Structure and function of organelles

• What is the primary function of the nucleus?

  Storing and protecting genetic material
• What is the function of the nuclear pore?

  It allows the passage of molecules in and out of the nucleus
• What is the nucleoplasm?

  • The nucleoplasm is the semi-fluid, gel-like substance that fills the nucleus of a cell.
  • It is the site where DNA replication and transcription occur.
• What is the function of nuclear pores in the nuclear envelope?

  They allow controlled substance exchange
• How does the structure of a mitochondrion relate to its function?

  • Outer membrane allows passage of small molecules
  • Inner membrane has high surface area due to cristae to accommodate electron transport chain
  • Matrix contains enzymes for citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP
  • DNA and ribosomes allow mitochondria to produce some of their own proteins
• How does the nucleus manage cell activities?

  By directing protein synthesis and cell division
• What is the dense region within the nucleus responsible for making ribosomes?

  Nucleolus
• What are the main structures found in a mitochondrion?

  • Outer membrane
  • Inner membrane
  • Cristae
  • Matrix
  • DNA
  • Ribosomes
  • ATP synthase particles
• What is the function of the outer membrane of mitochondria?

  Controls entry/exit
• What is the function of the thylakoid structure in the chloroplast?

  It is the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis
• What is chromatin?

  • Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins that makes up the chromosomes in the cell nucleus.
  • It is the material that chromosomes are composed of.
• What is the function of the inner membrane of the mitochondrion?

  It is the site of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase for oxidative phosphorylation
• What does chromatin consist of?

  DNA and proteins
• What type of membrane structure do mitochondria have?

  Double-membrane structure
• How does the endoplasmic reticulum relate to the nucleus?

  • Connects to the nuclear envelope
  • Facilitates direct communication between nucleus and cytoplasm
• What is the nuclear envelope?

  It is the double membrane that surrounds and encloses the nucleus
• What are grana in chloroplasts?

  Stacks of thylakoids
• What is the function of the inner membrane of mitochondria?

  Houses ATP synthase locations
• What is the structure of chloroplasts primarily composed of?

  Double membrane system and internal compartments
• What is the function of the intermembrane space?

  Proton concentration build-up
• What are the two main compartments of mitochondria?

  • Outer Membrane
  • Inner Membrane
  • Intermembrane Space
  • Matrix
• How does the structure of a mitochondrion differ from that of a chloroplast?

  Mitochondria have an outer and inner membrane, while chloroplasts have a single membrane
• Why are the structural features of mitochondria essential?

  • They enable efficient ATP production
  • They facilitate metabolic processes
  • They support cellular respiration
• What are the internal compartments of chloroplasts?

  • Stroma: Fluid-filled space with enzymes
  • Thylakoids: Membrane-bound for light reactions
  • Grana: Stacks of thylakoids for photosynthesis
• What are the key roles of the nucleus in a cell?

  • Control center of the cell
  • Stores and protects DNA
  • Directs protein synthesis
  • Manages cell division
• What are the key differences between the structure and function of chloroplasts compared to mitochondria?

  Chloroplasts:

  • Contain thylakoid membranes for light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis
  • Stroma contains enzymes for light-independent Calvin cycle
  • Function is to produce glucose from CO2 and H2O using light energy

  
  

  Mitochondria:

  • Have inner and outer membranes but no thylakoids
  • Site of cellular respiration to produce ATP from organic molecules
  • Function is to generate energy for the cell
• What is unique about the inner membrane of mitochondria?

  It is folded into cristae
• How does the structure of the chloroplast relate to its function in photosynthesis?

  • Outer and inner membranes enclose and protect the organelle
  • Stroma contains enzymes for the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions)
  • Thylakoid system is the site of the light-dependent reactions, with chlorophyll to absorb light
  • Lumen inside thylakoids is where the light-dependent reactions occur
• How do grana contribute to photosynthesis?

  They increase surface area for light capture
• What does the matrix of mitochondria contain?

  DNA and ribosomes
• What is the name of the green, disc-shaped structure inside the chloroplast?

  Thylakoid
• If you wanted to observe the internal structure of a chloroplast in detail, which microscope would you use?

  Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
• What are the main parts of the chloroplast structure?

  • Outer membrane
  • Inner membrane
  • Intermembrane space
  • Stroma
  • Thylakoid
  • Lumen
• What is the endoplasmic reticulum?

  • The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of interconnected tubules and sacs within the cell.
  • It is responsible for the synthesis, folding, and transport of proteins.
• What is the function of the nucleolus?

  • The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis.
  • Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis.
• What is the role of the double membrane in chloroplasts?

  It protects and compartmentalizes the organelle
• What is the stroma in chloroplasts?

  Fluid-filled space within chloroplasts
• What are the components of the double membrane system in chloroplasts?

  • Outer membrane controls entry/exit
  • Inner membrane encloses compartments
• How does the structure of chloroplasts enable photosynthesis?

  It provides compartments for light reactions and enzyme activity
• What are thylakoids in chloroplasts used for?

  Light capture during photosynthesis