Introduction to Cells: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between passive transport and active transport in cellular processes?

The main difference is that passive transport does not require energy, while active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient.

How does osmosis differ from general diffusion?

Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, while diffusion involves the movement of any type of molecule from high to low concentration.

What are the products of cellular respiration and their significance?

The products of cellular respiration are ATP, carbon dioxide, and water, with ATP being crucial as it provides energy for cellular activities.

Describe the result of mitosis and how it differs from meiosis.

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, whereas meiosis produces four genetically different gametes for sexual reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

What role do chloroplasts play in photosynthesis?

Chloroplasts are the organelles where photosynthesis occurs, allowing plants to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main components of the cell theory?

All living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things, and new cells are produced from existing cells. Signup and view all the answers

Identify key structural features that differentiate prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have these structures. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the plasma membrane serve in cellular biology?

The plasma membrane regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells.

Mitochondria are the 'powerhouses' of the cell, producing ATP through cellular respiration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ribosomes within a cell?

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

How do eukaryotic cells typically reproduce, and what is one method mentioned?

Eukaryotic cells can reproduce sexually or asexually, with asexual reproduction often occurring through mitosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Golgi apparatus in cellular processes?

The Golgi apparatus processes, packages, and modifies proteins and lipids. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the function of lysosomes in the context of cellular waste management.

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down cellular waste and debris. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Cells

Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.
All living things are composed of one or more cells.
The cell theory states that: all living things are composed of cells; cells are the basic units of structure and function in living things; and new cells are produced from existing cells.
Cells are incredibly diverse in size, shape, and function.

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells are simpler, smaller, and lack membrane-bound organelles.
They are typically characterized by a cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and a nucleoid region containing genetic material.
Examples of prokaryotic cells include bacteria and archaea.
Prokaryotic cells reproduce asexually through binary fission.

Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells are more complex and larger than prokaryotic cells.
They possess membrane-bound organelles that perform specific functions.
Examples of eukaryotic cells include animal cells and plant cells.
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus where genetic material is enclosed.
Eukaryotic cells reproduce sexually or asexually.

Cell Structure and Function

Plasma membrane: The outer boundary of the cell. It regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance that fills the cell. It contains the organelles and cytosol.
Nucleus: The control center of the cell. It contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and directs cell activities.
Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
- Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.
- Rough ER: Synthesizes proteins.
Golgi apparatus: Processes, packages, and modifies proteins and lipids.
Mitochondria: The "powerhouses" of the cell. They produce ATP (energy) through cellular respiration.
Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes that break down cellular waste and debris.
Vacuoles: Storage compartments for water, nutrients, and waste products.
Cytoskeleton: A network of protein filaments that provides support and shape to the cell.
- Microtubules: Hollow tubes that play a role in cell division and movement of organelles.
- Microfilaments: Thin filaments that enable cellular movement and support.
Chloroplasts (plant cells only): Sites of photosynthesis.

Cell Transport

Passive transport: Movement of molecules across the membrane without energy input.
- Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
- Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.
- Facilitated diffusion: Movement of molecules through protein channels down their concentration gradient.
Active transport: Movement of molecules across the membrane requiring energy input.
- Endocytosis: Taking large molecules or particles into the cell by engulfing them.
- Exocytosis: Releasing large molecules or particles from the cell by fusing vesicles with the membrane.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells break down organic molecules (especially glucose) to release energy in the form of ATP.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.
Takes place in Chloroplasts

Cell Reproduction

Mitosis: Cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.
Meiosis: Cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction, resulting in four genetically different daughter cells.

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Description

This quiz explores the foundational concepts of cells, including their structure and function. It covers the distinctions between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting their characteristics and examples. Test your understanding of the basic units of life with questions on cell theory and cellular diversity.