Cell structure

• What does the nucleus contain in eukaryotic cells?

  The genetic material, or DNA
• How is the genetic material organized in eukaryotic cells?

  It is enclosed in a nucleus
• What are the two additional features of animal and plant cells mentioned?

  Cell membrane and cytoplasm
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  It regulates what enters and exits the cell
• What type of cells are bacteria classified as?

  Prokaryotic cells
• How is the genetic material organized in prokaryotic cells?

  It is not enclosed in a nucleus
• What is a key difference in size between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells
• What does the genetic material in bacteria consist of?

  A single loop of DNA and possibly plasmids
• What additional structure do prokaryotic cells have that eukaryotic cells do not?

  A cell wall
• What type of cell wall do prokaryotic cells have?

  A bacterial cell wall
• What do prokaryotic cells contain besides a cell membrane and cell wall?

  Cytoplasm
• What are the main differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

  • Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not.
  • Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells.
  • Prokaryotic cells have a cell wall; eukaryotic cells may or may not have one.
• What are the similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

  • Both types of cells have a cell membrane.
  • Both contain cytoplasm.
  • Both have genetic material (DNA).
• What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?

  To enclose the genetic material (DNA)
• What is the cytoplasm and its role in the cell?

  A watery solution where chemical reactions take place
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  To control the molecules that can enter and leave the cell
• Why can't mitochondria and ribosomes be seen in the light microscope image?

  Because they are too small
• What is the role of mitochondria in the cell?

  Where aerobic respiration takes place
• What type of microscope is needed to see ribosomes?

  Electron microscope
• What are ribosomes responsible for?

  Protein synthesis
• How do ribosomes contribute to cell function?

  By synthesizing proteins that carry out various functions
• What structures can be identified in a diagram of an animal cell?

  Nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes
• What are the main parts of an animal cell and their functions?

  • Nucleus: Encloses genetic material (DNA)
  • Cytoplasm: Watery solution for chemical reactions
  • Cell membrane: Controls entry and exit of molecules
  • Mitochondria: Site of aerobic respiration
  • Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis
• What is a key difference between plant cells and animal cells regarding shape?

  Plant cells have a regular shape, while animal cells can change shape
• What green structures are packed in plant cells?

  Chloroplasts
• Why is it hard to see much detail in pictures of plant cells?

  Because they are often simplified and lack detail
• What are the common structures found in both plant and animal cells?

  • Nucleus (contains genetic material)
  • Cytoplasm (where chemical reactions occur)
  • Cell membrane (controls molecule entry and exit)
  • Mitochondria (carry out aerobic respiration)
  • Ribosomes (site of protein synthesis)
• What are the three structures found in plant cells that are not present in animal cells?

  Chloroplasts, cell wall, and large permanent vacuole
• What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

  They are the site of photosynthesis
• What chemical is the cell wall of plant cells made from?

  Cellulose
• How does the cell wall benefit plant cells?

  It strengthens the cell
• What is the function of the large permanent vacuole in plant cells?

  It helps give the plant cell its shape
• What is the fluid called that fills the vacuole in plant cells?

  Cell sap