Module 1: The Cell

Question 1

The ______ is the basic unit of life.

Answer 1

The CELL is the basic unit of life. A cell is the smallest unit that can carry out all activities we associate with life.

Question 2

When provided with essential ___________ and an appropriate ______, some cells can be kept alive and growing for many years.

Answer 2

When provided with essential NUTRIENTS and an appropriate ENVIRONMENT, some cells can be kept alive and growing for many years.

Question 3

True or False:

No isolated part of a cell is capable of sustained survival.

Answer 3

TRUE.

Question 4

Are human beings uni-cellular organisms or multi-cellular organisms?

Answer 4

Human beings are multi-cellular organisms.

Question 5

Name a type of uni-cellular organism.

Answer 5

Bacteria are a uni-cellular organism.

Question 6

What is the cell theory?

Answer 6

Biologists realized by the middle of the nineteenth century that cells are the basic living units of organization and function in all organisms and that all cells come from other cells. This is called the cell theory.

Question 7

Whose work established the cell theory in the middle of the nineteenth century?

Answer 7

German Scientists, Schleidan, Schwann, and Virchow created cell theory.

Question 8

Most cells are too small to be seen with the eye alone. They require magnification.

What is the device that passes light through a thin sample of the cell medium and then through a magnifying lens to be seen by the human eye?

Answer 8

A light microscope. It’s a device that passes light through a thin sample of the cell medium and then through a magnifying lens to be seen by the human eye.

Question 9

Few cells are as big as _______ (mm) in diameter (which is about _____th of an inch) and are large enough to be seen by the human eye.

Answer 9

Few cells are as big as one millimeter (mm) in diameter (which is about 1/25th of an inch) and are large enough to be seen by the human eye. Think, for example, of a frog’s egg.

Question 10

What is a biomacromolecule?

What is an organelle?

Can either of these be seen by the human eye?

Answer 10

Organelles (parts within a cell), and Biomacromolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids) from which they are composed are too small to be seen without the aid of a microscope.

Question 11

Organelles are to a cell what an organ is to a human.

What two processes can organelles be used for?

Answer 11

Organelles can be used for

1) energy conversion and
2) for synthesis of needed compounds

Question 12

Why are cells so small?

Cells must take in food and other materials and rid themselves of _______.

Answer 12

Why are cells so small? Cells must take in food and other materials and rid themselves of waste.

Question 13

Everything that enters or leaves a cell must pass through its ________.

Answer 13

Everything that enters or leaves a cell must pass through its PLASMA MEMBRANE.

Question 14

What is the function of the plasma membrane as it surrounds all cells?

Answer 14

The plasma membrane surrounds all cells and contains specialized “pumps” and “gates” that regulate the passage of materials in and out of the cell.

Question 15

What contains specialized “pumps” and “gates”?

Answer 15

The plasma membrane surrounds all cells and contains specialized “pumps” and “gates” that regulate the passage of materials in and out of the cell.

Question 16

What changes as a cell grows?

Answer 16

As a cell grows, the surface-area-to-volume ratio changes.

Question 17

Why do cells need to remain small?

Which size of cell is more active? the smaller or bigger cell?

Answer 17

Cells need to remain relatively small because, as a cell expands, the amount of surface area relative to the volume of the cell decreases.

The smaller cell is more active because, relative to its volume, its surface area is larger than a bigger cell.

Question 18

Having a larger surface area (than large volume) allows what to happen faster?

Answer 18

Metabolic processes.

With a larger surface area (relative to its volume) this allows the metabolic processes to occur faster.

Question 19

Name a type of metabolic processs, which is one that can occur faster with a cell with a ________ surface area.

Answer 19

DIFFUSION is a metabolic processes.

Larger surface area allows diffusion to occur faster.

Question 20

What is diffusion?

Answer 20

Diffusion is the transportation of particles across the membrane.

Question 21

Name a type of adaptation that cells and organelles have in addition to their small size that great greatly increase their surface area.

