CELL BASICS
what is the basic unit of life?
the cell
what is the role of the nucleus?
it controls the cell and contains DNA
name one organelle only found in plant cells.
chloroplast/cell wall/large vacuole
what do red blood cells carry?
oxygen (and carbon dioxide)
what do root hair cells do?
absorb water and minerals from the soil
what does the cell theory state?
all living things are made of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells come from pre-existing cells
what does the mitochondria produce?
energy in the form of ATP
what shape are plant cells usually?
rectangular or box-like
smooth muscle
what do xylem cells transport?
water and minerals
what's the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms?
unicellular organisms are made of one cell; multicellular organisms are made of many cells
which organelle controls what enters and leaves the cell?
the cell membrane
why don't animal cells have chloroplasts?
because animals get energy from food instead of making it through photosynthesis
why do nerve cells have long axons?
to send messages over long distances in the body
what do guard cells control?
the opening and closing of stomata for gas exchange and water loss
why are muscle cells larger than blood cells?
because muscle cells need to store energy for powerful movements
what is the role of the Golgi apparatus?
it folds, modifies, and packages proteins for use in the cell
explain why plant cells need a large vacuole.
to store water and maintain structure during dry periods
why do red blood cells lose their nucleus?
to have more space to carry oxygen
why is transpiration important for xylem function?
it creates a pull that draws water up through the plant
why is the microscope important to our understanding of cells?
cells are microscopic, and microscopes allow scientists to observe and study their structure and function
compare the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
rough ER has ribosomes and helps amke proteins; smooth ER makes lipids and carbohydrates
compare plant and animal cells using two similarities and two differences.
similarities: both have a nucleus, mitochondria, etc.
differences: plant cells have chloroplasts and cell walls, animals don't
compare the three muscle types and where they're found.
skeletal: voluntary, attached to bonds
smooth: involuntary, in organs
cardiac: involuntary, in the heart
explain how tissues and organs are made from specialised cells
specialised cells group into tissues, which form organs that carry out complex functions