Characteristics of Life and Cell Structure

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are characteristics of life? (Select all that apply)

  • Locomotion (correct)
  • Reproduction (correct)
  • Invisibility
  • Irritability (correct)

What is the basic unit of life?

Cell

What type of organism is bacteria classified as?

Prokaryotic

Eukaryotic cells have structures surrounded by membranes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?

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

A plant cell contains a ______ that provides protection and support.

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

Which of the following is a function of lysosomes?

<p>Recycling cellular components (B), Digesting food (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The largest organelle in a plant cell, responsible for storing water, food, and waste, is called a ______.

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

What type of DNA do prokaryotic cells have?

<p>Circular DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cell organelles with their primary functions:

<p>Mitochondria = Energy production Lysosome = Waste digestion Chloroplast = Photosynthesis Ribosome = Protein synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Characteristics of Life

  • Living organisms exhibit locomotion, growth and development, irritability, metabolism and digestion, and reproduction.

Cells: The Basic Unit of Life

  • Every living organism is made up of cells, which are fundamental to biological processes.
  • A human body contains approximately 100 trillion cells, equivalent to 1 x 10^14 cells.
  • There are around 200 different cell types in mammals, each with specific functions.
  • Average cell size is about 0.002 cm (20 µm), with roughly 1250 cells fitting shoulder-to-shoulder per inch.

Cellular Diversity

  • Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound structures and organelles, possess circular DNA, and are mainly unicellular organisms like bacteria.
  • Eukaryotic cells have membrane-enclosed organelles and a nucleus, found in plants and animals.

Common Cell Components

  • All cells consist of a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and a nucleus, serving as protective and functional units.

Organelles and Their Functions

  • Cell Membrane: A protective barrier that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.
  • Cytoplasm: The region of the cell outside the nucleus, housing organelles.
  • Nucleus: Contains genetic material and controls cellular activities.
    • Nuclear Membrane: Protects the nucleus and regulates substance exchange.
    • Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA carrying genetic information.
    • Nucleolus: Assembles ribosomes within the nucleus.
  • Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins essential for cell functions.
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Involved in protein synthesis, trafficking, and proofreading.
  • Lysosomes: Digestive organelles that break down waste, cellular invaders, and recycle components. Absent in plant cells.
  • Mitochondria: The energy powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP for cellular activities; involved in aging and muscle-related disorders.
  • Chloroplasts: Unique to plant cells, functioning as solar panels for photosynthesis.

Unique Features of Plant Cells

  • Cell Wall: Provides structural support and protection, only found in plant cells.
  • Vacuole: The largest organelle in plant cells, storing water, nutrients, and waste products.

Cytoskeleton

  • A dynamic structure that provides shape to the cell and facilitates movement, akin to a muscular system.

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