9.1 Cell Structure and Function

Question 1

What is the primary difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Answer 1

Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles; prokaryotes do not.

Question 2

Where is DNA located in a prokaryotic cell?

Answer 2

It’s free-floating in the cytoplasm, not in a nucleus.

Question 3

Which cell type is generally larger and more complex?

Answer 3

Eukaryotic cells (due to compartmentalization).

Question 4

Name the three components of Cell Theory.

Answer 4

1. All living things are made of cells. 2. Cells are the basic unit of life. 3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Question 5

What are three cell structures/organelles that can generally be found in Plant cells but not Animal cells?

Answer 5

Chloroplasts, Cell Wall, and a Large Central Vacuole

Question 6

True or False: Plant cells can have mitochondria.

Answer 6

True. They need mitochondria to break down the glucose they make during photosynthesis. (another thing to keep in mind: Plants can only do photosynthesis when light is available, but need ATP consistently)

Question 7

What is the function of the Cell Membrane?

Answer 7

It regulates what enters and leaves the cell to maintain homeostasis.

Question 8

What is the function of Ribosomes?

Answer 8

They are the site of protein synthesis (translating mRNA into polypeptide chains).

Question 9

What is the evolutionary benefit of the prokaryotic cell plan?

Answer 9

Efficiency. Their small size and lack of organelles allow for rapid reproduction, lower energy and nutrient requirements, and quick diffusion of nutrients.

Question 10

What is the evolutionary benefit of the eukaryotic cell plan?

Answer 10

Specialization. Membrane-bound organelles allow different chemical reactions to happen simultaneously in optimal environments. Cells can have certain specialized structures or organelles to perform a specific function in a multicellular organism.

Question 11

Which molecules serve as the “Instructions” for the cell?

Answer 11

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid).

Question 12

How do prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes “read” their instructions?

Answer 12

Both use Transcription (DNA to RNA) and Translation (RNA to Protein), but in eukaryotes, these are separated by the nuclear membrane.

Question 13

How do Autotrophs (like plants/some bacteria) get energy?

Answer 13

They convert light or chemical energy into fuel molecules (glucose) via Photosynthesis or Chemosynthesis.

Question 14

How do Heterotrophs (like animals) get energy?

Answer 14

They must consume organic matter and break it down through cellular respiration.

Question 15

What is the primary organelle for waste breakdown and removal in animal cells?

Answer 15

Lysosomes (containing digestive enzymes).

Question 16

How do plants handle waste and storage differently than animals?

Answer 16

They use a large Central Vacuole to store water, nutrients, and waste, providing turgor pressure.

Question 17

How do prokaryotes produce ATP without mitochondria?

Answer 17

They use their cell/plasma membrane to create the necessary ion gradients for energy production.

Question 18

Describe the steps of the Protein Assembly Line in a eukaryotic cell (aka the endomembrane system).

Answer 18

Nucleus: DNA is transcribed into mRNA, Ribosomes (on Rough ER): mRNA is translated into a polypeptide chain, Rough ER: Proteins are folded and modified, Golgi: Proteins are sorted, “tagged,” and packaged into vesicles, Vesicles: Transport the protein to the cell membrane for secretion or to other organelles.

Question 19

Why would a liver cell have an abundence of smooth ER?

Answer 19

The smooth ER is responsible for detoxification and lipid synthesis. Since the liver filters toxins from the blood, it requires more “machinery” to process those chemicals.

Question 20

Why would a Muscle Cell have significantly more Mitochondria than a Skin Cell?

Answer 20

Muscle cells require massive amounts of ATP for contraction and movement. Skin cells have lower metabolic demands, so they don’t need as many “power plants.”

Question 21

Which type of cells contains a nucleus and membrane bound organelles?

Answer 21

Eukaryotic (plant, animal, fungi, protist)

Question 22

Which type of cells can contain mitochondria where enzymes transfer chemical energy into ATP?

Answer 22

Eukaryotic (plant, animal, fungi, protist)

Question 23

Which type of cells can contain chloroplasts with pigments that capture sunlight energy for photosynthesis?

Answer 23

Eukaryotic (plant and algae, not animal or fungi)

Question 24

Which type of cells play specialized roles in multicellular organisms?

Answer 24

Eukaryotic (plant, animal, fungi, protist)

Question 25

Which type of cells contain a cell wall and a large central vacuole

Answer 25

Eukaryotic (plant cells)

Question 26

What are some structures/features that all cells have?

Answer 26

DNA, ribosomes, enzymes for digestion and cellular respiration, cell membrane, cytoskeleton

Question 27

How can you differentiate between the rough ER with the smooth ER in a diagram of a model cell?

Answer 27

The rough ER has attached ribosomes making protein into the interior of the rough ER. The smooth ER portion does not have ribosomes but includes enzymes that perform other functions like lipid synthesis

Question 28

How can you differentiate between the ER and the golgi apparatus in a diagram?

Answer 28

The ER tends to be closer to the membrane, and ribosomes are on the surface of the rough portion. The golgi tends to be closer to the membrane, with vesicles traveling to it from the ER and away from it towards the membrane or other organelles.

Question 29

What are some of the important functions of the smooth ER?

Answer 29

the smooth ER performs several critical functions: makes lipids for cell membranes, produces steroids/lipid hormones, metabolizes carbohydrates, detoxifies harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, pumps calcium ions into muscle cells

Question 30

Make sure you can identify the common organelles of eukaryotic cells in a diagram of a cell model

Question 31

An animal cell that needs to break down lots of large waste molecules would contain a lot of what type of organelle?

Answer 31

lysosome

Question 32

An animal cell that needs to make large amount of ATP would contain many of what type of organelle?

Answer 32

mitochondria

Question 33

An animal cell that needs to secrete a large amount of digestive enzymes outside of the cell would have large amounts of what organelles?

Answer 33

rough ER, golgi, and vesicles