
Centrioles: Involved in cell division. Barrel-shaped. Found in animal cells, not plant cells.
Lysosome: Contains digestive enzymes that break down waste. Ball-shaped with smaller internal spheres. Found in animal cells, not plant cells
Cell wall: Rigid outer layer, provides structural support and protection (primarily cellulose). Barrier surrounding the cell. Found in plant cells, not animal cells.
Chloroplasts: Sites of photosynthesis (convert light energy into chemical energy). Smooth, round oval/disk shape. Found in plant cells, not animal cells.
Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance filling the cell; site of biochemical reactions; holds organelles in place.

Protein Synthesis

Instructions for protein synthesis are in the nucleus (DNA).
Ribosomes translate mRNA into amino acids and polypeptide chains.
Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) modifies polypeptide chains.
Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins.
Transport vesicles carry proteins to their destinations.

Cell Membrane

Homeostasis: Self-regulating process to maintain stability.
Semi-permeable membrane: Some things can enter/exit.
Hydrophobic: Repels water.
Hydrophilic: Attracted to water.
Phospholipids: Make up the cell membrane bilayer (hydrophilic head, hydrophobic tail).
Brownian motion: Constant molecular movement (unless at absolute zero).
Passive transport: Movement without energy expenditure.
Active transport: Movement with energy expenditure.
- Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration.
- Concentration gradient: Difference in concentration between areas.
- Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.
- Isotonic solution: Equal concentrations inside and outside the cell.
- Hypertonic solution: Higher concentration outside the cell.
- Hypotonic solution: Lower concentration outside the cell.
Facilitated diffusion: Diffusion with protein channels.
Endocytosis: Bringing substances into the cell.
Exocytosis: Removing substances from the cell.
- Phagocytosis: Bringing solids into the cell.
- Pinocytosis: Bringing liquids into the cell.
Simple diffusion: Small molecules passing through phospholipid bilayer.
Facilitated diffusion: Movement via protein channels

Microscopes

Base, arm, stage, objective lenses, eyepiece (ocular lens), coarse adjustment knob, fine adjustment knob, illuminator, condenser, diaphragm, revolving nosepiece, body tube.
Microscope magnification table is provided with calculations to find the FOV, given magnification and specimen width.

Cell Drawings

Include a title, magnification, a perfect circle for FOV, labeled organelles, and use pencil and proper shading techniques (stippling).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structures and functions of animal and plant cells. This quiz covers key organelles, their shapes, and specific features that distinguish plant cells from animal cells. Perfect for biology students wanting to reinforce their understanding of cell biology.