Topic 1

• What are the two types of cells?

  Eukaryotic and prokaryotic
• What is the main difference between a eukaryotic and a prokaryotic cell?

  A eukaryotic cell contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while a prokaryotic cell does not.
• What are the components of both plant and animal cells?

  • Nucleus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Cell membrane
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
• How is genetic information stored in a eukaryotic cell?


  It is stored within the nucleus, arranged in chromosomes.
• What is one function of the nucleus other than storing genetic information?

  The nucleus controls cellular activities.
• Describe the structure of the cytoplasm.

  The cytoplasm is a fluid component of the cell that contains organelles, enzymes, and dissolved ions and nutrients.
• What is the function of the cytoplasm?

  The cytoplasm is the site of cellular reactions, such as the first stage of respiration.
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  The cell membrane controls the entry and exit of materials into and out of the cell.
• What is the function of the mitochondria?

  The mitochondria are the site of later stages of aerobic respiration in which ATP is produced.
• What is the function of the ribosomes?

  Ribosomes join amino acids in a specific order during translation.
• Which organelles are found in plant cells only?

  • Large, permanent vacuole
  • Cell wall
  • Chloroplasts
• What is the cell wall made of?

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

  The cell wall provides strength and prevents the cell from bursting when water enters by osmosis.
• What does the permanent vacuole contain?

  The permanent vacuole contains a solution of salts, sugars, and organic acids.
• What is the function of the permanent vacuole?

  The permanent vacuole supports the cell, maintaining its turgidity.
• What is the function of the chloroplasts?

  The chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis.
• Why do chloroplasts appear green when viewed under a light microscope?

  Chloroplasts appear green because they contain chlorophyll, a green pigment.
• List the organelles found in prokaryotic cells.

  • Chromosomal DNA
  • Plasmid DNA
  • Cell wall
  • Cell membrane
  • Ribosomes
  • Flagella
• How is genetic information stored in a prokaryotic cell?


  It is found free within the cytoplasm as chromosomal DNA (a single large loop of circular DNA) and plasmid DNA.
• What are plasmids?

  Plasmids are small, circular loops of DNA found free in the cytoplasm and separate from the main DNA.
• What is the prokaryotic cell wall composed of?

  The prokaryotic cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan.
• What is a flagellum?


  A flagellum is a long, rotating, ‘whip-like’ protrusion that enables bacteria to move.
• What is a haploid cell?


  A haploid cell contains a single copy of each chromosome, which is half the number of chromosomes (e.g., 23 chromosomes in humans).
• What is a diploid cell?


  A diploid cell contains two copies of each chromosome, which is a full set of chromosomes (e.g., 46 chromosomes in humans).
• What are gametes?


  Gametes are reproductive cells (e.g., egg and sperm cells) that are haploid cells.
• Describe sexual reproduction in terms of chromosome number.


  • Two haploid gametes fuse
  • Resulting embryo has two chromosomes for each gene and two copies of each allele, making it diploid
• How are egg cells adapted to their function?


  • Haploid nucleus contains genetic material
  • Mitochondria in cytoplasm produce energy for the developing embryo
  • Cytoplasm contains nutrients for the developing embryo
  • Cell membrane hardens after fertilization, preventing the entry of other sperm and ensuring the zygote is diploid
• How are sperm cells adapted to their function?


  • Haploid nucleus contains genetic information
  • Tail enables movement
  • Mitochondria provide energy for tail movement
  • Acrosome contains enzymes that digest the egg cell membrane
• Where are ciliated epithelial cells found?


  Ciliated epithelial cells are found in various locations, including the respiratory tract.
• What type of nucleus do egg cells have?

  Haploid nucleus
• What is the role of mitochondria in egg cells?


  Mitochondria produce energy for the developing embryo
• What does the cytoplasm of an egg cell contain?


  Cytoplasm contains nutrients for the developing embryo
• What happens to the cell membrane of an egg cell after fertilization?


  The cell membrane hardens to prevent the entry of other sperm
• What type of nucleus do sperm cells have?

  Haploid nucleus
• How does the tail of a sperm cell assist its function?


  The tail enables movement
• What is the function of mitochondria in sperm cells?


  Mitochondria provide energy for tail movement
• What is contained in the acrosome of a sperm cell?


  The acrosome contains enzymes that digest the egg cell membrane
• Where are ciliated epithelial cells found?


  They are found lining the surface of structures such as the respiratory tract and uterus
• What is the function of ciliated epithelial cells lining the airways?


  They move in one direction to move the mucus up to the back of the throat to be removed
• What is magnification?

  Magnification is the number of times bigger an image appears compared to the size of the specimen