Unit 1.1 Cell Theory

Question 1

What are the properties of cells? In other words, what constitutes life? (7 things)

Answer 1

1. Order
2. Metabolism
3. Homeostasis
4. Response to Stimuli
5. Reproduction
6. Growth and Development
7. Evolutionary Adaptation

Question 2

What are meant by the terms metabolism and homeostasis?

Answer 2

Organisms with a metabolism can transform chemicals and derive energy to generate
usable cellular components. Organisms that maintain homeostasis can maintain and self-regulate biological functions.

Question 3

What are cells and who first identified them?

Answer 3

Cells are the simplest unit that constitutes life and can replicate. They were identified by Robert Hooke.

Question 4

What are the 3 parts of cell theory?

Answer 4

1. All organisms are composed of cells
2. Cells are the smallest living things
3. Cells arise only from pre-existing cells

Question 5

What are the four common structural features found in/on all cells? What other characteristics do all cells share?

Answer 5

Four Common structures: 
• Plasma membrane [boundary]
• Cytoplasm [intracellular matrix]
• Chromosome(s) [genetic material]
• Ribosomes [translational 
machinery]
Other commonalities: 
• 4 primary macromolecules
• biochemistry
• Heredity
• Properties of life

Question 6

What is the primary difference between a prokaryote and eukaryote (where do their names come from)?

Answer 6

eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and prokaryotic cells do not (pro = before/ eu = true/ kary = nucleus)

Question 7

What are some common characteristics of prokaryotes?

Answer 7

unicellular, no nucleus, have cell walls

Question 8

What are the two domains which are comprised of prokaryotes?

Answer 8

bacteria and archaea

Question 9

Are viruses considered living things?

Answer 9

No, they can not self regulate (no homeostasis and metabolism)

Question 10

What are some common characteristics of eukaryotes?

Answer 10

uni- or multicellular, have nuclei, have organelles, some have cell walls

Question 11

What are the four kingdoms that comprise the domain Eukarya?

Answer 11

Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Question 12

What fraction of a meter is a micrometer

Answer 12

10^-6

Question 13

what fraction of a meter is a nanometer

Answer 13

10^-9

Question 14

What limitations exist to regulate cell size?

Answer 14

1. Genetic regulation: increased cell size makes the chemical reactions neccessary for gene expression harder to perform
2. SA:V : materials must travel throughout the cells entire volume, but must also enter through the cells surface (surface area and volume do not increase at the same rate and this can make material transport less efficient)

Question 15

On average, how much larger are eukaryotic cells than prokaryotic cells? How much larger are prokaryotic cells than viruses?

Answer 15

Prokaryotic cells are 1/10 - 1/100th the size of a eukaryotic cell. Viruses are 1/10 - 1/100th the size of a prokaryotic cell. (Eukaryotic –> Prokaryotic –> Virus)