Cell Structures
What organelle contains the cell’s DNA?
Nucleus
What are the four major macromolecules?
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.
What term describes a stable internal environment?
homeostasis
What is the main product of photosynthesis?
Glucose
What process divides a cell’s nucleus?
mitosis
What structure provides support and protection in plant cells?
Cell Wall
What is the function of enzymes?
What process moves water across a membrane?
osmosis
Which gas is needed for cellular respiration?
oxygen
What type of cells are created in meiosis?
Gametes (sperm and Egg)
Compare the structure and function of the mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Mitochondria perform cellular respiration; chloroplasts perform photosynthesis. Both produce energy.
Compare carbohydrates and lipids in structure and function.
Carbs: quick energy, ring-shaped; Lipids: long-term energy, chains.
Explain how diffusion helps maintain homeostasis in cells.
Substances move to balance concentrations, keeping cells stable.
Explain why plants need both chloroplasts and mitochondria to survive.
Chloroplasts capture sunlight to make glucose through photosynthesis.
Mitochondria break down glucose to release usable energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
Compare the purposes of mitosis and meiosis.
Mitosis: growth/repair (identical cells); Meiosis: reproduction (diverse gametes).
How does structure relate to function in cell organelles? Provide an example to support your answer.
Organelle shape supports its specific role—e.g., folded membranes in mitochondria increase surface area for energy production.
Predict what would happen if an organism couldn’t produce enzymes.
Reactions would slow, affecting digestion, metabolism, and survival.
A student drinks a large amount of water. What homeostatic responses occur?
Kidneys excrete excess water; cells regulate osmotic balance.
How does chlorophyll help with energy transformation?
Absorbs light energy to power glucose production.
How does crossing over increase genetic variation?
It swaps DNA between chromosomes during meiosis.
Design a model of a cell showing 5 organelles and justify how each helps maintain life.
Answers vary; includes drawing and rationale for organelle roles.
What are five important characteristics of enzymes?
They are specific to one substrate.
They speed up chemical reactions (act as catalysts).
They lower the activation energy needed for reactions.
They can be reused (not consumed in the reaction).
Their activity can be affected by temperature and pH.
Compare and contrast passive transport, active transport, and diffusion.
Passive transport: Movement of molecules without energy (e.g., diffusion, osmosis).
Diffusion: Molecules move from high to low concentration (a type of passive transport).
Active transport: Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient using energy (ATP).
Analyze how a damaged mitochondrion would affect an animal cell.
Less energy produced, leading to slower metabolism and cell damage
Justify why errors in meiosis can lead to genetic disorders.
Errors can cause missing/extra chromosomes, disrupting protein production.