Introduction to the Living Cell

Question 1

What are key roles of the cell?

Answer 1

• exchanging molecules with their surroundings
• communicating with other cells via cell signalling
• storing hereditary information as DNA
• different cells also have specific and varied job roles depending on what type of cell they are.

Question 2

What is the plasma membrane made up of?

Answer 2

The plasma membrane is made up of a bilayer of phospholipids which is fluid as it is constantly moving and contains proteins which are scattered throughout like a mosaic.
The phospholipid contains a polar, hydrophilic head and a non-polar, hydrophobic tail.

Question 3

What does taxonomy mean?

Answer 3

The academic discipline of defining groups of biological organisms on the basis of shared characteristics.

Question 4

What is the definition for a living cell?

Answer 4

Cells are fundamental units of all living things on Earth. They take nutrients from their surrounding and make copies of themselves.

Question 5

How is equilibrium maintained within a cell?

Answer 5

• It is maintained by homeostasis- the ability or tendency of an organism or cell to be able to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting it’s physiological processes.
• Homeostasis uses a negative feedback system.