1.) INTRODUCTION TO CELLS

Question 1

What is the Modern Cell Theory?

Answer 1

• All organisms are composed of cells.
• The Cell is the structural and functional unit of life, anything smaller is not alive.
• Cells contain hereditary information which is passed from cell-cell during cell division.
• All cells are similar in chemical composition.
• All energy flow (metabolism and biochemistry) of life occurs within cells.
• Cells can be cultured to produce more cells.

Question 2

What is the difference between In-Vitro and In-Vivo

Answer 2

In-Vitro - (outside organism)

In-Vivo - (inside organism)

Question 3

What are the main two types of cells and what are their two main differences?

Answer 3

Prokaroytes - (Bacteria and Archea - Without nucleus and internal components).
Eukaryotic - (Plants, Animals, Fungi and Protists - With nucleus and internal compartmentilisation0.

Question 4

What are the shared features of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes?

Answer 4

• DNA as a genetic material.
• Plasma Membranes
• Basic Metabolism

Question 5

What are the key features of a Prokaryotic cell?

Answer 5

• Lack a defined nucleus
• Little/no internal compartmentalisation
• 0.1-10 um diameter

Question 6

What are the key features of a Eukaryotic cell?

Answer 6

• Compartmentalisation of functions
• Nucleus containing DNA is separated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope.
• Extensive internal membrane system.
• Presence of specialised cytoplasmic organelles.
• 10 to 100 um diameter.

Question 7

What are the two main components of the Plasma Membrane?

Answer 7

• Phospholipids

- Proteins

Question 8

What is the function Plasma Membrane?

Answer 8

-Permeability barrier that controls the exchange of materials between the cells and the surrounding environment.

Question 9

How does the components of the Plasma Membrane help to assist it’s function?

Answer 9

• Bilayer of phospholipids - 3nm thick determines the membrane physical characteristics.
• Proteins govern the membrane functional properties.

Question 10

What are the three components of the Cytoskeleton?

Answer 10

• Microtubules
• Microfilaments
• Intermediate Filaments

Question 11

What is the function of the Microtubules?

Answer 11

• Maintain cell shape
• Anchor Organelles
• Movement of organelles
• Track for motor proteins
• Force generating - (cilia and flagella)

Question 12

What is the function of the Microfilaments?

Answer 12

• Enables cell movement
• Track for motor proteins
• Organisation of the plasma membrane

Question 13

What is the function of the Intermediate Filaments?

Answer 13

• Provide structural reinforcement
• Anchor Organelles
• Keep nucleus in place

Question 14

What are the 6 examples of membrane-bound organelles?

Answer 14

• Nucleaus
• Endoplasmic Rectilium - (rough/smooth)
• Golgi Apparatus
• Lysosomes
• Peroxysomes
• Mitochondria

Question 15

Explain the function of the nucleus?

Answer 15

• 3-10um diameter
• Stores the cells hereditary material packed as chromatin
• Bound by the nuclear envelope, a double membrane w/ many nuclear pores.
• Contains one/more nucleoli, the sites of ribosome assembly.