Answer 21

Cells (like those of the intestinal wall) and organelles (like the mitochondria) that are actively carrying out biochemical processes have adaptations (like NUMEROUS FOLDS) in addition to their small size that greatly increase their surface area.

Question 22

What are the two basic types of cells?

Answer 22

The two basic types of cells are prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Question 23

Name a type of prokaryotic cell.

Answer 23

Bacteria are prokaryotic cells.

Question 24

What does the word prokaryotic mean?

Answer 24

(prokaryotic means “before the nucleus”)

Question 25

Prokaryotic cells are considered simple cells for 3 reasons:

Answer 25

Prokarytoic cells are: 1) typically smaller than eukaryotic cells. Most are between 1-10 μm (micrometers) in size (about 1/30,000 of an inch); therefore, they are just visible with the light microscope. 2) The DNA of a prokaryotic cell is not enclosed in a nuclear membrane (prokaryotic means “before the nucleus”). 3) Prokaryotic cells do not contain many of the internal membrane-bound organelles of eukaryotic cells. Like eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells contain a plasma membrane and ribosomes.

Question 26

What is the typical size of prokaryotic cells? About 1/_______ th of an inch. How can prokaryotic cells be viewed? a) human eye? b) only light microscope

Answer 26

Most prokarytoic cells are between 1-10 μm (micrometers) in size (about 1/30,000 of an inch); therefore, they are just visible with the light microscope.

Question 27

What two things do prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells contain?

Answer 27

Like eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells contain a 1) plasma membrane and 2) ribosomes.

Question 28

Ribosomes: What are ribosomes composed of? What do ribosomes synthesize?

Answer 28

Ribosomes are composed of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and synthesize proteins for use by the cell

Question 29

True / False. Ribosomes are NOT surrounded by a membrane.

Answer 29

TRUE. Ribosomes are not surrounded by a membrane. Membranes provide a location for metabolic processes to occur. Because prokaryotes lack organelles with membranes, the plasma membrane of a prokaryotic cell is often folded inward to create numerous folds where metabolic processes take place.

Question 30

Notes only: Most people think of bacteria as causing diseases. An example is botulism, a type of food poisoning that can lead to paralysis and sometimes death. This bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, can form a dormant, extremely durable cell called an endospore, which is released by the bacterium under adverse conditions. During the canning process, food must be heated to boiling for 3 to 4 minutes to kill any highly heat-resistant endospores that might be present.

Answer 30

Notes only: Most people think of bacteria as causing diseases. An example is botulism, a type of food poisoning that can lead to paralysis and sometimes death. This bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, can form a dormant, extremely durable cell called an endospore, which is released by the bacterium under adverse conditions. During the canning process, food must be heated to boiling for 3 to 4 minutes to kill any highly heat-resistant endospores that might be present.

Question 31

What kind of cells do plants, animals and humans all possess?

Answer 31

Plants, animals, and humans all possess eukaryotic cells.

Question 32

Which is larger? A prokaryotic cell? or a eukaryotic cell? What is the typical size of a eukaryotic cell?

Answer 32

Eukaryotic cells (complex cells) are 10 to 100 times larger than prokaryotic cells,

Question 33

What does the word Eukaryotic mean?

Answer 33

Eukaryotic cells possess a nuclear membrane (eukaryotic means “true nucleus”), and contain many membrane-bound organelles.

Question 34

What are some ways that membranes are important to complex cells?

Answer 34

Membranes are important to a complex cell for many reasons, such as: 1) the forming of compartments within organelles where reactants are more likely to come into contact or keep certain compounds away from one another. 2) Membranes also form a work surface where many enzymes can congregate to complete a complex reaction.

Question 35

Eukaryotic cells have ___________ inside each cell.

Answer 35

Eukaryotic cells have ORGANELLES inside each cell.

Question 36

What is the most prominent organelle in a cell?

