BIOLOGY: Cell Biology

• What are the two distinct types of cells?

  Eukaryotic and prokaryotic
• What is a specialised cell?

  A cell with a specific structure for a function
• How do cells specialise?

  By undergoing a process known as differentiation

  
• What is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells?

  Genetic material is enclosed within a nucleus

  
• What is the size range of eukaryotic cells?

  10 to 100 µm
• What is the function of nerve cells?

  Conduction of impulses
• How does the structure of nerve cells aid their function?

  They have an elongated structure for impulse conduction
• What adaptations do muscle cells have for contraction?

  Layers of protein filaments and high mitochondria density

  
• What is the function of sperm cells?

  Reproduction by fertilising an egg
• How do sperm cells adapt for their function?

  They have a tail for propulsion and mitochondria for energy

  
• What is a defining feature of prokaryotic cells?

  Genetic material is not enclosed within a nucleus

  
• What is the typical size of prokaryotic cells?

  ~1 µm
• What surrounds the cell membranes of prokaryotic cells?

  A cell wall usually made from peptidoglycan
• What is the function of root hair cells?

  Absorption of water and mineral ions from soil
• How do root hair cells adapt for absorption?

  They have a large surface area and thinner walls
• What is the function of xylem vessels?

  Transport of water and dissolved ions

  
• How do xylem cells adapt for their function?

  They form continuous hollow tubes without organelles
• What is the function of phloem cells?

  Transport of dissolved sugars and amino acids

  
• How do phloem cells differ from xylem cells?

  Phloem cells are living and have subcellular structures
• How are cell sizes measured?

  In micrometers (µm)
• What is the equivalent of 1 µm in mm?

  0.001 mm
• What is standard form used for in biology?

  To represent very small or large numbers
• How would you convert 5 µm to mm?

  0.005 mm
• Why do bacterial cells not contain mitochondria?

  They are prokaryotic and lack organelles
• What additional structures do plant cells have compared to animal cells?

  A cell wall and a permanent vacuole
• What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

  Photosynthesis to produce energy
• What are the main subcellular structures in animal cells?

  • Nucleus
  • Cell membranes
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
  • Cytoplasm

  
• What are the adaptations of muscle cells for contraction?

  • Layers of protein filaments
  • High density of mitochondria
  • Ability to slide over each other
• What are the adaptations of root hair cells for absorption?

  • Increased surface area
  • Thinner walls for easier water movement
  • Permanent vacuole for water potential gradient
• What are the adaptations of xylem vessels for water transport?

  • Continuous hollow tubes
  • Dead cells without organelles
  • Thickened walls with lignin for support

  
• What are the adaptations of phloem cells for sugar transport?

  • Living cells with companion cells
  • Joined end-to-end with sieve plates
  • Few subcellular structures for easy flow
• What is the process of differentiation in cells?

  • Cells develop specific structures
  • Allows them to perform unique functions
  • Essential for forming specialised cells

  
• What is the significance of cell size in biology?

  • Cells are small and require microscopes
  • Size affects function and efficiency
  • Differences in size can be described in orders of magnitude
• What are the key features of eukaryotic cells?

  • Enclosed genetic material in a nucleus
  • Larger size compared to prokaryotic cells
  • Presence of organelles for specific functions
• What are the key features of prokaryotic cells?

  • Genetic material not enclosed in a nucleus
  • Smaller size compared to eukaryotic cells
  • May contain plasmids and a cell wall

  
• What are the differences between animal and plant cells?

  • Plant cells have a cell wall and vacuole
  • Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis
  • Animal cells have more varied shapes and functions
• What allows nerve cells to communicate with other cells?

  Dendrites
• What is the function of the axon in nerve cells?

  It speeds up nerve impulse transmission
• What do muscle cells contain that allows contraction?

  Layers of fibres
• What is the primary function of muscle cells?

  Contraction for movement