Cell biology & Transport

• What is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells?

  They contain their genetic material enclosed in a nucleus
• What does the nucleus contain in eukaryotic cells?

  The genetic material, or DNA
• What are the two additional features of animal and plant cells besides the nucleus?

  The cell membrane and cytoplasm
• What is the correct term for the outer layer of eukaryotic cells?

  Cell membrane
• What is the function of the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?

  It provides a medium for biochemical reactions
• What type of cells are bacteria classified as?

  Prokaryotic cells
• What is a key characteristic of prokaryotic cells regarding their genetic material?

  The genetic material is not enclosed in a nucleus
• How do the sizes of prokaryotic cells compare to eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells
• What is the structure of the genetic material in prokaryotic cells?

  It consists of a single loop of DNA
• What are plasmids in prokaryotic cells?

  Small rings of DNA
• What additional structure do prokaryotic cells have besides the cell membrane?

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

  Bacterial cell wall
• What do prokaryotic cells contain besides the cell membrane and cell wall?

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

  Similarities:

  • Both have a cell membrane
  • Both contain cytoplasm

  
  

  Differences:

  • Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not
  • Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells
• What is the function of the nucleus in animal cells?

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

  It is a watery solution where chemical reactions take place
• What controls the molecules that can enter and leave the cell?

  The cell membrane
• What are the two smaller structures inside the cell that need to be known?

  Mitochondria and ribosomes
• What is the function of mitochondria?

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

  An electron microscope
• What do ribosomes do in the cell?

  They are the sites of protein synthesis
• What are proteins important for in cells?

  They carry out many functions, including acting as enzymes
• What are the main structures of an animal cell that should be identified in a diagram?

  • Nucleus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Cell membrane
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
• Cell wall


  A strong, rigid structure that surrounds the plant cell and provides support and protection, made of cellulose.
• X


  Organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.
• Permanent vacuole


  A large, single vacuole in plant cells that stores water, nutrients, and waste products.
• Red blood cells

  Specialized to transport oxygen throughout the body.
• Liver cells


  Specialized to perform detoxification and other functions.
• Differentiation


  The process of cell specialization.
• Cell specialization


  The process by which a cell becomes specialized to perform a specific function.
• Light Microscope (LM)


  Uses visible light and lenses to magnify objects; can resolve details up to approximately 2 micrometers (μm)
• Electron Microscope (EM)

  Uses a beam of electrons instead of light; can resolve details down to approximately 1 nanometer (nm)
• Magnification


  The process of increasing the size of an image
• Resolution


  The ability to distinguish between two points
• Contrast


  The difference in brightness between different parts of an image
• Fluorescence Microscope

  Excites fluorescent dyes to visualize specific structures or molecules; used in research and medicine to study protein localization and cell signaling
• Compound Light Microscope (CLM)


  Combines multiple lenses and light sources to achieve higher magnification; often used in biology and medicine
• Confocal Microscope

  Uses a laser to create a thin optical section, reducing background noise; used in research and medicine to study cell structure and dynamics
• Chromosome


  Thread-like structure made up of DNA and histone proteins; carries genetic information
• Chromosome Number


  The number of chromosomes present in a cell's nucleus