Bio Organelle quiz

Cell Theory

The cell is the basic unit of life; all living things are made of cells; and all cells come from preexisting cells

Prokaryote vs. Eukaryote

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have both and are generally larger and more complex

Plant cells vs. Animal cells

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole; animal cells lack these but contain centrioles and lysosomes

Key Organelles

The structures within cells that perform specific functions such as energy conversion, protein synthesis, and transport

Nucleus

Contains DNA and controls the cell’s activities including growth, metabolism, and reproduction

Nuclear envelope

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus that controls what enters and leaves through nuclear pores

Nuclear pores

Openings in the nuclear envelope that allow RNA and proteins to move between the nucleus and cytoplasm

Ribosomes

Build proteins from amino acids by translating genetic information; can be free in cytosol or bound to the rough ER

Free ribosomes

Float in the cytoplasm and produce proteins that function within the cytosol

Attached ribosomes

Bound to the rough ER and produce proteins destined for export or for membranes

Smooth E.R.

Synthesizes lipids, detoxifies poisons, and helps with carbohydrate metabolism; lacks ribosomes

Rough E.R.

Has ribosomes on its surface; modifies and transports proteins produced by bound ribosomes

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport within or outside the cell

Vesicles

Small membrane sacs that transport materials between organelles or to and from the plasma membrane

Vacuoles

Storage structures; in plants, the large central vacuole maintains water balance and turgor pressure

Central Vacuole

Large vacuole in plant cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste, and helps maintain cell rigidity

Lysosome

Contains digestive enzymes that break down waste, damaged organelles, and macromolecules

Mitochondria

Performs cellular respiration to convert chemical energy from food into ATP, the cell’s main energy source

Chloroplast

Uses sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, converting solar energy into chemical energy

Peroxisome

Breaks down fatty acids and alcohol; produces hydrogen peroxide and converts it to water and oxygen

Cytoskeleton

Network of protein fibers that maintains cell shape, provides structure, and enables movement

Microtubules

Thick hollow tubes that provide structural support and act as tracks for organelle and vesicle movement

Microfilaments

Thin actin filaments that support cell shape and are involved in cell movement and contraction

Intermediate Filaments

Rope-like fibers that maintain cell shape and anchor organelles for structural stability