Chapter 1: Cell structure and organisation

• What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

  Contains genetic material and controls cell activities
• What is the cytoplasm?

  Jelly-like matrix where chemical reactions occur
• How does the cell membrane function?

  Controls entry and exit of dissolved substances
• What is the role of the cellulose cell wall in plants?

  Provides structural support and protection
• What is the function of chloroplasts in plants?

  Contains chlorophyll for glucose production
• What is the purpose of the vacuole in plant cells?

  Contains cell sap for turgor pressure
• Where does aerobic respiration occur in cells?

  In the mitochondria
• Why do cells with a high metabolic rate have many mitochondria?

  To produce more energy through respiration
• What do ribosomes produce?

  Enzymes and proteins
• What are the main organelles found in plant cells and their functions?

  • Nucleus: Contains genetic material and controls activities
  • Cytoplasm: Jelly-like matrix for chemical reactions
  • Cell membrane: Controls entry and exit of substances
  • Cellulose cell wall: Provides support and protection
  • Chloroplast: Contains chlorophyll for photosynthesis
  • Vacuole: Contains cell sap for turgor pressure
  • Mitochondria: Site of aerobic respiration
  • Ribosomes: Produce enzymes and proteins
  • Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum: Makes enzymes and proteins
  • Secretory vesicles: Transport cell products
• What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration in cells?

  • Aerobic respiration occurs in mitochondria, producing energy with oxygen.
  • Anaerobic respiration occurs in the cytoplasm, producing energy without oxygen.
• What are the two main types of cells?

  Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
• What is a prokaryotic cell characterized by?

  Smaller size and simpler structure
• What does a prokaryotic cell lack?

  Nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
• What is a plasmid?

  Small, circular bits of DNA
• How are plasmids used in genetic engineering?

  To carry extra genetic information
• What is the basic unit of living organisms?

  • Cell
  • Responsible for all life processes
• Why do cells specialize in multicellular organisms?

  To perform different functions effectively
• Why can't large organisms rely on diffusion alone?

  They need different systems for substance supply
• What are the adaptations of fat cells?

  • Small amount of cytoplasm
  • Large amounts of fats
  • Few mitochondria
  • Can expand up to x1000
• What are the adaptations of cone cells?

  • Outer segment with visual pigment
  • Middle segment packed with mitochondria
  • Specialized synapses connecting to optic nerve
• What are the adaptations of root hair cells?

  • Increase surface area for water absorption
  • Large permanent vacuole for osmosis
• What are the adaptations of sperm cells?

  • Long tail for swimming
  • Mitochondria for energy
  • Acrosome for breaking down egg layers
  • Large nucleus for genetic information
• What is a tissue?

  • Group of specialized cells
  • Combines to form an organ
• What is an organ?

  • Made of tissues
  • Works together to perform a function
• What is an organ system?

  • Group of organs
  • Works together for a complex function
• What is diffusion?

  Net movement of particles from high to low concentration
• What factors affect the rate of diffusion?

  Distance, temperature, concentration, particle size
• How does temperature affect diffusion?

  Higher temperature increases diffusion rate
• What is the importance of diffusion in plants?

  Oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse through stomata
• What is osmosis?

  Movement of water from dilute to concentrated solution
• What is a hypotonic solution?

  Outside is diluted, inside is concentrated
• What is a hypertonic solution?

  Outside is concentrated, inside is diluted
• What is an isotonic solution?

  Both inside and outside are equally concentrated
• What is active transport?

  Movement of particles from low to high concentration
• What energy source does active transport use?

  Energy from respiration (ATP)
• What is the importance of active transport in plants?

  Ion uptake in root hair cells
• How does glucose uptake occur in the intestines?

  Through active transport by epithelial cells