Eukaryotic Cell Structure: Organelles and Functions

What is the function of the nucleus?

The nucleus contains chromatin and the nucleolus, regulating gene expression and ribosome production.

What is the function of a lysosome?

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What is the function of a ribosome?

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis, made of proteins and RNA.

What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

The RER is involved in protein folding and processing, transporting proteins to the Golgi apparatus.

What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

The SER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies certain chemicals.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What is the function of mitochondria?

Mitochondria are involved in aerobic respiration, producing ATP.

What are the inner folds of mitochondria called?

Cristae

What is chitin?

Chitin is a component of cell walls in fungi.

What is cellulose?

Cellulose is a component of cell walls in plants.

What is the function of the centriole?

Centrioles are involved in cell division and the formation of cilia and flagella.

What makes up the cell wall of plants and algae?

Cellulose

Why would an epithelial cell in the small intestine need lots of mitochondria?

To provide the energy required for active transport and absorption processes.

What is the function of the nucleolus?

The nucleolus is responsible for synthesizing ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

What is the difference between smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface, while smooth ER does not.

What is the function of the SER?

The SER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs and poisons.

What is a light microscope used for?

Observing living and dead specimens.

What are the pros and cons of a light microscope?

Pros: Cheap, portable, easy to use, can study living specimens. Cons: Limited magnification, poor resolution.

What is the formula to calculate magnification?

Magnification = Image size / Actual size.

What is magnification?

A measure of how much larger the image of a specimen looks under the microscope.

What is resolution?

The ability to distinguish between two adjacent individual points as separate.

Why do electron microscopes give a clearer image than light microscopes?

The wavelength of light limits resolution to 0.2 micrometers, while the wavelength of electrons allows a resolution of 0.1 nanometers.

What are the basic units of life?

Cells.

Who proposed that all plants and animals are made up of cells?

Matthias Schleiden.

Who stated that cells only develop from other cells?

Barthelemy Dumortier.

What is the structure of the nuclear envelope?

A double membrane with nuclear pores to allow movement of mRNA.

What do mitochondria produce during aerobic respiration?

ATP.

What are the folds in the inner membrane of a mitochondrion called?

Cristae.

What is the role of ribosomes?

Site of protein synthesis.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

Processes, modifies, and packages proteins and lipids.

What are lysosomes?

Spherical sacs containing digestive enzymes involved in the breakdown of invading cells or worn down parts of cells.

What is the size range of typical eukaryotic cells?

10-100µm in diameter.

What is the primary function of mitochondria in muscle cells?

To release energy through respiration.

What is the function of centrioles?

Important for the accurate separation of chromosomes during cell division.

What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in exocytosis?

Processed molecules bud off in vesicles that either stay in the cell or leave by exocytosis.

What is the main function of chloroplasts?

Absorb sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, producing glucose and water.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Regulates movement of substances in and out of the cell.

What is the role of vacuoles in plant cells?

Storage and maintaining turgor pressure.

What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?

Provides structure and support.

What is the role of the cytoplasm?

Site of metabolic processes and contains organelles.

What is the function of the nuclear membrane?

Encloses the nucleus and regulates passage of materials.

What is the significance of cristae in mitochondria?

Increase surface area for respiration enzymes.