Cell Basics

Question 1

what does it take to make a cell?

Answer 1

information, chemistry, compartments

Question 2

What is selective permiability

Answer 2

In cell membranes, it is the ability to allow only certain things to enter and exit - allows for homeostasis in the cell

Question 3

Cell theory

Answer 3

• the cell is the structural unit of life
• All organisms are composed of one or more cell types
• new cells can only arise from divison of pre existing cells

Question 4

Basic properties of the cell

Answer 4

1. highly complex and organized
2. actively controlled by a genetic program
3. can reproduce, make copies
4. assimilate and utilize energy
5. carry out chemical reactions (enzymes)
6. engage in mechanical activities
7. respond to stimuli
8. capable of self regulation
9. they evolve

Question 5

Animal vs. Plant Cell

Answer 5

Animal cells contain lysosomes and microvilli.

Plant cells contain cell walls, vacuoles, chloroplasts and plasmodesmata

Question 6

What is a cell

Answer 6

the structural unit of all living organisms

Question 7

How do cells maintain homeostasis?

Answer 7

chemical reactions occur in selective permeable compartments

Question 8

prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes

Answer 8

Prokaryotes don’t have membrane bound organelles, much smaller in size.
Eukaryotes have membrane bound organelles, much larger in size.

Question 9

how do red blood cells lack

Answer 9

nuclei: they do not contain DNA and cannot synthesize RNA which means they cant divide and have limited repair capabilities

Question 10

Oparin / Haldine hypothesis

Answer 10

conditions on the primitive earth favoured chemical reactions that synthesized more complex organic compounds from simpler inorganic precursers

Question 11

fundamental roles of compartments

Answer 11

• establish physical boundaries that enable the cell to carry out different metabolic activities
• generate a micro environment to regulate biological processes

Question 12

Plasma membrane

Answer 12

controls movement of molecules in and out of the cell and functions in cell-cell signalling and cell adhesion

Question 13

Mitochondria

Answer 13

generate ATP by oxidation of glucose and fatty acids

Question 14

Lysosomes

Answer 14

degrade material internalized by the cell and worn-out cellular membranes and organelles, have an acidic lumen

Question 15

nuclear envelope

Answer 15

a double membrane that encloses the contents of the nucleus, the outer nuclear membrane us continuous with the rough ER

Question 16

Nucleus

Answer 16

filled with chromatin composed of DNA and proteins, site of mRNA and tRNA synthesis

Question 17

Nucleolous

Answer 17

a nuclear sub-compartment where most of the cells rRNA is synthesized

Question 18

Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 18

SER: contains enzymes that synthesize lipids and detoxify certain hydrophobic molecules
RER: functions in the synthesis, processing and sorting of secreted proteins, lysosomal proteins and certain membrane proteins

Question 19

Golgi complex

Answer 19

processes and sorts secreted proteins, lysosomal proteins and membrane proteins synthesized on rough ER

Question 20

vacuole

Answer 20

stores water, ions and nutrients, degrades macromolecules, and functions in cell elongation during growth

Question 21

plasmodesmata

Answer 21

tubelike cell junction that span the cell wall and connect the cytoplasms of adjacent plant cells

Question 22

chloroplasts

Answer 22

carry out photosynthesis, are surrounded by a double membrane and contain a network of internal membrane-bound sacs

Question 23

cell wall

Answer 23

composed of cellulose, helps maintain the cells shape and provides protection against mechanical stress

Question 24

microvili

Answer 24

increase surface area for absorption of nutrients from surrounding meium

Question 25

peroxisomes

Answer 25

contain enzymes that break down fatty acids into smaller molecules used for biosynthesis and also detoxify certain molecules

Question 26

cytoskeleton

Answer 26

fibres that form networks and bundles that support cellular membranes, help organize organelles, participate in cell movement