Cells as the Basic Unit of Life
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What is one of the key principles of the unified cell theory proposed by Schleiden and Schwann?

  • All living things are composed of cells. (correct)
  • Cells operate independently without interaction.
  • All cells contain mitochondria.
  • Cells can arise spontaneously from non-living matter.
  • Which statement accurately reflects Rudolf Virchow's contribution to the cell theory?

  • Cells manufacture energy through cellular respiration.
  • New cells can arise from spontaneous generation.
  • Cellular division is the process by which cells arise from pre-existing cells. (correct)
  • All cells are functionally identical regardless of their type.
  • Which statement is most consistent with the modern version of cell theory?

  • All living organisms consist of multiple types of cells exclusively.
  • All cells are devoid of genetic material.
  • Cells are the fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. (correct)
  • Metabolism and biochemistry take place in the nucleus of the cell.
  • What role does cellular division play in the context of modern cell theory?

    <p>It is the process by which cells arise from pre-existing cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the modern cell theory, what is stated about genetic material?

    <p>Cells contain both DNA and RNA, which are vital for the function of cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following advancements helped scientists to observe cells more clearly?

    <p>Advances in lenses and microscope construction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception about cell origination was later disproven?

    <p>Spontaneous generation can lead to cell formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of cell theory emphasizes the chemical composition of cells?

    <p>All cells are chemically the same in organisms of similar species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What shapes the overall structure of cytoplasmic organization in cells with a true nucleus?

    <p>Highly structured endomembranes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which type of cell division do cells with a true nucleus undergo DNA separation?

    <p>Mitosis or meiosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary distinction in DNA structure between cells with a true nucleus and those with a nucleoid region?

    <p>Circular DNA vs. linear chromosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following organelles are present in cells with a true nucleus but absent in those with a nucleoid region?

    <p>Chloroplasts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the surface area to volume ratio primarily change as cell size increases?

    <p>Decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of motility differs between the two types of cells described?

    <p>Flagella composition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is specific to a true nucleus compared to a nucleoid?

    <p>Protection of DNA by a double membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feature of ribosomes in different types of cells?

    <p>Ribosome sizes vary between cell types</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason eukaryotic cells can effectively overcome low surface-area-to-volume ratio issues?

    <p>They contain numerous organelles for compartmentalization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells improve the efficiency of biochemical reactions?

    <p>By localizing substrates and enzymes, reducing diffusion distance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the advantages of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

    <p>It allows for immediate access to substrates from any part of the cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does the presence of organelles in eukaryotic cells resemble an industrial complex?

    <p>Both have specialized areas for critical functions and reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does cytosol play within eukaryotic cells in relation to organelles?

    <p>It offsets the low surface-area-to-volume ratio through reduced volume.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

    <p>Eukaryotic cells possess a complex structure with organelles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the diffusion process in relation to prokaryotic cells is correct?

    <p>As prokaryotic cells increase in diameter, diffusion becomes less effective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of how biochemical reactions are organized in eukaryotic cells?

    <p>Enzymes that work together are located in close proximity within organelles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly defines a macromolecule?

    <p>A very large molecule, particularly biological polymers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does polymerization refer to?

    <p>The process of forming a polymer from identical units through bonding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fundamental question does the theory of evolution address?

    <p>Where do living organisms come from?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one significant contribution of Robert Hooke to cell biology?

    <p>He coined the term 'cell' after observing cork tissue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the cell theory?

    <p>Cells are the basic unit of life for all organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major technological advancement has influenced cell biology since the 1600s?

    <p>The development of complex microscopes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of biological organization is above tissues?

    <p>Organs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is hereditary information typically transmitted according to scientific theories?

    <p>Via cellular division and replication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary mode of nutrition for plant cells?

    <p>Autotrophic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures is absent in animal cells but present in plant cells?

    <p>Cell wall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the nucleus located in animal cells compared to plant cells?

    <p>On one side in plant cells and in the centre in animal cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organelle is more numerous in animal cells than in plant cells?

    <p>Mitochondria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of vacuole structure is characteristic of plant cells?

    <p>Few large vacuoles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a significant role of lysosomes in animal cells?

    <p>Digestion of waste materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organelle is responsible for the photosynthesis process found in plant cells?

    <p>Plastids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the shape of plant cells?

    <p>Square or rectangular</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary structural difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic flagella?

    <p>Eukaryotic flagella contain a central axoneme composed of microtubules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the composition of centrioles?

    <p>Each centriole is composed of 9 sets of triplet microtubules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do vacuoles play within a cell?

    <p>They store cellular waste and protect the cell from contamination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which cellular process do centrioles give rise to spindle fibers?

    <p>Mitosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of radial spokes in the structure of cilia and flagella?

    <p>They connect peripheral microtubule pairs to central tubules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the sizes and numbers of vacuoles differ between animal and plant cells?

    <p>Plant cells have more numerous, larger vacuoles compared to animal cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is essential in giving mechanical resistance to the cell?

    <p>Cytoskeleton matrix.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central part of a centriole known as?

