Compendium 2 - Cells and its organelles

Question 1

List the functional characteristics of a cell

Answer 1

Cell metabolism, synthesis of molecules, communication and reproduction and inheritance

Question 2

List the major cellular organelles within a cell

Hint: there are 10

Answer 2

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, nucleus, ribosomes, golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, centrioles, cilia, microvilli

Question 3

Briefly describe the functions of the Plasma membrane

Answer 3

Lipid bilayer (phosopholipids bilayer and cholesterol)
Enclose and support cellular contents
Controls what enters/exits cell
Cell-to-cell communication

Question 4

Briefly describe Cytoplasm

Answer 4

Cellular fluid material outside nucleus but within boundaries of plasma membrane, also contains cytosol and organelles of a cell.

Question 5

Briefly describe Cytosol

Answer 5

Fluid portion of the cytoplasm made up of ions and proteins in water, contains cytoskeleton.

Question 6

Briefly describe Cytoskeleton and its functions

Answer 6

Supports the cell and its organelles and is reponsible for changes and shape of cell and movement of organelles.

Question 7

Briefly describe the functions of the Nucleus and its structure

Answer 7

Contains genetic material of the cell (DNA). Consists primarily of a nucleolus.

Question 8

Briefly describe the structure of Ribosomes and its functions

Answer 8

Composed of 2 subunits: large and small and is the site of protein synthesis/production.

Question 9

Briefly describe the structure of Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 9

Fattened, interconnecting sacs and tubules.
Rough E.R = with ribosomes
Smooth E.R = w/o ribosomes

Question 10

Describe the functions of Rough and Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

Answer 10

Rough = protein synthesis and modification
Smooth = Lipid, steroid and carbohydrate synthesis

Question 11

Briefly describe the Golgi apparatus and its functions

Answer 11

Flattened, membranous sacs. Modifies, packages and distributes proteins and lipids made in Rough E.R.

Question 12

Briefly describe Lysosomes and its functions

Answer 12

Membrane-bound vesicles that form at Golgi apparatus. Digestion of molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbs) no longer needed by cell.

Question 13

Briefly describe Mitochondria and its function

Answer 13

Double-membrane-bound organelle capable of reproducing itself. Production of ATP

Question 14

Briefly describe Centrioles and its function

Answer 14

Barrel-shaped organelles positioned at right angles to eachother
Wall composed of microtubules
Two centrioles at centre of cell
Function = Cell division

Question 15

Briefly describe Cilia and its function

Answer 15

Whip-like cellular extensions which project from outer surfaces of cells.
Movement of substances across surface of cell.

Question 16

Briefly describe Flagella and its function

Answer 16

Similar structure to Cilia but longer.
Found only in sperm cells (one flagellum per sperm)
Flagella moves actual cell itself.
Function = motility

Question 17

Briefly describe Microvilli and its function

Answer 17

Extensions of plasma membrane.
Non-motile
Function = increase surface area of cell