The Cell

Question 1

What are the basic life processes?

Answer 1

Growth and development, energy production, energy consumption, waste excretion, response to the environment, and control of the internal environment (homeostasis).

Question 2

How many cells do we have in our bodies?

Answer 2

The human body contains trillions of cells.

Question 3

What are the two main types of cells in the body?

Answer 3

Sex cells (ova and sperm) and somatic cells.

Question 4

How many different types of cells are there in the human body?

Answer 4

There are more than 200 different types of cells.

Question 5

What is the average size of human cells?

Answer 5

The average size of human cells is about 20 μm (micrometers).

Question 6

What is intracellular fluid composed of?

Answer 6

Intracellular fluid contains ions (electrolytes), proteins, amino acids, and glucose.

Question 7

What is the cell membrane primarily made of?

Answer 7

The cell membrane is primarily composed of lipids (fats).

Question 8

What are some functions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Answer 8

The ER synthesizes proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, stores synthesized molecules, transports materials within the cell, and detoxifies drugs and toxins.

Question 9

What are the two types of ribosomes, and where are they found?

Answer 9

Free ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm, while fixed ribosomes are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Question 10

What is the main function of lysosomes?

Answer 10

Lysosomes function as the “stomach” of the cell, breaking down large molecules, attacking bacteria, recycling damaged organelles, and ejecting waste.

Question 11

What is the role of mitochondria in the cell?

Answer 11

Mitochondria are the energy “factory” of the cell, producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used as a major source of energy for cellular activities.

Question 12

What are microvilli, and what is their function?

Answer 12

Microvilli are small hair-like extensions of the cell membrane that increase the surface area for absorption.

Question 13

What is the composition of blood?

Answer 13

Blood consists of formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and plasma, which contains water, proteins, nutrients, hormones, gases, electrolytes, and waste products.

Question 14

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

Answer 14

Red blood cells transport oxygen (via hemoglobin) and some carbon dioxide.

Question 15

What is the lifespan of a red blood cell?

Answer 15

Red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days.

Question 16

Where does red blood cell production (erythropoiesis) occur?

Answer 16

Red blood cell production occurs in the bone marrow, specifically in flat bones such as the ribs, sternum, pelvis, and femur.

Question 17

What hormone drives red blood cell production, and where is it produced?

Answer 17

Erythropoietin (EPO) drives red blood cell production and is primarily produced by the kidney in response to hypoxia (low oxygen levels).

Question 18

What are some functions of the Golgi apparatus?

Answer 18

The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum, processes and modifies them, and packages them into vesicles for transportation or excretion.

Question 19

What is the structure responsible for cell movement, and where is it found in the human body?

Answer 19

The flagellum is a tail-like structure found in sperm cells, enabling their movement.