Functions of the Cell Quiz

Functions of the Cell

• Nutrition: Process by which cells obtain food molecules to support various activities.
• Digestion: Breaking down food particles into smaller, soluble units suitable for cell use.
• Absorption: Cells absorb essential materials, such as water and minerals, from their environment.
• Biosynthesis: Cells organize complex chemicals from building units or substances.
• Excretion: Removal of by-products from cell activities that are not needed for functioning.
• Egestion: Elimination of non-digested soluble particles by the cell.
• Secretion: Expulsion of synthesized substances, such as hormones, from the cell membrane to influence extracellular activities.
• Movement: Locomotion of cells facilitated by structures like cilia and flagella.
• Irritability: Cells react and alter functions in response to external stimuli.
• Respiration: Process of breaking down food molecules to release chemical energy.
• Reproduction: Cells replicate DNA and divide, giving rise to new cells.

Types of Cells

• Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a true nucleus and nuclear membrane.
• Eukaryotic Cells: Have a true nucleus with a nuclear membrane and nucleoli.

Organelles of Living Cells

• Nucleus: Acts as the master control of the cell, regulating metabolic activities; features a double-layered membrane and is centrally located.

Structures Found in the Nucleus

• Nucleolus: Small, dense structure made of RNA; its quantity correlates with cell replication speed, as it produces RNA, particularly rRNA for ribosomes.
• Chromosome: Linear strands of chromatin containing genes made of segmented DNA, representing the traits of an individual.
• Nuclear Envelope: Composed of two membranes; the outer membrane is porous, continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum, and responsible for some secretory processes. The inner membrane stabilizes genetic material, while pores allow exchange of information between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Cytoplasmic Organelles

• Ribosomes: Sites for protein synthesis where amino acids are joined to form polypeptide chains.
• Golgi Apparatus: Specialized section of the endoplasmic reticulum; primary site for packaging cellular secretions and synthesizing large carbohydrates while serving as temporary storage for these secretions.

Test your understanding of the essential functions of the cell, including nutrition, digestion, and absorption. This quiz will cover the key processes that support cellular activities and their significance in biological systems.