Cell functions

Question 1

What are five basic cell functions?

Answer 1

1. Homeostasis.
2. Communication.
3. Metabolism.
4. Molecular biosynthesis.
5. Reproduction and inheritance.

Question 2

What is the definition of an ‘organelle’?

Answer 2

Intracellular mini-organs carry out a metabolic function based on coded messages from the nucleus.

Question 3

What is the function of the cell membrane/Phospholipid bilayer?

Answer 3

Permits the controlled movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Question 4

What are five functions of protein components?

Answer 4

1. Act as transport channels.
2. Marker molecules.
3. Cell adhesion molecules.
4. Nutrient access.
5. Contribute to energy production.

Question 5

What is the glycocalyx?

Answer 5

A coating peripheral carbohydrates in the cell membrane produce

Question 6

What are four functions of glycocalyx?

Answer 6

1. Protects cells.
2. Provides lubrication.
3. Provide cell-to-cell recognition and adhesion.
4. Mechanotrasnduction.

Question 7

What is the function of the cytoplasm?

Answer 7

Fills the intracellular area beneath the cell membrane, and contains suspended molecules, organelles and dissolved ions.

Question 8

What are 5 functions of the cytoskeleton?

Answer 8

1. An internal scaffold that provides an intracellular framework.
2. Defines gross cell shape.
3. Provides mechanical strength and support.
4. Organises organelle position.
5. Involved in cell division and molecular transport.

Question 9

What is the function of the nucleus?

Answer 9

Houses DNA which controls cell functions and structure.

Question 10

What is the function of the nuclear pores?

Answer 10

Permits ions and molecular transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Question 11

What are four functions of the mitochondria?

Answer 11

1. Uses aerobic respiration to generate ATP for energy production.
2. Calcium storage for cell signalling.
3. Cell division and growth.
4. Cell death.

Question 12

What are three functions of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum?

Answer 12

1. Biosynthesis of lipids.
2. Detoxification of drugs and other harmful chemicals.
3. Regulates calcium ions in the skeletal muscle cells.

Question 13

What are the two functions of the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum?

Answer 13

1. Create and export glycoproteins to the Golgi apparatus for processing.
2. Create and export glycoproteins to the cell membrane to allow protein biosynthesis as mRNA arrives and attaches to a free ribosome.

Question 14

What are two functions of ribosomes?

Answer 14

1. Sites of protein biosynthesis
2. Combine with and receive instructions from the mRNA.

Question 15

What is the function of the Golgi Apparatus?

Answer 15

• Packages, modifies and distributes protein.
• It receives raw protein from the endoplasmic reticulum which is modified by enzymes.
• Proteins are packaged into vesicles for transportation.

Question 16

What is the function of lysosomes?

Answer 16

Merge with vesicles containing imported material to digest these substances.