2.1 Cell structure

• What is the function of the cell surface membrane?


  It controls what can enter and exit the cell.
• What is the structure of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?


  It has ribosomes on its surface, making it appear rough.
• What is the role of ribosomes in the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

  They are the site of protein synthesis.
• What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

  It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.
• What are lysosomes and their function?

  Lysosomes are sacs of digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.
• What is the role of mitochondria in the cell?

  They are the site of aerobic respiration, producing ATP.
• What is the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosomes?

  Eukaryotic ribosomes are larger and described as 80S, while prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller and described as 70S.
• What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

  They provide structural support and store substances like sugars and amino acids.
• What is the structure of chloroplasts?

  Chloroplasts have a double membrane and contain thylakoid membranes stacked to form grana.
• What is the primary function of chloroplasts?


  They are the site of photosynthesis.
• What is the composition of the plant cell wall?

  The plant cell wall is made up of cellulose.
• What is the function of the cell wall?

  It provides structural strength to the cell.
• What is the structure of the plasma membrane?

  It consists of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
• What role do glycoproteins and glycolipids play in the plasma membrane?

  They act as receptors and help in cell recognition.
• What are the key functions of the organelles discussed in eukaryotic cells?


  • Nucleus: Site of DNA replication and transcription
  • Rough ER: Protein synthesis
  • Smooth ER: Lipid and carbohydrate synthesis
  • Golgi apparatus: Modification and packaging of proteins
  • Lysosomes: Digestion of waste materials
  • Mitochondria: Aerobic respiration and ATP production
  • Ribosomes: Protein synthesis
  • Vacuoles: Structural support and storage
  • Chloroplasts: Photosynthesis
  • Cell wall: Structural strength
  • Plasma membrane: Controls entry and exit of substances
• How does the structure of mitochondria support its function?

  The double membrane and folded inner membrane increase surface area for ATP production.
• What is the significance of the nucleolus within the nucleus?

  It is the site of rRNA production for ribosome assembly.
• What is the fluid inside the nucleus called?

  Nucleoplasm
• What happens during exocytosis involving lysosomes?

  Enzymes are released to digest materials outside the cell.
• What is the role of the centrosome in cell division?

  It is involved in organizing microtubules during cell division.
• How do chloroplasts contribute to the green color of plants?

  They contain chlorophyll pigment embedded in thylakoid membranes.
• What is the difference between the functions of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

  The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis, while the smooth ER synthesizes lipids and carbohydrates.
• What is the significance of the pores in the nuclear envelope?

  They allow the transport of materials in and out of the nucleus.
• What is the primary function of the cytoplasm?

  It is the site of many metabolic processes within the cell.
• How do vesicles function in the Golgi apparatus?

  They transport modified proteins and lipids to their destinations.
• How does the structure of the cell wall differ between plants and fungi?


  Plant cell walls are made of cellulose, while fungal cell walls are made of chitin.
• What is the role of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

  It helps to stabilize the membrane's fluidity.
• What is the function of glycoproteins in the plasma membrane?

  They serve as receptors for cell recognition.
• role of nucleus 


  • site of DNA replication and transcriptions
  • controls activity of the cell
• What type of cells are smaller prokaryotic or Eukaryotic

  Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells.
• What is a key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells have no membrane-bound organelles.
• What type of ribosomes do prokaryotic cells have?

  Prokaryotic cells have 70s ribosomes.
• How do the ribosomes in prokaryotic cells differ from those in eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes.
• What is the function of ribosomes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
• What type of DNA do prokaryotic cells have?

  Prokaryotic cells have circular DNA.
• Where is the DNA located in prokaryotic cells?

  The DNA is loose within the cytoplasm.
• What is the chemical composition of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?

  murine.
• Which types of eukaryotic cells have a cell wall?

  Only plant and fungal cells have a cell wall.
• What is a plasmid in prokaryotic cells?

  A plasmid is a small loop of additional DNA.
• What is the function of plasmids in bacteria?

  Plasmids often carry antibiotic resistance genes.