Organelle functions

Question 1

What are the two broad types of cells?

Answer 1

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

Question 2

What does the term ‘ultrastructure’ refer to?

Answer 2

The internal structure of cells

Question 3

What are the membrane-bound compartments in eukaryotic cells called?

Answer 3

Organelles

Question 4

What surrounds all cells and separates the inside from the surroundings?

Answer 4

Cell surface membrane

Question 5

What is the function of the cell surface membrane?

Answer 5

Controls the exchange of materials between the internal and external environments

Question 6

What type of permeability describes the cell membrane?

Answer 6

Partially permeable

Question 7

What is the diameter of the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane?

Answer 7

Around 10 nm

Question 8

What is the nucleus and its primary function?

Answer 8

A large organelle that contains genetic material (DNA) and is involved in cell regulation

Question 9

What structure separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm?

Answer 9

Nuclear envelope

Question 10

What are nuclear pores used for?

Answer 10

Allow mRNA and ribosomes to travel out of the nucleus and enzymes and signaling molecules to move in

Question 11

What is the nucleolus responsible for?

Answer 11

Ribosome production

Question 12

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 12

• Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)* Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)

Question 13

What is the main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

Answer 13

Processes proteins produced on ribosomes

Question 14

What is the main function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Answer 14

Production of lipids and steroid hormones

Question 15

What is the Golgi body also known as?

Answer 15

Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex

Question 16

What is the primary role of the Golgi body?

Answer 16

Modify proteins and package them into vesicles

Question 17

What is the main function of the mitochondria?

Answer 17

The site of aerobic respiration within eukaryotic cells

Question 18

What is the structure of mitochondria?

Answer 18

Surrounded by a double membrane with an inner membrane folded to form cristae

Question 19

What are ribosomes made of?

Answer 19

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins

Question 20

What type of ribosomes are found in eukaryotic cells?

Answer 20

80S ribosomes (composed of 60S and 40S subunits)

Question 21

What is the main function of ribosomes?

Answer 21

Site of translation during protein synthesis

Question 22

What are vesicles used for?

Answer 22

Transport and storage of substances within cells

Question 23

What do lysosomes contain?

Answer 23

Hydrolytic enzymes

Question 24

What do hydrolytic enzymes in lysosomes break down?

Answer 24

• Waste materials* Engulfed pathogens* Cell debris

Question 25

What are centrioles made of?

Answer 25

Hollow fibres made of microtubules

Question 26

What is the role of centrioles during cell division?

Answer 26

Organise spindle fibres

Question 27

What are microtubules made out of?

Answer 27

Tubulin protein

Question 28

What structural role do microtubules play in the cell?

Answer 28

Make up the cytoskeleton, providing support and movement

Question 29

What are cilia?

Answer 29

Hair-like projections made from microtubules

Question 30

What is the function of microvilli?

Answer 30

Increase surface area for absorption

Question 31

What is the primary structural component of plant cell walls?

Answer 31

Cellulose

Question 32

What are chloroplasts involved in?

Answer 32

Photosynthesis

Question 33

What are plasmodesmata?

Answer 33

Bridges of cytoplasm between neighbouring plant cells

Question 34

What do large permanent vacuoles store in plant cells?

Answer 34

Cell sap

Question 35

What surrounds large permanent vacuoles?

Answer 35

Tonoplast, which is a partially permeable membrane