Euk and prok cell features and functions

Question 1

Where is the DNA found in a eukaryotic cell?

Answer 1

Enclosed in a membrane bound nucleus

Question 2

What are chromosomes formed by?

Answer 2

DNA tightly wrapped around by proteins called histones, together this forms chromosomes

Question 3

Give the main characteristic of the DNA in a eukaryotic cell

Answer 3

The DNA is linear meaning that the ends of the DNA molecule in the chromosome is not coiled to form a loop

Question 4

Name the membrane bound organelles in a eukaryotic cell

Answer 4

Mitochondria, golgi apparatus, and the endoplasmic recticulum. in plant cells chloroplast and vacuole is also membrane bound.

Question 5

Name the organelles in a eukaryotic cell that are not membrane bound

Answer 5

Ribsomes

Question 6

Give the different types of ribosomes found in cells

Answer 6

80s ribosomes found in eukaryotic cells
70s ribosomes found in prokaryotic cells which is smaller

Question 7

Give the function of the cell surface membrane, and what type of cell has this

Answer 7

Helps control the molecules that pass in and out of a cell in animal cells, plant cells have this surrounded by a cell wall.

Question 8

What is the cell wall in plant cells made from?

Answer 8

Polysaccharide cellulose

Question 9

Give 3 uses of proteins

Answer 9

Enzymes for chemical reactions, Structural proteins e.g organelle movement and transport molecules e.g heamoglobin
This means protein synthesis is one of the most important processes that takes place in cells.

Question 10

Describe the role of the nucleus in protein synthesis

Answer 10

The instructions for encoding the amino acid sequence of a protein are contained within the gene for that protein. These genes are made up into chromosomes which are found in the nucleus.
- When a protein is being synthesised, the genetic information encoded by that gene is converted into mRNA which is called transcription
- This mRNA then leaves the nucleus, and a ribosome reads the information contained and then synthesises the protein molecule, which is called translation.
- If a protein remains in the cytoplasm, translation will take place on a free ribosome in the cytoplasm, however some are secreted by cells so they make their way through the rough ER and the golgi apparatus before leaving the cell.

Question 11

What is the nucleoplasm?

Answer 11

A material in the nucleus containing nucleotides and enzymes, which is needed for DNA and RNA synthesis.

Question 12

What is the function of nuclear pores?

Answer 12

Found in the nuclear envelope, these allow passage of large molecules and allows molecules to enter and leave the nucleus.

Question 13

What is the nuclear envelope?

Answer 13

The double membrane on the outside of the nucleus which contains 2 phospholipid bilayers

Question 14

Give the characteristic of the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope

Answer 14

This is continuous with the rough endoplasmic reticulum, forming flattened sacs called cisternae.

Question 15

Describe the function of the RER

Answer 15

Has a large surface area with ribosomes present on the outer surface for synthesising proteins and is a pathway of transport.

Question 16

What is a chromatin?

Answer 16

Found in the nucleus, these consist of DNA coiled around proteins called histones, these paired together create chromosomes.

Question 17

When can we see chromosomes in a nucleus?

Answer 17

Only when the cell is undergoing mitosis or meiosis

Question 18

What is the function of the nucleolus?

Answer 18

Found in the nucleus, special types of RNA is formed called rRNA, and ribosomal subunits are assembled.

Question 19

Give the 2 key features of lysosomes

Answer 19

They contain powerful digestive enzymes such as proteases, which digest large molecules into smaller soluble molecules
They also have an acidic internal fluid because lysosomal enzymes have an optimum PH of acidic

Question 20

Give the functions of lysosomes

Answer 20

They play a key role in phagocytosis, when a WBC forms a vacuole around a bacteria, called a phagosome, lysosomes will now fuse with this besicleand the lysosomal enzymes ( hyrdolytic enzymes) will digest the bacteria.
-They also can destroy organelles that are damaged or no longer functional. This happens when the organelle is wrapped in a vacuole so the vacuole fuses to the membrane and uses its enzymes to digest the organelle.
- Lysosomes can also transfer their enzymes to out of the cell in exocytosis to digest and remove unwanted proteins or dead cells.

Question 21

Describe the structure of a mitochondria

Answer 21

A double membrane with inter-membrane space. Has a fluid called the matrix where enzymes for the Krebs cycle are found.
- There is also a loop of DNA there containing the genes needed for enzymes found in mitochondrial respiration
- There are also mitochondrial l ribsomes which synthesise proteins encoded by mitochondrial DNA.

