Eukaryotic Cells

• What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

  It is made from a phospholipid bilayer.
• What role do proteins and cholesterol play in the plasma membrane?

  They are embedded in the membrane and can act as receptors.
• What does the plasma membrane control the passage of?

  It controls the passage of organic molecules, ions, water, and oxygen.
• What waste products does the plasma membrane control?

  It controls waste products such as CO2 and ammonia.
• What is the nucleoplasm?

  It is a semi-solid fluid inside the nucleus.
• Where are chromatin and the nucleolus located?

  They are located in the nucleoplasm.
• What is the function of the nucleolus?


  It produces and assembles ribosomes.
• What type of chromosomes does the nucleus have?

  The nucleus has linear chromosomes made out of DNA.
• What is the primary function of the nucleus?

  It controls the actions of the cell and holds DNA.
• What does the DNA in the nucleus contain instructions for?

  It contains instructions for the synthesis of proteins.
• What is assembled in the nucleolus?

  Ribosomal RNA is joined together with associated proteins to assemble ribosomal units.
• What is the structure of the nuclear envelope?

  It has inner and outer layers made out of a phospholipid bilayer.
• What is the function of the nuclear envelope?


  It controls the passage of ions, molecules, and RNA between nucleoplasm and cytoplasm.
• What is the composition of the cytoplasm?

  It is made up of gel-like cytosol where organelles are suspended.
• What percentage of the cytoplasm is made up of water?

  70% of the cytoplasm is made up of water.
• What other components are found in the cytoplasm?

  It contains proteins, ions, sugars, and fatty acids.
• What takes place in the cytoplasm?

  Metabolic reactions take place in the cytoplasm.
• What is the role of different organelles in the cytoplasm?

  Different organelles perform different functions as part of the cell.
• Are organelles considered cells?

  No, organelles are not cells, although they are often surrounded by a membrane.
• What is the shape and structure of mitochondria?

  Mitochondria are oval-shaped and have a double membrane.
• What unique features do mitochondria have?

  They have their own ribosomes and DNA.
• What is the composition of the membranes of mitochondria?

  Each membrane is a phospholipid bilayer embedded with protein.
• What are the folds in the inner layer of mitochondria called?

  They are called cristae.
• What is the mitochondrial matrix?

  It is the space surrounded by folds that contains enzymes for respiration.
• What is the primary function of mitochondria?

  They make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via aerobic respiration.
• Why do muscle cells have lots of mitochondria?

  Because they are highly active and need lots of energy to keep the body moving.
• What is the structure of chloroplasts?

  Chloroplasts have their own DNA, ribosome, and inner & outer membrane.
• What is contained within the inner membrane of chloroplasts?

  It contains a set of interconnected and stacked fluid-filled membrane sacs called thylakoids.
• What is each stack of thylakoids called?

  Each stack is called a granum (pl. - grana).
• What links the grana in chloroplasts?

  Grana are linked by lamellae, which are flat thin parts of the thylakoid membrane.
• What is the stroma in chloroplasts?

  It is the fluid enclosed by the inner membrane that surrounds grana.
• What process do chloroplasts carry out?

  They carry out photosynthesis, converting CO2 and H2O into glucose and oxygen with light energy.
• Why are chloroplasts important for plants?


  They allow plants to make their food for survival.
• In which types of cells are chloroplasts found?

  Chloroplasts are found in plant and algal cells, but NOT in human or animal cells.
• What is the structure of the Golgi apparatus?

  It is a series of flattened membranous sacs.
• What happens at the Golgi apparatus?


  Transport vesicles form at the endoplasmic reticulum and fuse with the Golgi apparatus.
• What do transport vesicles do when they fuse with the Golgi apparatus?

  They empty proteins and lipids into the lumen of the Golgi apparatus.
• How are proteins and lipids processed in the Golgi apparatus?


  They are sorted, tagged, and packaged as they travel through the Golgi apparatus.
• What is the purpose of sorting and tagging proteins and lipids in the Golgi apparatus?


  So they can be sent to the right place.
• What are Golgi vesicles?

  They are membrane-bound, fluid-filled vesicles in the cytoplasm.