Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Which of the following is NOT a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
What is the primary function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?
What is the primary function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?
Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
Which of the following is a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
Which of the following organelles is responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy?
Which of the following organelles is responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy?
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Which of the following is a shared feature of both plant and animal cells?
Which of the following is a shared feature of both plant and animal cells?
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What is the function of the cytoplasm in a cell?
What is the function of the cytoplasm in a cell?
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Which of the following is an example of a prokaryotic organism?
Which of the following is an example of a prokaryotic organism?
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Which of the following is a specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function?
Which of the following is a specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function?
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What type of bond is primarily responsible for the structure of DNA?
What type of bond is primarily responsible for the structure of DNA?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in the cell?
Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins in the cell?
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What is the defining characteristic of a polar molecule?
What is the defining characteristic of a polar molecule?
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Why does water have a high surface tension?
Why does water have a high surface tension?
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What is the primary component of the cell membrane?
What is the primary component of the cell membrane?
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What is the main difference between diffusion and osmosis?
What is the main difference between diffusion and osmosis?
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Which of these is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
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Which cell type is known for having a high number of mitochondria to meet energy demands?
Which cell type is known for having a high number of mitochondria to meet energy demands?
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Which of the following pairs of macromolecules and their respective functions is INCORRECT?
Which of the following pairs of macromolecules and their respective functions is INCORRECT?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason why water is considered the universal solvent?
Which of the following is NOT a reason why water is considered the universal solvent?
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Study Notes
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Examples include bacteria.
- Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They can be single-celled, like yeast, or multicellular, like plants and animals.
- Key differences are size, complexity, and genetic material. Prokaryotes have circular DNA, eukaryotes have linear DNA.
- Prokaryotes reproduce asexually via binary fission, while eukaryotes can reproduce both asexually and sexually.
Plant vs. Animal Cells
- Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole, features absent in animal cells.
- Animal cells have lysosomes and centrioles that are not found in plant cells.
- Both share common organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, but functions may differ based on the cell type.
- Plant cells can convert sunlight to energy using chloroplasts, a process that does not occur in animal cells.
Four Components of All Cells
- All cells contain a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and genetic material (DNA or RNA).
- The plasma membrane controls what enters and exits the cell, maintaining internal balance (homeostasis).
- Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance where cell processes happen; it contains organelles and the cytoskeleton.
- Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating genetic information.
Organelles: Definition and Functions
- Organelles are specialized structures within cells, performing distinct roles for cellular operation.
- Cell Membrane: Protects the cell and regulates what comes in and out.
- Cytoplasm: Location of metabolic processes, containing organelles.
- Mitochondria: "Powerhouse" of the cell, producing ATP via cellular respiration.
- Chloroplasts: Site of photosynthesis in plants, converting light energy to chemical energy.
- Cell Wall: Provides structure and protection in plant cells, made of cellulose.
- Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis, either free-floating or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support and aids cell movement.
Organelle Examples and Functions
- Mitochondria: Convert glucose into ATP through aerobic respiration.
- Chloroplasts: Contain chlorophyll, enabling photosynthesis by converting light energy into chemical energy.
- Ribosomes: Made of rRNA and proteins; they translate mRNA into polypeptides for protein synthesis.
Cell Specialization
- Different cell types have specific roles, leading to varying numbers and types of organelles.
- Example: Muscle cells have many mitochondria to meet energy needs for contraction.
- Neurons have extensive cytoskeletons for structure and signal transmission.
- Red blood cells lack a nucleus and organelles to maximize space for hemoglobin, increasing oxygen transport.
Atoms, Molecules, and Chemical Bonds
- Covalent Bonds: Atoms share electrons, forming strong connections.
- Hydrogen Bonds: Weaker interactions between polar molecules, important for water and DNA structure.
- Covalent bonds create stable molecules, while hydrogen bonds allow dynamic interactions in biological systems.
Polarity
- Molecules with unequal electron sharing are polar, exhibiting partial positive and negative charges.
- Water's polarity makes it an excellent solvent, enabling biochemical reactions.
- Polarity influences molecular interactions, affecting macromolecule structure and function.
Properties of Water
- Water is a universal solvent, dissolving substances vital for life.
- Cohesion: Water molecules stick to each other, enabling processes like capillary action.
- Adhesion: Water molecules stick to other substances, aiding nutrient transport.
- Water's unique properties (high specific heat, surface tension) maintain stable environments for organisms.
Biological Macromolecules
- Four major types: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids.
- Carbohydrates: Composed of monosaccharides, providing energy & structural support (e.g., glucose, starch).
- Proteins: Made of amino acids; perform diverse functions (catalysis, transport).
- Lipids: Fats, oils, phospholipids; important for energy storage and cell membranes.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; store and transmit genetic information.
Cell Membranes
- Primarily a phospholipid bilayer with hydrophilic heads facing outward, hydrophobic tails inward.
- Creates a semi-permeable barrier, allowing selective substance passage.
- Proteins embedded in the bilayer facilitate transport and communication.
Selective Permeability
- Cell membranes control the internal environment.
- Small nonpolar molecules easily pass; ions and larger polar molecules need specific transport mechanisms.
- Critical for maintaining homeostasis.
Diffusion and Osmosis
- Diffusion: Molecule movement from high to low concentration, driven by gradients.
- Osmosis: Water movement across a selectively permeable membrane, a specific type of diffusion.
Sizes and Scale
- Atoms are the smallest, followed by molecules, organelles, prokaryotic cells, and eukaryotic cells.
- Typical sizes: atoms (~0.1 nm), molecules (~1 nm), organelles (~1-10 µm), prokaryotic cells (~0.1-5 µm), eukaryotic cells (~10-100 µm).
Calculating Cellular Size
- Size of object = (Field of View diameter) / (Number of cells).
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Description
Test your knowledge on the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This quiz covers the structural and functional characteristics that distinguish these two fundamental types of cells, including their reproduction and genetic material. Additionally, explore the distinguishing features of plant and animal cells.
