Cells

• Plasma membrane


  The outermost layer of the cell that separates the cell from its environment
• Cytoplasm


  The jelly-like substance inside the plasma membrane where metabolic reactions take place
• Nucleus


  The control center where DNA is stored and replicated
• Ribosomes


  Small organelles where protein synthesis occurs
• Mitochondria


  The powerhouses where energy is produced through cellular respiration
• What are the two main types of organisms based on cell structure?

  Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.
• How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in complexity?

  Eukaryotic cells are complex, while prokaryotic cells are smaller and simpler.
• What is the significance of cells in living organisms?

  All living things are made of cells.
• What type of cells do eukaryotes consist of?

  Eukaryotic cells.
• What is a prokaryote?


  A prokaryote is a prokaryotic cell, which is a single-celled organism.
• What are the main subcellular structures found in most animal cells?

  • Nucleus: contains genetic material
  • Cytoplasm: gel-like substance for chemical reactions
  • Cell membrane: controls entry and exit of substances
  • Mitochondria: site of aerobic respiration
  • Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
• What additional structures do plant cells have compared to animal cells?

  • Rigid cell wall: made of cellulose for support
  • Permanent vacuole: contains cell sap
  • Chloroplasts: site of photosynthesis containing chlorophyll
• What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?

  It contains genetic material that controls the activities of the cell.
• What is the role of the cytoplasm in a cell?

  It is the gel-like substance where most chemical reactions happen.
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  It holds the cell together and controls what goes in and out.
• Where do most reactions for aerobic respiration take place in a cell?

  In the mitochondria.
• What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?

  They are where proteins are made in the cell.
• What is the composition of the rigid cell wall in plant cells?

  It is made of cellulose.
• What does the permanent vacuole in plant cells contain?

  It contains cell sap, a weak solution of sugar and salts.
• What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

  They are where photosynthesis occurs, making food for the plant.
• What type of cells are bacteria classified as?

  Bacteria are prokaryotes.
• What are the main components of a bacterial cell?

  • Cell membrane
  • Cytoplasm
  • Cell wall
  • Single circular strand of DNA
  • Plasmids (small rings of DNA)
• Do bacterial cells have chloroplasts or mitochondria?

  No, they don’t have chloroplasts or mitochondria.
• What type of nucleus do bacterial cells have?


  Bacterial cells don’t have a ‘true’ nucleus.
• What is the structure of DNA in bacterial cells?

  It consists of a single circular strand that floats freely in the cytoplasm.
• What are plasmids in bacterial cells?

  They are small rings of DNA.
• What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  • Prokaryotic cells: smaller, simpler, no true nucleus, e.g., bacteria
  • Eukaryotic cells: larger, complex, have a true nucleus, e.g., animal and plant cells