Question 22

Give an adaptation of mitochondria

Answer 22

They have large amounts of cristae which provide a large surface area for enzymes needed for oxidation phosphloryiation.

Question 23

Name all the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Answer 23

P has no nucleus whereas E does in a nuclear envelope
P has no DNA associated with proteins whereas E has DNA associated with histone proteins
P has DNA in circular strands called plasmids whereas all DNA in E is linear
P has no membrane bound organelles whereas E does
P has no chloroplats whereas E does
In P ribosomes are smaller (70s) in E they are larger (80s)
In P cell wall is made up of murein whereas in E they are made up of cellulose
P has capsules whereas E doesnt

Question 24

Give the role of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells

Answer 24

A physical barrier that excludes certain substances and protects against mechanical damage and osmotic lysis

Question 25

Give the role of the capsule in prokaryotic cells

Answer 25

Protects bacterium from other cells and helps groups of bacteria stick together for future protection

Question 26

Give the role of the cell surface membrane in prokaryotic cells

Answer 26

Acts as a differentially permeable layer that controls the entry and exit of materials
Contains 70s ribosomes

Question 27

Give the role of the circular DNA in prokaryotic cells

Answer 27

Possesses the genetic material for the replication of bacterial cells

Question 28

Give the role of plasmids in prokaryotic cells

Answer 28

Possesses genes that may aid the survival of the bacteria in adverse conditions e.g enzymes that may resist antibiotics

Question 29

What is the range of size of virus particles?

Answer 29

20nm-300nm

Question 30

Where do viruses reproduce?

Answer 30

In host cells only

Question 31

How do viruses reproduce inside a host cell?

Answer 31

They attach to the surface of the host cell and they go in and use the host cells enzymes to make copies of themselves then leave

Question 32

Describe the structure of viruses

Answer 32

They have genetic material, either DNA or RNA, and this is contained inside a protein structure called a capsid. On the surface of the virus we find attachment proteins, which allow viruses attach to and enter host cells
Sometimes the capsid is surrounded by a lipid envelope formed from the host cell membrane

Question 33

Describe the structure of choroplasts

Answer 33

They have a double membrane controlling which molecules enter and leave the organelle.
They have grana which are stacks of disks called thylakoids and these are responsible for LDR as they contain chlorophyll
Thylakoids on different grana are connected to each-other by flattened membranes called lamellae which play a role in LDR and allows chemicals to pass through grana
The stroma is a fluid matrix where LIR in photosynthesis takes place
They also have a loop of DNA which contains genes which code for proteins needed for photosynthesis
They also contain ribosomes synthesisng the proteins from the DNA

Question 34

What does the chloroplast do with the product of photosynthesis?

Answer 34

Glucose can be converted into the polysaccarhide starch which is stored in chloroplast as starch granules

Question 35

Describe the functions of the cellulose cell wall

Answer 35

-Provides mechanical strength to the cell which is important because water molecules have to enter the cell wall for photosynthesis inside the cell, and if water potential outside the cell is greater than on the inside where will be a net inflow of water in osmosis, creating a great deal of hydrostatic pressure inside the cell pushing outwards so the plant cell needs to be strong so resist this
-To allow water to pass along it and so contribute to the movement of water through the plant

Question 36

What is the cell wall made up from?

Answer 36

Microfibrils of the polysaccharide cellulose embedded in a matrix. There is a thin layer in the middle called the middle lamella which marks the boundary between adjacent cell walls and cements adjacent cells together.

Question 37

Give the structure and function of the cell wall in fungi and algae

Answer 37

In algae they are made up of cellulose or glycoproteins or a mixture of both and in fungi they are made up of chitinn, glycan and glycoproteins

Question 38

Describe the function of vacuoles

Answer 38

They support herbaceous plants, and herbaceous parts of woody plants making the cells more turgid
The sugars and amino acids in these may be used as a temporary food store
The pigments may colour petals attracting pollinating insects

Question 39

Describe the structure of the vacuole

Answer 39

These are fluid filled sacs that are filled with fluid. The single membranearound it is called the tonoplast which controls which chemicals enter and leave the vacuole.
The fluid in the vacuole is called cell sap containing dissolved sugars, amino acids and mineral salts