Chapter 2

Question 0

Name the important ions in the cell.

Answer 0

Potassium, magnesium, phosphate, sulfate, bicarbonate and smaller quantities of sodium, chloride, and calcium

Question 1

The substances that make up the cell are collectively called __________.

Answer 1

Protoplasm (water, electrolytes, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates)

Question 2

Name/describe the two types of cellular proteins.

Answer 2

• Structural (mainly in the form of long filaments that are polymers of many individual protein molecules; microtubules that provide the “cytoskeleton” of organelles)
• Functional (enzymes of the cell; often mobile in cell fluid)

Question 3

Describe the significance of phospholipids and cholesterol in cells.

Answer 3

They are mainly insoluble in water and, therefore, are used to form the cell membrane and intracellular membrane barriers that separate the different cell compartments.

Question 4

Define glycogen.

Answer 4

An insoluble polymer of glucose that can be depolymerized and used rapidly to supply the cells’ energy needs. A small amount of carbohydrate is stored in the cells in this form.