Cell Structure and Functions

What are the basic building blocks of life?

Cells

Who first coined the term 'cells' and in what year?

Robert Hooke in 1667

What is the function of the cell wall?

Provides structural support and protection to plant cells.

What is the role of the cell surface membrane?

Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

What is cytoplasm?

The part of the cell where most cell activities occur, consisting of protoplasm.

What is the function of the nucleus?

Controls cell activities such as growth and repair, and is essential for cell division.

What are vacuoles and how do they differ in plant and animal cells?

Temporary stores of substances; large and central in plant cells, small and numerous in animal cells.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Contains chlorophyll and is essential for photosynthesis in plant cells.

What is the endoplasmic reticulum and its types?

A network of membranes involved in the manufacture and transport of molecules; includes rough ER (RER) and smooth ER (SER).

What is the Golgi body responsible for?

Chemically modifies, stores, and packages substances made by the ER in vesicles.

What is the role of mitochondria?

Site of aerobic respiration and energy release in the form of ATP.

What are ribosomes and where are they found?

Sites of protein synthesis; can be free in the cytoplasm or bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

What is the definition of differentiation in cells?

The process by which a cell becomes specialized for a specific function.

How are red blood cells adapted to their function?

They lack a nucleus, allowing them to transport more oxygen.

How are root hair cells adapted for their function?

They have a large surface area for greater absorption of water and nutrients.

What is the significance of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?

It allows for specialized functions to occur in different organelles.

What is protoplasm?

The living matter within a cell, consisting of cytoplasm and the nucleus.

What are the observable differences between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not.

What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Site of synthesis of fats and steroids, and detoxification of harmful substances.

What is the role of the cell vacuole in plant cells?

Stores dissolved substances such as sugars and mineral salts.

What is the function of the cellulose cell wall?

Encloses the entire plant cell, providing protection and a fixed shape.

What are the four basic functions of organelles in eukaryotic cells?

1. Genetic control (nucleus, ribosomes) 2. Manufacture and breakdown of molecules (ER, Golgi) 3. Energy processing (mitochondria, chloroplasts) 4. Structural support and communication (cell membrane, cell wall).

What is the primary function of ribosomes in cells?

To synthesize proteins.

What is the role of vesicles in cellular transport?

To transport substances within the cell and to the cell surface for secretion.

What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and is involved in protein synthesis, while smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis.

What is the importance of ATP in cells?

ATP is the primary energy carrier in cells, used for various cellular processes.