Cells & Tissues Questions

What is a cell?

The basic unit of living things; the fundamental organizational unit of life.

What are the two basic types of cells?

Prokaryote and Eukaryote.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus.

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

To control what enters and leaves the cell.

What is cytoplasm?

The inner substance of the cell, excluding the nucleus, composed of cytosol, organelles, and cytoskeleton.

What is the role of mitochondria in a cell?

They convert nutrient molecules into energy usable by the cell, mostly in the form of ATP.

What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

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

What do lysosomes contain and what is their function?

Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down nutrients, debris, or bacteria.

What is the function of the nucleus?

It is the control center of the cell, containing genetic material and regulating cellular activities.

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of relatively constant conditions in the internal environment of an organism.

How do substance movements like osmosis occur?

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane in response to a concentration gradient.

What is diffusion?

The movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

What is the process called when a cell engulfs particles or fluids?

Endocytosis.

What is exocytosis?

The process by which a cell removes waste and exports substances through its membrane.

What are the four basic types of tissues in the body?

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

What is unique about epithelial tissue?

It is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels and relies on underlying tissues for nutrients.

What are the three major components of connective tissue?

Cells, ground substance, and fibers.

What characterizes muscle tissue?

Muscle tissue consists of cells designed for contraction.

What is the main cell type in nervous tissue?

The neuron.