Lec. 9 - Organelle Function

Question 1

Compare vacuoles in plants and animals.

Answer 1

Plant cells have one larger vacuole, in plants they mainly store substances, and in plants they are crucial in maintaining cell turgor pressure and structural support. Animal cells may have multiple smaller and more numerous vacuoles, there functions include storage, and they have more specialized roles in animal cells.

Question 2

Explain the importance of pH in the cellular environment.

Answer 2

It determines enzyme activity and protein function, ion transport and membrane function, cellular signaling and communication, and maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Question 3

Describe the composition of the lipid bilayer.

Answer 3

The lipid bilayer is a fundamental structural component of cell membranes, providing a barrier that separates the cell’s internal environment from the external surroundings.

Question 4

Explain why the lipid bilayer is considered to be fluid.

Answer 4

The lipid bilayer is considered fluid due to its dynamic and flexible nature, allowing individual lipid molecules to move within the plane of the membrane.