    <p>Hub.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Cells as the Basic Unit of Life

    • Organisms are living entities composed of one or more cells.
    • Cells have five fundamental characteristics: organisms share a suite of five fundamental characteristics.
    • Cells are membrane-bound units that regulate the passage of materials between the interior and exterior.
    • Replication is the primary goal of every organism.
    • Organisms evolve over time.
    • Organisms process genetic information (genes).
    • Organisms respond to environmental stimuli to maintain stable internal conditions.
    • Organisms need energy to survive and reproduce.
    • Examples include plants absorbing sunlight, while animals ingest food.
    • Atoms bond to form molecules.
    • Molecules assemble into macromolecules.
    • Cells are the simplest level of organization in living things. (one or more cells).
    • A single organelle is a complex assembly of macromolecules.
    • The biosphere represents the highest level of organization for living things.

    Cell Theory

    • The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function for all living things.
    • All organisms are made up of one or more cells.
    • Cells arise from other cells.
    • Cells have the following additional characteristics: Cells carry genetic material passed to daughter cells during cellular division; cells are essentially the same in chemical composition; energy flow (metabolism and biochemistry) occurs within cells.

    Biological Levels of Organization

    • The biological levels of organization range from the simplest (atom) to the most complex (biosphere): organelle, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biosphere.
    • Atoms bond to form molecules
    • Molecules combine to form macromolecules.
    • Macromolecules join together to form organelles.
    • Organelles are the basic unit of living things

    Cell Size and Function

    • Most cells are between 1 and 100 µm in diameter.
    • The smallest cells are bacteria (mycoplasmas).
    • Typical bacteria are 1–5 µm in diameter.
    • Eukaryotic cells are typically 10–100 µm in diameter.
    • Surface area to volume ratio—a smaller cell has a higher ratio, promoting efficient exchange with the environment.

    Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

    • Prokaryotes generally are much smaller than eukaryotes.
    • Prokaryotic DNA is not enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus but is contained in a region called the nucleoid.
    • Eukaryotic DNA is enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus.
    • Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalized into a larger number of distinct organelles.

    Eukaryotic Cell Structures and Functions

    • Plasma membrane:
      • A boundary between the cell's contents and the environment.
      • It is selectively permeable, regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
      • It contains proteins that act as channels, pores, or carriers.
    • Endoplasmic reticulum (ER):
      • A network of membranes that transports material throughout the cell.
      • Rough ER: studded with ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis
      • Smooth ER: lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification
    • Mitochondria:
      • Powerhouses of the cell; sites of aerobic respiration.
      • Have a double membrane.
      • The inner membrane is folded into cristae, increasing the surface area for ATP production.
    • Ribosomes:
      • Sites of protein synthesis.
      • Composed of RNA and proteins.
      • Found in all cells (prokaryotes and eukaryotes).
    • Golgi apparatus:
      • Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell
      • Membrane-bound sacs
    • Lysosomes:
      • Contain digestive enzymes (breaks down waste, cell death).
    • Nucleus:
      • Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA).
      • Enclosed by a double membrane (nuclear envelope).
      • Contains the nucleolus, where ribosomes are assembled. Nucleolus
    • Nucleus:
      • Cell's control center
      • Contains DNA in the form of chromosomes
      • Regulates the cell's activities
    • Vacuoles:
      • Fluid-filled sacs for storage.
      • Large in plant cells, helping maintain turgor pressure.
    • Chloroplasts (plant cells only):
      • Site of photosynthesis.
      • Contain chlorophyll.
    • Cytoskeleton:
      • Provides shape and support.
      • Composed of protein fibers. (microfilament, microtubules, intermediate filaments).
    • Cytoplasm
      • Fluid inside the cell, contains all the organelles

    Cilia and Flagella

    • Motile appendages projecting from the cell surface.
    • Cilia are shorter and more numerous.
    • Flagella are longer and fewer.
    • Microtubules are organized in a 9+2 arrangement.

    Centrosomes and Centrioles

    • Involved in cell division.
    • Composed of centrioles, which are microtubule-organizing centers.

    Plastids (plant cells only)

    • Double-membrane-bound organelles
    • There are three types of plastids: leucoplasts, chromoplasts, and chloroplasts.

    Cell Size in Relation to Function

    • Cell size is constrained by the ratio of surface area to volume.
    • A smaller surface area-to-volume ratio limits the exchange of materials needed to support larger cells. This is why cells divide, to maintain optimal function.

    Cell Structures in Relation to Function

    • The different organelles in cells have specialized roles.
    • Their composition and structure are related to their specific functions.

    Effects of Solutions on Cells

    • Hypertonic solution: higher solute concentration. Water moves out of the cell causing it to shrivel
    • Hypotonic solution: lower solute concentration. Water moves into the cell causing it to swell and potentially burst
    • Isotonic solution: equal solute concentration. Water moves in and out of the cell at equal rates

    Food Preservation Using Osmosis and Diffusion

    • Methods using high salt or sugar concentrations to prevent bacterial growth.
    • Low pH (acidity): an alternate method for preserving food.

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