Cell Basics
What is a cell?
The basic unit of life that can carry out all life processes.
What is a unicellular organism?
An organism made up of a single cell, like bacteria.
What is the function of the nucleus?
It acts as the control center of the cell, housing genetic material.
What do cells need to survive?
Cells need nutrients, water, and oxygen to survive.
What is the cell membrane?
The cell membrane is the outer layer that protects the cell and controls what enters and exits.
What is cytosol?
The liquid component of the cytoplasm, where organelles are suspended.
What is a multicellular organism?
An organism composed of multiple cells, such as humans and animals.
Describe the function of the ribosomes.
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
What is homeostasis
Homeostasis is the process by which cells maintain a stable internal environment
What is cytoplasm?
Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell that contains organelles.
What is a eukaryote?
An organism whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.
How do unicellular and multicellular organisms differ?
Unicellular organisms perform all life functions within one cell, while multicellular organisms have specialized cells for different functions.
What do mitochondria do?
Mitochondria produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
How do cells communicate?
Cells communicate through chemical signals and receptors.
What is the function of the Golgi Body?
The Golgi Body is a structure in a cell involved in the modification, packing and transport of proteins and lipids.
What is a prokaryote?
A single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Give an example of each type of organism.
Unicellular: Bacteria; Multicellular: Humans.
Compare rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and is involved in protein synthesis; smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis.
What is the purpose of cell division?
Cell division allows for growth, repair, and reproduction of cells.
What are chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells that carry out photosynthesis.
What is the double helix?
The structure of DNA, consisting of two strands twisted around each other.
Describe the significance of genetic material.
Genetic material, like DNA, carries the instructions for growth, development, and reproduction
What is the role of the Golgi body?
The Golgi body modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
Why is energy important for cells?
Energy is essential for carrying out cellular processes and functions.
What is the role of the vacuole?
Vacuoles store nutrients, waste products, and help maintain pressure in plant cells.