Introduction to Cell Structure Wk1

Question 1

What structures does an animal cell contain? (16)

Answer 1

• Plasma membrane
• Mitochondrion
• Centriole
• Lysosome
• Nucleus: Nucleolus, Nuclear envelope, Chromatin, Nuclear pore
• Ribosomes
• Golgi complex
• Microfilaments
• Microtubules
• Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Cytoplasm

Question 2

What cellular functions does the nucleus perform? (3)

Answer 2

• Gene expression
• DNA storage
• Protein production

Question 3

What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum? (1)

Answer 3

Protein production (ribosomes required)

Question 4

What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum? (1)

Answer 4

Lipid synthesis (ribosomes not required)

Question 5

Why are the functions of the Golgi apparatus required in a cell? (1)

Answer 5

Proteins and modified, tagged and shipped off to other parts of the cell (post office metaphor).

Question 6

Why does a mitochondrion need a double membrane to produce energy for the cell? (1)

Answer 6

Outer membrane = protein based pores that allow passage of ions and molecules as large as a small protein. Double membrane appears to be relic of prokaryotic days.

Question 7

What do lysosomes and peroxisomes do? (2)

Answer 7

Digestion - lysosomes contain proteases to digest unwanted proteins. Peroxisomes produce hydrogen peroxide which is used for oxidative purposes.

Question 8

What is the cytosol and what cellular functions take place there? (2)

Answer 8

Cytosol is the fluid contained within the cell’s cytoplasm. All metabolic reactions take place here.

Question 9

What is the cytoskeleton and why is it important? (2)

Answer 9

• Mesh work structure to hold cell in a tight structure

- Important for cell communication and movement