2.1 Cell structure

• What are the four main types of organisms mentioned in the study material?

  Plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria
• What is a eukaryotic cell?

  A cell that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
• What is the main characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

  They do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles
• What is the function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

  It stores genetic information
• What surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

  The nuclear envelope
• What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

  They are involved in synthesizing proteins
• What are ribosomes composed of?

  Proteins and RNA
• What is the function of the mitochondrion?

  It is the site of aerobic respiration
• What is the structure of the mitochondrion?

  It has a double membrane and a fluid-filled space called the matrix
• What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

  It is involved in the modification and packing of proteins
• What does the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) contain on its surface?

  Many ribosomes
• What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

  It is involved in lipid synthesis
• What is a lysosome?


  A membrane-bound vesicle that contains hydrolytic enzymes
• What is the function of chloroplasts?

  They are the site of photosynthesis in plants and algae
• What is the structure of chloroplasts?

  They have a double membrane and stacks of thylakoids
• What is the cytoskeleton composed of?

  Microtubules and filaments
• What is the function of flagella in bacteria?

  They are used for movement
• What are plasmids?


  Small loops of DNA separate from the main DNA molecule
• What is the function of the slime capsule in bacteria?

  It protects bacteria from drying out and from the immune system
• How do plasmids benefit bacteria?

  They can contain genes that can be passed between prokaryotes
• What are the main organelles found in eukaryotic cells and their functions?

  • Nucleus: Stores genetic information
  • Ribosomes: Synthesizes proteins
  • Mitochondrion: Site of aerobic respiration
  • Golgi apparatus: Modifies and packs proteins
  • Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER): Synthesizes and packs proteins
  • Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER): Involved in lipid synthesis
  • Lysosome: Contains hydrolytic enzymes for digestion
  • Chloroplasts: Site of photosynthesis
  • Cytoskeleton: Provides structure and support
• What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  • Prokaryotic cells:
  • No nucleus
  • No membrane-bound organelles
  • Smaller in size
  • Eukaryotic cells:
  • Contains a nucleus
  • Contains membrane-bound organelles
  • Larger in size