Human Biology: Immune System and Metabolism

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the plasma membrane in a cell?

To synthesize proteins

To store calcium ions

To regulate what enters and exits the cell (correct)

To package cellular products

Which structure is responsible for the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs?

Golgi apparatus

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (correct)

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Lysosome

Which organelle is known for modifying and distributing cellular products?

Vesicles

Golgi apparatus (correct)

Ribosomes

Mitochondria

Which cell structure encloses the DNA and provides instructions for cellular activity?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

To synthesize proteins Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes lysosomes from peroxisomes?

Lysosomes break down toxins and waste, while peroxisomes form hydrogen peroxide Signup and view all the answers

What function is primarily associated with mitochondria in a cell?

Site of cellular respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle serves as sacs that transport substances throughout the cell?

Vesicles Signup and view all the answers

What role do lysosomes play in white blood cells?

They are involved in the immune response. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the liver related to alcohol?

It breaks down alcohol and produces hydrogen peroxide. Signup and view all the answers

How does the structure of the small intestine facilitate absorption?

It has extensive folding and increased surface area. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells in terms of complexity?

They contain specialized structures for specific functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is primarily responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells?

Chloroplasts Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the central vacuole in plant cells?

To store water and nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the cell is known for synthesizing proteins?

Ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a function of peroxisomes?

Generating ATP Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organelles are found in eukaryotic cells but not in prokaryotic cells?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What method do prokaryotic cells typically use to carry out waste elimination?

Passive diffusion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes how prokaryotic cells acquire food?

By secreting enzymes to break down organic matter Signup and view all the answers

How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in their method of reproduction?

Prokaryotic cells reproduce through binary fission, while eukaryotic cells divide through mitosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the genetic material in prokaryotic cells?

Circular DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of ribosomes in prokaryotic cells?

They are free-floaters within the cytoplasm. Signup and view all the answers

Which metabolic pathway mentioned is primarily associated with prokaryotic cells?

Glycolysis Signup and view all the answers

What type of cellular structure do both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share?

Ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for synthesizing proteins that are secreted outside of the cell?

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lysosomes in an animal cell?

Digestion of macromolecules and cellular debris Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum?

Lipid synthesis and detoxification Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in a cell?

To modify, package, and transport cellular products Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells when compared to eukaryotic cells?

Contains a nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organelles is involved in detoxification processes?

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Signup and view all the answers

Which cell feature is unique to specialized cells, such as sperm cells and ciliated cells?

Cilia and flagella Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cellular Structures and Their Functions

Hemoglobin proteins are surrounded by lysosomes, playing a role in immune response.
White blood cells act as a food-filtering system.
Peroxisomes in the liver break down alcohol, producing toxic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is converted into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2).
Extensive folding in cellular membranes increases surface area, enhancing absorption, particularly in the small intestine.
Mitochondria generate energy through cellular respiration and are abundant in fat cells for energy storage.

Eukaryotic Cell Organization

Eukaryotic cells exhibit compartmentalization, meaning organelles perform specific functions.
Organelles allow cells to handle more complex tasks, resulting in larger cell sizes, regulated by percentage.
All organisms except bacteria are eukaryotic cells, possessing a true nucleus and multiple chromosomes.

Prokaryotic Cell Functions

Prokaryotic cells perform processes without membrane-bound organelles.
Gas exchange occurs through passive diffusion across the plasma membrane.
Waste elimination utilizes diffusion to remove unwanted materials.
Nutrient acquisition may involve secreted enzymes that break down organic matter for absorption.
Reproduction occurs through binary fission, producing two identical daughter cells from one parent.

Organelles in Animal Cells

Key organelles include mitochondria (energy production), nucleus (DNA storage and cellular directions), smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum (lipid and protein synthesis), Golgi apparatus (modification and packaging of products), lysosomes (digestion of macromolecules), and peroxisomes (toxin breakdown).
Ribosomes synthesize proteins, either for cellular use or export.
The plasma membrane regulates the entry and exit of substances and encloses organelles.

Functions of Specific Organelles

Mitochondria: Site of cellular respiration, converting nutrients to energy.
Nucleus: Contains DNA and directs cellular activities.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER): Synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs/poisons.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER): Synthesizes and secretes proteins from ribosomes.
Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, packages, and distributes cellular products.
Lysosome: Contains digestive enzymes for breaking down materials.
Peroxisome: Breaks down toxins and hydrogen peroxide.

Animal Cell Examples and Adaptations

Cells containing many mitochondria and cilia are often specialized for movement.
Sperm cells possess flagella for mobility, containing abundant mitochondria.
Glandular cells exhibit extensive endomembrane systems to secrete products like lipids and proteins.
Red blood cells lack organelles, optimizing them for oxygen transport.

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Description

Explore the functions of key proteins and organelles in the human body with this quiz. Learn about the role of lysosomes, peroxisomes, and the liver in immune response and metabolic processes. Test your knowledge about how these components contribute to essential bodily functions.