Cell Structure and Function

Question 1

cell

Answer 1

smallest living unity and the basic unit of function and structure for all living things

Question 2

nucleus

Answer 2

part of cell - contains genetic information

Question 3

DNA

Answer 3

controls the activities of the cell, found in nucleus

Question 4

plasma (cell) membrane

Answer 4

• known as semipermeable membrane that separates the contents of the cell from the surrounding fluid - interstitial fluid
• contains receptors that bind with specific substances

Question 5

interstitial fluid

Answer 5

contains substances such as amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, hormones, neurotransmitters, and salts

Question 6

selectively permeable/semipermeable

Answer 6

selective nature of the plasma membrane - contains pores and channels that allow only particles of the right size or the right chemical nature to pass through

Question 7

cytoplasm

Answer 7

fluid matrix found between the plasma membrane and the nucleus that acts as scaffolding for the organelles

Question 8

organelles

Answer 8

“little organs” - specialized units in the cell that perform certain functions

Question 9

mitochondria

Answer 9

locations for cellular respiration - conversion of food to energy at the cellular level

Question 10

ATP

Answer 10

chemical the cell uses to store and transfer energy within itself

Question 11

ribosomes

Answer 11

sites of protein synthesis in the cell - some float freely, other are attached to the ER

Question 12

endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Answer 12

serves as means for transport within the cell - made up of many channels

Question 13

rough ER

Answer 13

has ribosomes on surface, serves to store and deliver the proteins made by attached ribosomes

Question 14

smooth ER

Answer 14

free of ribosomes and found in variety of cells, performs various functions including storage of enzymes and minerals and the folding of proteins

Question 15

Golgi complex

Answer 15

modifies and packages proteins destined for use in the cell or for export from the cell

Question 16

lysosomes

Answer 16

sacs that contain strong digestive enzymes - responsible for digesting cell structures that are no longer living or are malfunctioning, and for digesting wastes

Question 17

cell wall

Answer 17

• plant cells, contain chloroplasts

- protects cell, maintenance of the shape and water balance

Question 18

chloroplasts

Answer 18

contain chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis

Question 19

vacuoles

Answer 19

• plant cells

- compartments in the cytoplasm that act as places for secretion, excretion and storage

Question 20

chromatin

Answer 20

the form that DNA if found in, loosely structured

Question 21

chromosomes

Answer 21

when a cell is diving, the form that DNA is seen in, condensed rod-shaped bodies

Question 22

mitosis

Answer 22

• cell division
• cells are identical when reproduced
• occurs in plant and animal cells

Question 23

zygote

Answer 23

cell created by the union of sperm and egg

Question 24

meiosis

Answer 24

• cell division

- like reproduction: half mom/half dad