Cell Types and Cell Structure

• What are cells considered in biological terms?


  The basic building blocks of life
• What is the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently?

  Cells
• How do animal and plant cells differ from bacterial cells in terms of cell type?


  Animal and plant cells are eukaryotic, while bacterial cells are prokaryotic
• What is the total number of cells in an adult human estimated to be?


  Over 40 trillion cells
• What are the main subcellular structures found in both animal and plant cells?


  • Cell membrane
  • Nucleus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
• What is the function of the cell membrane?


  It controls which substances can pass in and out of the cell
• What does the nucleus contain?


  The genetic material or DNA of the cell
• What is cytoplasm and its role in the cell?


  A gel-like substance where chemical reactions take place and subcellular structures are suspended
• What is the primary function of mitochondria?


  To provide energy to the cells
• What process do mitochondria use to release energy?


  Aerobic respiration
• What is the role of ribosomes in the cell?


  They are the site of protein synthesis
• What additional structures do plant cells have that animal cells do not?

  • Rigid cell wall made of cellulose
  • Permanent vacuole containing cell sap
  • Chloroplasts for photosynthesis
• What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?


  To provide support and structure to the cell
• What is contained within the permanent vacuole of plant cells?


  A mixture of sugars, salts, and water
• What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?


  They are where photosynthesis occurs
• What green substance do chloroplasts contain that is essential for photosynthesis?


  Chlorophyll
• What distinguishes bacterial cells from eukaryotic cells in terms of genetic material?


  Bacterial cells have a single circular strand of DNA that floats in the cytoplasm
• What are plasmids in bacterial cells?


  Small rings of DNA that carry extra genes
• What is the function of flagella in some bacterial cells?


  They allow the bacteria to move around
• What are the key differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?


  Eukaryotic cells:

  • Have a nucleus
  • Are multicellular (e.g., plants and animals)

  
  

  Prokaryotic cells:

  • Lack a nucleus
  • Are unicellular (e.g., bacteria)
• What are the similarities between animal and plant cells?

  • Both have a cell membrane
  • Both contain a nucleus
  • Both have cytoplasm
  • Both have mitochondria
  • Both have ribosomes