Cells and Organelles

Questions and Answers

What is a cell?

The smallest structural and functional unit of a living organism.

What is an organelle?

A membrane-bound compartment within the cell, held in the cytoplasm.

What is the function of the nucleus?

Holds the cell's genetic information and coordinates activities.

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic acid. Signup and view all the answers

What are genes?

DNA that contains the code for making proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ribosomes?

Make proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What does the rough endoplasmic reticulum do?

Modifies and processes proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi body?

Package and process substances the cell has made. Signup and view all the answers

What do lysosomes contain?

Digestive enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

What are enzymes?

Proteins that act as catalysts. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of cells are chloroplasts found?

Plant cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mitochondria?

Energy transformation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cells and Organelles

Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of life.
Organelles are membrane-bound compartments within cells, residing in the cytoplasm.

Organelles that Make and Process Cell Substances

Nucleus:
- Contains the cell's genetic information and chromosomes (DNA).
- Functions as the control center, coordinating cellular activities and providing instructions.
- Encased by a nuclear membrane with nuclear pores.
- Houses the nucleolus, the site of ribosome synthesis, comprising proteins and RNA.
DNA:
- Stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, the primary genetic material of cells.
- Contains essential instructions for cellular functions.
Genes:
- Segments of DNA that carry the 'code' for protein synthesis.
Ribosomes:
- Composed of ribosomal RNA and protein, often not classified as organelles since they lack membranes.
- Responsible for protein synthesis, found either attached to the endoplasmic reticulum or freely floating in the cytoplasm.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):
- Connected to the nucleus, serving as a transport network.
- Rough ER:
  - Studded with ribosomes; modifies and processes proteins.
- Smooth ER:
  - Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis.
Golgi Body:
- Composed of flat, stacked membrane sacs.
- Functions to package and process substances produced by the cell.
- Vesicles formed post-processing transport materials to various cell regions or outside the cell.
Lysosomes:
- Vesicles produced by the Golgi body containing digestive enzymes.
- Engage in breaking down cellular waste.
Enzymes:
- Proteins that act as catalysts, accelerating biochemical reactions.

Organelles Involved in Energy Transformation

Chloroplasts:
- Disk-shaped organelles unique to plant cells.
- Contain their own DNA and the green pigment chlorophyll.
- Utilize sunlight for photosynthesis, converting light energy into glucose.
Mitochondria:
- Not detailed in the provided information but crucial for energy production, converting biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of cells and organelles in this quiz. Learn about the structure and function of the nucleus, DNA, genes, and ribosomes. Test your knowledge about how these components contribute to cellular activities.