Module 2: Foundations in Biology

• What are all living organisms made of?

  Cells
• What type of cells are humans made up of?

  Eukaryotic cells
• What do all eukaryotic cells contain?

  A nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
• What is the term for the detailed structure of cells?

  Ultrastructure
• What surrounds the nucleus of eukaryotic cells?

  A double membrane called the envelope
• What is contained within the nucleus?

  Chromatin and a nucleolus
• What is the function of the nucleolus?

  It is the site of ribosome production
• What is the structure of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

  A series of flattened sacs enclosed by a membrane with ribosomes on the surface
• What does the rough endoplasmic reticulum do?

  It folds and processes proteins made on the ribosomes
• What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) responsible for?

  Producing and processing lipids
• Describe the Golgi apparatus.

  A series of fluid-filled, flattened & curved sacs with vesicles surrounding the edges
• What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

  It processes and packages proteins and lipids, and produces lysosomes
• What is the shape and structure of mitochondria?

  Usually oval-shaped, bound by a double membrane called the envelope
• What are the projections formed by the inner membrane of mitochondria called?

  Cristae
• What is contained within the matrix of mitochondria?

  All the enzymes needed for respiration
• What are centrioles and their role?

  Hollow cylinders containing microtubules, involved in cell division
• What are ribosomes composed of?

  Two subunits
• What is the function of ribosomes?

  They are the site of protein production
• What is a lysosome?

  A vesicle containing digestive enzymes bound by a single membrane
• What role does the cytoskeleton play in the cell?

  It provides mechanical strength, aids transport, and enables cell movement
• What is the process of protein transport in eukaryotic cells?

  1. Proteins are produced on the ribosomes.
  2. Proteins on the surface of RER are folded and processed in the RER.
  3. Proteins are transported from RER to Golgi apparatus in vesicles.
  4. Proteins are modified in the Golgi apparatus.
  5. Golgi apparatus packages proteins into vesicles for transport, some leave the cell by exocytosis.
• What is the cell wall in prokaryotic cells made of?

  Peptidoglycan
• What is the function of the capsule in prokaryotic cells?

  It helps the cell retain moisture and adhere to surfaces
• What is a plasmid?

  A circular piece of DNA
• What is the function of the flagellum in prokaryotic cells?

  It rotates to move the cell
• What are pili in prokaryotic cells?

  Hair-like structures that attach to other bacterial cells

  
• What is the role of ribosomes in prokaryotic cells?

  They are the site of protein production
• What are centrioles made of?

  Microtubules
• What is the function of centrioles during mitosis?

  They produce spindle fibres
• Where are chloroplasts found?

  In plants and algae
• What is the primary function of chloroplasts?

  They are the site of photosynthesis
• What are cilia?

  Small hair-like structures on cell surfaces
• What is confocal microscopy used for?

  To produce images by scanning a specimen with lasers
• What is the cytoskeleton made of?

  Protein fibres
• What is the role of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells?

  It provides structural support and aids in intracellular transport
• What is differential staining?

  Using multiple stains to distinguish parts of a specimen
• What defines a eukaryotic cell?

  It contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
• What is the function of flagella?

  Used for cell movement
• What is the Golgi apparatus involved in?

  Modification and packaging of proteins
• What type of microscope uses visible light to magnify specimens?

  Light microscope