Cell Theory Quiz

Cell Theory

• Three major ideas: all living things are made of cells, cells are the fundamental unit of life, all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
• Mitosis results in daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell; meiosis produces daughter cells with half that number.

Cell Structure and Parts

• Key cell components include mitochondrion (energy production), nucleus (cell manager), cytoplasm (fluid inside), cell membrane (regulates entry and exit), Golgi apparatus (packages materials), and chloroplast (photosynthesis).
• Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, essential for capturing sunlight for photosynthesis.
• The cell membrane acts as a barrier, controlling material exchange, while the nucleus oversees cell activities.

Transport Processes

• Diffusion refers to the movement of molecules from high to low concentration; examples include dissolving substances in water.
• Osmosis is the specific process of water movement through a semi-permeable membrane.
• Cells use passive transport (no energy) and active transport (energy required) to exchange materials with their environment.

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

• Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound nuclei and organelles, while eukaryotes possess these structures.
• Both cell types contain cell walls, membranes, and cytoplasm; plasmids are exclusive to prokaryotes.

Cellular Respiration

• The process by which cells convert food chemical energy into ATP; includes aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen) pathways.
• Glycolysis is the first step, breaking glucose into pyruvic acid.
• Anaerobic respiration in muscles leads to lactic acid production during strenuous activity, causing pain.

Mitosis and Meiosis

• Mitosis: four phases (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) enable tissue growth and cell replacement.
• Meiosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction, occurring in the gonads.

Bacterial Cell Structures

• Key components include chromosome, pilus (for genetic transfer), ribosome (protein synthesis), storage granule, flagellum (movement), plasmid (antibiotic resistance), cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, and capsule.

Impact of Solutions on Cells

• Animal cells can undergo cytolysis in hypotonic solutions and plasmolysis in hypertonic solutions; remain unchanged in isotonic solutions.
• Plant cells become turgid in hypotonic environments, retain shape in isotonic solutions, and plasmolyze in hypertonic surroundings.

Cell Processes

• Exocytosis: release of hormones into the bloodstream.
• Receptor-mediated endocytosis: active absorption of molecules through vesicles.
• Phagocytosis: white blood cells engulfing bacteria.
• Pinocytosis: ingestion of liquids and small particles by cells.

Distinguishing Between Plant and Animal Cells

• Plant cells are characterized by chloroplasts, a large vacuole, and a cell wall.
• Animal cells have small vacuoles and centrioles.

Magnification and Measurement

• Total magnification can be calculated using the formula: MS = ocular lens magnification x objective lens magnification.
• A pipette is used for liquid transfer.
• Mass measurements can be determined using a triple beam balance; the sum of the values from the beams indicates the object's mass.
• Liquid volume can be measured using a burette by noting the difference in readings before and after draining.

Test your knowledge on cell theory and its fundamental concepts. This quiz covers the essential ideas, including the nature of cells, their functions, and the processes of mitosis and meiosis. Understand how these principles are foundational in biology.