Week #1 Objectives

Question 1

Define organisms by describing the characteristics shared by living things.

Answer 1

1. Structural Complexity
2. Homeostasis
3. Metabolism
4. Evolutionary Adaptation
5. Reproduction
6. Sensibility
7. Growth and Development

Question 2

Outline the main components of the cell theory.

Answer 2

1. All organisms are made of cells
2. The cell is the simplest collection of matter that can live
3. Cell structure is correlated to cell function
4. All cells are related to pre existing cells through cell division

Question 3

Cell Membrane Structure and Function

Answer 3

Function:
It is a semi permeable wall that defines the cells shape and maintains homeostasis by determining what can enter and leave the cell.

Structure:
A two layered wall of of phospholipids which is also called the phospholipid bilayer. The hydrophilic heads face outwards while the hydrophobic tails meet in the middle of the membrane. Many types of proteins are wedged in for transporting materials in and out of the cell.

Question 4

Cytoplasm Function and Structure

Answer 4

Function:
Holds the internal components of cells in place in order to keep them from being damaged.

Structure:
Jelly-like liquid that is present all throughout the cell.

Question 5

DNA Structure and Function

Answer 5

Function:
Carries genetic and hereditary material and instructions for cellular activity and creation of necessary proteins.

Structure:
Two strands made up of sugar-phosphate that twist together to form the double helix. Nucleobases are complimentary based paired and form wrungs in between the backbones.

Question 6

Ribosome Function and Structure

Answer 6

Function:
Responsible for a process called protein synthesis where in proteins are made for intercellular and extracellular use.

Structure:
Made of protein and rRNA. It can either be found floating within the cytosol or attached to the Rough ER.

Question 7

Cell Wall Function and Structure

Answer 7

Function:
Gives the cell strength and structure and filters molecules that pass in and out of the plant cell. It also protects the cell from excessive water intake.

Structure:
Made up of the middle lamella, the primary cell wall, and the plasma membrane. The cell wall is made up of cellulose fibers.

Question 8

Nucleus Function and Structure

Answer 8

Function:
Manages the cells organelles and contains the cells genetic information.

Structure:
A nuclear envelope that contains the nucleolus, the nucleoid, and chromatin inside it. It has many nuclear pores on its surface.

Question 9

Endoplasmic Reticulum Function and Structure

Answer 9

Function:
The Rough ER is responsible for the synthesis of proteins and sends them to the Golgi body via transport vesicles while the Smooth ER is responsible for the synthesis of lipids.

Structure:
A network of folded membranes which connect to the outer layer of the nuclear membrane.

Question 10

Golgi Apparatus Function and Structure

Answer 10

Function:
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for extracellular use. It is also responsible for the manufacturing of certain macromolecules.

Structure:
Flat, membranous sacs called cisternae.

Question 11

Lysosomes Function and Structure

Answer 11

Function:
Breaks down proteins, fats, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids.

Structure:
A membranous sac that contains digestive hydrolytic enzymes.

Question 12

Mitochondria Function and Structure

Answer 12

Function:
Performs cellular respiration and generates ATP energy by using oxygen and glucose.

Structure:
A double-membraned organelle where in the inner membrane is folded to form cristae.

Question 13

Chloroplast Function and Structure

Answer 13

Function:
Conducts photosynthesis by combining carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Energy in the form of light is needed for this to occur.

Structure:
A double-membraned organelle with stacks of folded membranes called grana. Contains chlorophyll, the green pigment necessary in capturing light energy. Contains ribosomes and small amounts of DNA.

Question 14

Vacuole Function and Structure

Answer 14

Function:
Small vesicles are vacuoles that move substances from one part of the cell to another. It also stores materials for the cell as well as waste.

Structure:
Sac-like structure bound by a membrane.

Question 15

Centrosome Function and Structure

Answer 15

Function:
Forms and arranged the spindle fibers during cell division.

Structure:
Consists of two centrioles, each made of microtubules arranged in a ring