Podcast
Questions and Answers
Cells are the fundamental unit of ______ and come in diverse shapes and sizes.
Cells are the fundamental unit of ______ and come in diverse shapes and sizes.
life
The cell membrane acts like a fence, controlling what enters and exits the ______.
The cell membrane acts like a fence, controlling what enters and exits the ______.
cell
Cytoplasm makes up most of the interior space of a ______.
Cytoplasm makes up most of the interior space of a ______.
cell
Mitochondria produce energy used by the cell through a process called cellular ______.
Mitochondria produce energy used by the cell through a process called cellular ______.
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The nucleus is often referred to as the brain of the cell due to it containing genetic information stored on ______.
The nucleus is often referred to as the brain of the cell due to it containing genetic information stored on ______.
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Inside each nucleus are two types of structures: chromatin and the ______.
Inside each nucleus are two types of structures: chromatin and the ______.
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Chromatin holds ______ that determine how the cell looks and behaves
Chromatin holds ______ that determine how the cell looks and behaves
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When a cell needs to divide, it first copies its genes using ______ enzyme
When a cell needs to divide, it first copies its genes using ______ enzyme
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Mitochondrion is known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing energy during cellular ______
Mitochondrion is known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing energy during cellular ______
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Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a network of tubules where proteins and ______ are synthesized
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a network of tubules where proteins and ______ are synthesized
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Golgi Apparatus is known as 'the president' because it is the last stop before vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release ______ outside the cell
Golgi Apparatus is known as 'the president' because it is the last stop before vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release ______ outside the cell
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Lysosome is sometimes nicknamed the cell's garbage disposal unit, breaking down unwanted cellular material including damaged proteins and old ______
Lysosome is sometimes nicknamed the cell's garbage disposal unit, breaking down unwanted cellular material including damaged proteins and old ______
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Study Notes
Cell Structures
Cells are the fundamental unit of life and come in diverse shapes and sizes. They perform various functions within their organism such as digesting food, growing tissues, responding to stimuli, and reproducing. Each cell is made up of different parts known as its structure. Here we will discuss some important components found inside cells.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is the outermost layer surrounding the cell. It acts like a fence, controlling what enters and exits the cell while also maintaining the shape of the cell. This semipermeable barrier allows select molecules and nutrients into the cell and keeps waste products out. The cell membrane consists primarily of lipids called phospholipids. These help maintain the proper balance of water in and around the cell.
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm makes up most of the interior space of a cell. It's where much of the action takes place and contains many small structures called organelles which serve specific purposes. For example, mitochondria produce energy used by the cell through a process called cellular respiration. Other proteins involved with DNA replication can also be found here.
Nucleus
At the heart of all animal cells lies the nucleus - often referred to as the brain of the cell due to it containing genetic information stored on chromosomes. Inside each nucleus are two types of structures: chromatin and the nucleolus. Chromatin holds genes that determine how the cell looks and behaves; these instructions are passed down from generation to generation. When a cell needs to divide, it first copies its genes using RNA polymerase enzyme before splitting apart and creating new cells identical to itself.
Organelles
Organelles are specialized subunits within the cytoplasm that have unique structure and function. Some common ones include:
- Mitochondrion - The powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing energy during cellular respiration.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) - A network of tubules where proteins and lipids are synthesized. There are two forms, rough ER has attached ribosomes for protein production whereas smooth ER does not.
- Golgi Apparatus - Known as 'the president' because it is the last stop before vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane to release secretions outside the cell
- Lysosome - Sometimes nicknamed the cell's garbage disposal unit, lysosomes break down unwanted cellular material including damaged proteins and old organelles.
These structures work together to ensure proper functioning of the cell and facilitate communication between them.
In summary, understanding the basic structure of a living cell provides insight into its functions, allowing us to see just why cells play such crucial roles in our lives.
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Description
Explore the key components of living cells, including the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and organelles. Learn about their structures and functions in maintaining cellular processes and supporting life functions.
