Organelles

What are flagella and cilia used for in cells?

They are used for locomotion or for moving substances along the surface of a cell.

What is the primary component of plant and algae cell walls?

Cellulose.

What role does the cell membrane play in a cell?

It regulates what materials can enter and exit the cell.

What does 'cyto' mean in cytoplasm?

Cell.

What is the main fluid component of the cytoplasm?

H2O (water).

What does the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) consist of?

A system of pairs of parallel membranes that enclose narrow cavities.

What is synthesized in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Lipids.

What is the nucleus responsible for storing?

Hereditary information (DNA).

What is the site for ribosome production within the nucleus?

Nucleoli.

Where are ribosomes found in a cell?

Free in the cytoplasm, attached to the rough ER, or as polysomes.

What are polysomes?

Clusters of ribosomes that provide a site for protein production.

What does the Golgi body primarily do?

Packages and secretes proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

What are vesicles and vacuoles used for in cells?

To store or transport materials.

What differentiates vacuoles from vesicles?

Vacuoles are large compartments while vesicles are tiny compartments.

What do lysosomes contain that aid in digestion?

Digestive (proteolytic) enzymes.

What shape are mitochondria, and how are they structured?

Bean-shaped and filamentous with a double membrane system.

What is produced by mitochondria during cellular respiration?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

What is the overall reaction of cellular respiration in mitochondria?

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

What structure is unique to plant and algae cells that is involved in photosynthesis?

Chloroplasts.

What is the main pigment found in chloroplasts necessary for photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

What are thylakoids?

Membranous stacks found in chloroplasts that contain enzymes for photosynthesis.

What does the cytoskeleton provide to a cell?

Shape and support.

What is the fluid inside the nucleus called?

Nucleoplasm.

Which part of the endoplasmic reticulum is lined with ribosomes?

Rough ER (RER).

What is the primary function of the Golgi body regarding substances?

To modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery.

How do mitochondria contribute to cellular energy?

They produce ATP, the energy currency of cells.

What component of the cell wall is specific to fungi?

Chitin.

What process happens in the cytoplasm that aids in nutrient distribution?

Cytoplasmic streaming.

What are the main components of the cell membrane?

Phospholipids and proteins.

What is a characteristic feature of ribosomes?

They are not membrane-bound.

How do vesicles function in the cell?

As transport vehicles within the cell.

What is one key feature of the mitochondrial inner membrane?

It is highly convoluted to provide a large surface area.

What is an essential function of chloroplasts in plants?

Site of photosynthesis.

What is the significance of the double membrane in the nucleus?

To separate the nucleus from the cytoplasm and regulate material exchange.