B1 cells

What is the smallest unit of life?

A cell.

What can cells do independently?

Cells can replicate independently.

What are the two main types of cells?

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.

What characterizes prokaryotic cells?

They are simpler, older, lack a true nucleus, and lack membrane-bound organelles.

Give examples of prokaryotic cells.

Bacteria and Archaea.

What characterizes eukaryotic cells?

They are more complex, possess a true nucleus and contain various membrane-bound organelles.

Give examples of eukaryotic cells.

Animal cells, Plant cells, Fungi, and Protists.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

What is the cell membrane composed of?

A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.

What is cytoplasm?

All contents within the cell membrane excluding the nucleus in eukaryotes.

What is cytosol?

The jelly-like fluid filling the cell.

What are organelles?

Specialized structures performing specific functions within the cell.

What does genetic material contain?

Instructions for building and operating the cell.

Where is most DNA located in eukaryotes?

In the nucleus.

What do prokaryotes typically have for genetic material?

A single circular chromosome in the nucleoid.

What are ribosomes responsible for?

Protein synthesis.

Where can ribosomes be found?

Free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

What is the function of the nucleus?

Controls cell growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

What surrounds the nucleus?

The nuclear envelope, a double membrane.

What is the function of the nucleolus?

Where ribosomes are assembled.

What are mitochondria known as?

The powerhouses of the cell.

What is the function of mitochondria?

Cellular respiration, converting glucose into ATP.

What is the role of the endoplasmic reticulum?

Involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

What characterizes rough ER?

Studded with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.

What characterizes smooth ER?

Lacks ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and calcium storage.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids from the ER.

What do lysosomes contain?

Digestive enzymes to break down waste materials.

What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

Store water, nutrients, and waste products.

What maintains turgor pressure in plant cells?

A large central vacuole.

What is the cell wall?

A rigid outer layer external to the cell membrane.

What is the function of the cell wall?

Provides structural support and protection.

What do chloroplasts do?

Sites of photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

In which type of cells are chloroplasts found?

Plant cells.

What is the defining feature of prokaryotic cells compared to eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus.

What structure in eukaryotic cells contains the main genetic material?

The nucleus.

How do eukaryotic cells differ in complexity compared to prokaryotic cells?

They are more complex, containing membrane-bound organelles.

What role does the cytoplasm play in a cell?

Holds all contents within the cell membrane.

How can ribosomes contribute to the function of a cell?

By synthesizing proteins necessary for cellular functions.

What is ATP?

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

What structural feature of the endoplasmic reticulum is critical for its function?

Its network of membranes.

Why are lysosomes important for cellular health?

They digest waste materials and help clear cellular debris.

What term describes the double layer of phospholipids in the cell membrane?

Phospholipid bilayer.

What impact does the vacuole have on plant cells?

It maintains turgor pressure, which helps support the plant.

What do organelles allow the cell to do?

Carry out specific functions efficiently.

What ensures that a prokaryotic cell can survive in its environment?

Its ability to replicate independently.

What process do mitochondria facilitate?

Cellular respiration.

What distinguishes smooth ER from rough ER?

Smooth ER lacks ribosomes.