Function of organelles

Question 1

Nucleus

Answer 1

Stores DNA as chromatin (chromosomes).
Coordinates cells activities which include: growth, intermediary metabolism, protein synthesis, and reproduction (cell division)

Question 2

Plasma Membrane

Answer 2

Physical barrier to control exit/entry of substances, allows communication between cells, detects and responds to environmental changes

Question 3

Nucleolus

Answer 3

Makes ribosomal subunits from proteins and rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

Question 4

R.E.R

Answer 4

Site of some protein synthesis, folding, and modification. Metabolises carbohydrates

Question 5

Golgi Apparatus

Answer 5

Modifies, packages, and directs newly synthesises proteins to where they are needed by placing proteins into vesicles

Question 6

Lysosomes

Answer 6

Breaks down waste (e.g proteins, nucleic acids) in cell and old components, and digests food.

Question 7

S.E.R

Answer 7

Synthesises lipids, phospholipids, steroids, and detoxifies drugs.
Cells that secrete these have an excess of SER

Question 8

Ribosomes

Answer 8

Synthesise proteins via translation and formation of peptide bonds

Question 9

Mitochondria

Answer 9

Aerobic respiration

Oxidative Phosphorylation- most ATP is produced here (cristae are site of ATP synthesis by electron carriers)

Question 10

Chloroplast

Answer 10

Harness light energy for photosynthesis via photosystems

Question 11

Permanent Vacuole

Answer 11

Plant cells use vacuoles to adjust size and maintain turgor pressure.
Can also serve as storage compartments for nutrients and metabolites

Question 12

Centrioles

Answer 12

Organise microtubules into spindles on which chromosomes are separated when cells divide.
-Position of centriole determines position of nucleus and plays a crucial role in spatial arrangement of the cell

Question 13

Cytoplasm

Answer 13

Medium for organelle suspension
Gives cell shape
Breaks down waste and aids metabolic activity
Acts as buffer to damage from movement and collision with other cells

Question 14

Vacuole

Answer 14

Filled with water containing inorganic and organic molecules (including enzymes) and sometimes engulfed solids

For structure and storage

Question 15

Cell wall

Answer 15

Plants: tensile strength and protection against mechanical and osmotic stress. Allows cells to create turgor pressure

Prokaryotes: Provides shape

Question 16

Cytoskeleton

Answer 16

Network of fibres necessary for shape and stability

Holds organelles in place, and controls cell movement and movement of organelles