Cell Structure and Function
What is the function of the ribosome in a cell?
Protein synthesis
What is the relationship between cell size and surface area to volume ratio?
As a cell increases in size, its volume grows faster than its surface area, which can limit the cell's efficiency in transporting materials.
What is the primary component of the plasma membrane?
Phospholipids.
What is hypertonic solution?
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution, leading to cell shrinkage as water leaves the cell.
What is the advantage of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells?
Compartmentalization allows for different biochemical processes to occur simultaneously in separate areas, improving efficiency and organization.
Name the organelle that is known as the powerhouse of the cell.
The mitochondrion
Why can't cells grow indefinitely large?
Cells can't grow indefinitely large due to limitations in diffusion and the need for efficient transport of materials.
Describe how substances move across the plasma membrane via passive transport.
In passive transport, substances move across the membrane without the need for energy, typically from areas of high concentration to low concentration.
What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?
The cell will swell and may burst as water enters the cell.
Name an organelle that is involved in the breakdown of fatty acids.
Peroxisomes
Describe the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the cell.
The ER is involved in the synthesis of proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER) as well as the processing and transport of these molecules.
What is the general size range for most human cells?
10 to 30 micrometers in diameter.
What is osmosis?
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Define isotonic solution.
An isotonic solution has equal concentrations of solute on both sides of the membrane, resulting in no net movement of water.
What is the function of lysosomes?
Lysosomes contain enzymes that digest macromolecules, old cell parts, and microorganisms.
The plasma membrane
How does cell size relate to its function?
Smaller cells usually have a higher surface area to volume ratio, allowing for more efficient exchange of materials, which is crucial for their function.
Explain the difference between facilitated diffusion and active transport.
Facilitated diffusion is a passive process that uses transport proteins to move substances across membranes, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.
How do cells regulate their internal environment in response to changes in external tonicity?
Cells use processes such as osmoregulation, adjusting their internal solute concentrations and managing water intake or expulsion.
Describe the role of the Golgi apparatus in a cell.
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and are more complex with various organelles.
Define the term "cellular specialization."
The process by which cells develop different structures and functions (ex. nerve cells are specialized for signal transmission)
What role do membrane proteins play in cell transport?
Membrane proteins assist in the transport of substances across the plasma membrane, acting as channels, carriers, or receptors.
Give an example of an organism that uses osmoregulation and explain how it works.
Freshwater fish actively pump out excess water through their gills and excrete dilute urine to maintain osmotic balance.
How does compartmentalization relate to the evolution of eukaryotic cells?
Compartmentalization likely allowed for greater complexity and efficiency in cellular processes, contributing to the evolutionary success of eukaryotes.