Cell Structure - Set 3

Question 1

What is the structure of the flagellum?

Answer 1

1. Flagella on eukaryotic cells are like cilia but longer.
2. They stick out from the cell surface, and are surrounded by the plasma membrane.
3. Inside they are like cilia too - two microtubules in the centre and nine pairs around the edge.

Question 2

What is the function of the flagellum?

Answer 2

The microtubules contract to make the flagellum move ➡️ Flagella are used like outboard motors to propel the cell forward (E.g., when a sperm cell swims).

Question 3

What is the structure of the chloroplasts? How are the grana linked together?

Answer 3

1. A small flattened structure found in plant cells.
2. It is surrounded by a double membrane inside called thylakoid membranes.
3. These membrane are stacked in some parts of the chloroplast to form grana.
4. The grana are linked together to form lamellae, which are thin flat pieces of thylakoid membrane.

Question 4

What is the function of the chloroplasts?What structure do chloroplasts contain? In what parts?

Answer 4

Chloroplasts are the site where photosynthesis takes place. They contain stacks called the thylakoid membranes, called grana.

Some parts of photosynthesis happen in the grana, and other parts happen in the stroma (a thin liquid found in the chloroplasts).

Question 5

What is the structure and function of the cell wall?

Answer 5

1. Made up of the polysaccharide cellulose.
2. Can function as a carbohydrate store by varying the amount of cellulose it holds.
3. Contains pores called plasmodesmata - allows for the exchange of substances between cells.

Question 6

What is the function of the capsule?

Answer 6

Some prokaryotes have an extra layer around the cell wall known as the capsule.

This structure is made up of polysaccharides and protects the cell from attack by antibodies or white blood cells.

Question 7

What is the function of the pili?

Answer 7

For attachment to other cells or surfaces.

Involved in sexual reproduction.

Question 8

What is the structure and function of the vacuole?

Answer 8

Structure: Consists of a membrane called the tonoplast, which is filled with cell sap (watery solution of different substances).

Function: Important for keeping the cell firm.