Cell Structures (Optional Worksheet)

Question 1

Plasma membrane

Answer 1

(Bouncer of the cell)

Structure: Selectively permeable lipid bilayer containing phospholipids, steroids, proteins, and carbohydrates

Function: Controls entry and exit of materials.

Question 2

Cytosol

Answer 2

Structure: Fluid portion

Function: Helps break down waste products. Moves materials around the cell.

Question 3

Chromosomes

Answer 3

Structure: Dense. Tightly coiled DNA strands and associated histones. 23 pairs

Function: Houses DNA

Question 4

Ribosomes

Answer 4

Structure: RNA+proteins; fixed ribosomes bound to rough ER, free ribosomes scattered in cytoplasm.

Function: Protein synthesis

Question 5

Nucleus

Answer 5

Structure: Nucleoplasm containing nucleotides, enzymes, nucleoproteins, and chromatin; surrounded by a double membrane, the nuclear envelope.

Function: Control of metabolism; storage and processing of genetic info; control, of protein synthesis.

Question 6

Nucleolus

Answer 6

Structure: Within nucleus.

Function: Site where chromosomes produce ribosomal RNA to make ribosomes.

Question 7

Nuclear Envelope

Answer 7

Structure: Double membrane; surrounds the nucleus.

Function: Separates the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm & provides the structural framework of the nucleus.

Question 8

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Answer 8

Structure: Network of membranous channels extending throughout the cytoplasm

Function: Synthesizes lipids and carbohydrates.

Question 9

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Answer 9

(Factory inside cell)

Structure: Network of membranous channels extending throughout the cytoplasm

Function: Modifies and packages newly synthesized proteins.

Question 10

Golgi Apparatus

Answer 10

(Shipping part of cell)

Structure: Stacks of flattened membranes containing chambers

Function: Storage, alteration, and packaging of secretory products and lysosomal enzymes.

Question 11

Lysosomes

Answer 11

(Suicide sac)

Structure: Membrane that contains digestive enzymes.

Function: Can go to another vesicle with the material we want to break down and the digestive enzymes will break down the material. If the lysosomes were to pop, the digestive enzymes would move throughout the cell & kill the cell.

Question 12

Peroxisome

Answer 12

Structure: Vesicles containing degradative enzymes.

Function: Catabolism of fatty acids and other organic compounds, neutralization of toxic compounds generated in the process.

Question 13

Vesicle

Answer 13

Structure: Membrane bound container.

Function: Moves material around.

Question 14

Mitochondria

Answer 14

Structure: Double membrane; with inner membrane folds enclosing important metabolic enzymes

Function: Produce 95% of the ATP required by the cell.

Question 15

Cytoskeleton

Answer 15

Structure: Proteins organized in microfilaments or microtubules.

Function: Strength and support; movement of cellular structures and materials

Question 16

Cilia

Answer 16

Structure: Long extensions of the plasma membrane containing microtubules. There are two types: motile and primary.

Function: Multiple motile cilia move materials over cell surfaces. A solitary primary cilium acts as a censor.

Question 17

Flagella

Answer 17

Structure: basal body, hook, and filament.

Function: Assists the cell in movement.