Cell Structure

Question 1

Which type of cells have a cell wall?

Answer 1

Plant cells.

Question 2

Which is the outermost layer of a plant cell: the cell WALL or the cell MEMBRANE?

Answer 2

The cell WALL is on the outside, and the cell MEMBRANE is just inside that.

Question 3

What is the main function of microtubules?

Answer 3

Microtubules are like conveyor belts, helping to move granules, vesicles, organelles (such as mitochondria) and chromosomes. They also serve a cytoskeletal role (cyto = cell, skeletal = framework, like a skeleton). They also aid in cell division.

Question 4

Name an example of a eukaryotic flagellate cell (with flagella for movement):

Answer 4

The mammalian sperm cell has flagella to propel it.

Question 5

Where is genetic material (in the form of chromatin or chromosomes) stored?

Answer 5

Genetic material is stored in the nucleus.

Question 6

What organelle is known as the “powerhouse of the cell”?

Answer 6

Mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria)

Question 7

What structure on the outside of animal cells aids in mobility?

Answer 7

Cilia (hairlike structures) (Fun fact: cilia are also found in the lungs, respiratory tract and middle ear).

Question 8

What is a cell membrane?

Answer 8

The cell membrane (plasma membrane) is a thin semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell.

Question 9

What is the function of a cell membrane?

Answer 9

Its function is to protect the integrity of the interior of the cell by allowing certain substances into the cell while keeping other substances out. It also serves as a base of attachment for the cytoskeleton in some organisms and the cell wall in others. Thus the cell membrane also serves to help support the cell and help maintain its shape.​

Question 10

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 10

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a major role in the production, processing, and transport of proteins and lipids. The ER produces transmembrane proteins and lipids for its membrane and for many other cell components including lysosomes, secretory vesicles, the Golgi appatatus, the cell membrane, and plant cell vacuoles.

Question 11

What is the function of ribosomes?

Answer 11

They are the site of protein synthesis?

Question 12

Where are ribosomes found?

Answer 12

On the rough ER, as well as free in the cytoplasm.

Question 13

What are vacuoles?

Answer 13

Storage vessels of cells.

Question 14

Where are lysosomes made?

Answer 14

Golgi apparatus

Question 15

Where are lysosomes made?

Answer 15

Golgi apparatus

Question 16

Where are lysosomes made?

Answer 16

Golgi apparatus

Question 17

How do the mitochondria and chloroplasts work together in plant cells?

Answer 17

The chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis where sunlight energy, carbon dioxide and water are converted to simple sugars (food). The mitochondria is the site of cellular respiration where glucose is broken down into usable cellular energy. A plant cell contains both chloroplasts and mitochondria.