animal cells Flashcards
What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?
The nucleus contains the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and controls the cell’s activities, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. It acts like the cell’s “control center” by directing protein synthesis and other key functions.
What is the main difference between the structure of a plant cell and an animal cell?
Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, which are not found in animal cells. The cell wall provides structure and support, chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, and the vacuole stores water and maintains turgor pressure.
What is the function of the mitochondria in a cell?
Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of the cell. They convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP) through cellular respiration. This energy is used for various cell functions, such as growth and repair.
Why do plant cells contain chloroplasts but animal cells do not?
Chloroplasts are essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy (glucose). Animal cells do not perform photosynthesis, so they do not require chloroplasts. Instead, animals obtain energy by consuming food.
What is the function of the cell membrane in both animal and plant cells?
The cell membrane controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell. It acts as a barrier, providing structure and protecting the internal environment, while also allowing the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste.
What is a key feature of bacterial cells that distinguishes them from plant and animal cells?
Bacterial cells do not have a nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is found in a single circular loop of DNA in the cytoplasm. They are prokaryotic cells, meaning they lack membrane-bound organelles.
What does the ribosome do in a cell?
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. They read the instructions carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) and assemble amino acids into proteins, which are essential for cell function and structure.
What is the function of the vacuole in plant cells?
The vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products. It helps maintain turgor pressure, which keeps the plant cell firm and supports its structure. In some plants, it also stores pigments or toxins.
What role does the cytoplasm play in all types of cells?
The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles. It allows for the movement of materials within the cell and is where many chemical reactions occur, including some stages of cellular respiration.
How does the structure of the bacterial cell wall differ from the cell wall in plant cells?
The bacterial cell wall is made of peptidoglycan, a unique polymer that provides structural support. In contrast, the plant cell wall is composed of cellulose, a carbohydrate that provides rigidity and protection to the plant.
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in animal and plant cells?
The Golgi apparatus processes, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for delivery to their final destinations, either inside or outside the cell. It acts like a “post office” that ships proteins and other materials around the cell.
Why do bacterial cells not have mitochondria?
Bacterial cells do not have mitochondria because they carry out cellular respiration in the cell membrane. Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found only in eukaryotic cells, like animal and plant cells.
How does the size of bacterial cells compare to plant and animal cells?
Bacterial cells are generally much smaller than plant and animal cells. While eukaryotic cells (plant and animal) typically range from 10 to 100 micrometers, bacterial cells are usually only 1 to 5 micrometers in size.
What is the role of the cell wall in plant cells?
The cell wall provides structural support, protection, and rigidity to the plant cell. It prevents the cell from bursting when it takes in water and helps the plant maintain its shape.
What is the function of the plasmids in bacterial cells?
Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria. They often carry genes that can provide bacteria with advantages, such as antibiotic resistance. Plasmids can be exchanged between bacteria, contributing to genetic variation.