Answer 36

The NUCLEUS, surrounded by a nuclear membrane (envelope), is the most prominent organelle in the cell.

Question 37

In the Euraryotic cell, what does the nucleus contain? What does the nucleus serve as for the cell?

Answer 37

The nucleus contains DNA The nucleus serves as the control center of the cell.

Question 38

What organelle serves as the CONTROL CENTER of the Eurakraytic cell?

Answer 38

The NUCLEUS surrounded by a nuclear membrane (envelope), is the most prominent organelle in the cell It contains DNA and serves as the control center of the cell.

Question 39

DNA is composed of a series of what? | hint: starts with "N"

Answer 39

DNA is composed of sequences of nucleotides.

Question 40

________ are the organized (packaged) form of DNA inside a cell.

Answer 40

CHROMOSOMES are the organized or “packaged” form of DNA inside a cell.

Question 41

SECTIONS of Chromosomes (nucleotide sequences) are called what? What do these sections do?

Answer 41

Sections of these nucleotide sequences are called GENES. Genes determine what proteins are synthesized in the ribosomes.

Question 42

Recap: Genes are the sections of nucleotide sequences of DNA. Genes determine what proteins are synthesized in the ribosomes. The information from the DNA is transferred to the ribosomes by what? ________ ______.

Answer 42

The information from the DNA is transferred to the ribosomes by MESSENGER RNA (mRNA). Recap: Genes are the sections of nucleotide sequences of DNA. Genes determine what proteins are synthesized in the ribosomes. The information from the DNA is transferred to the ribosomes by MESSENGER RNA (mRNA).

Question 43

There are several forms of RNA found in a cell. | What is the name of the RNA found in the ribosomes?

Answer 43

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Ribonsomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized in a region of the nucleus called the nucleolus.

Question 44

Recap: There are several forms of RNA found in a cell. The RNA found in the ribosomes is called ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Where is the Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesized?

Answer 44

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and synthesized in a region of the nucleus called the NUCLEOLUS.

Question 45

The nucleus contains all the _________ information in the cell.

Answer 45

The nucleus contains all the GENETIC information in the cell.

Question 46

What act as tiny manufacturing plants that assemble proteins? What do ribosomes look like

Answer 46

RIBOSOMES are tiny manufacturing plants that assemble proteins. Visible as small granules. little dots

Question 47

What are two things that ribosomes contain?

Answer 47

Ribosomes contain: 1) Ribosomal RNA 2) plus the enzymes necessary to form peptide bonds between amino acids. Each type of cell produces a unique combination of proteins. The unique sequence of DNA nucleotides in a cell serves as a code that specifies the order in which amino acids are assembled.

Question 48

The _____ ______ surrounds the nucleus.

Answer 48

The Endoplasmic Reticulum surrounds the nucleus.

Question 49

Where are ribosomes (tiny red dots) usually located in a cell?

Answer 49

Ribosomes are often located on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).

Question 50

What looks like a maze of tightly packed and flattened, sac-like structures that form interconnected compartments within the cytoplasm?

Answer 50

The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a maze of tightly packed and flattened, sac-like structures that form interconnected compartments within the cytoplasm.

Question 51

Where are the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) interconnected compartments located?

Answer 51

Within the cytoplasm.

Question 52

When ribosomes are located on the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), it is called the ______ Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER).

Answer 52

When ribosomes are located on the endoplasmic reticulum, it is called the ROUGH endoplasmic reticulum (RER).

Question 53

What does RER stand for?

Answer 53

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Question 54

There are two continuous sections to the endoplasmic reticulum. What are the two called?

Answer 54

1) Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) and 2) Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

Question 55

The sections that possess ribosomes appear “bumpy” and are called _______

Answer 55

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Question 56

Smooth ER has no attached ribosomes and is responsible for the synthesis of lipids. True or False?

Answer 56

True

Question 57

Human liver cells possess extensive amounts of smooth ER. This is where ____________ a major component of cell membranes, is formed.

Answer 57

cholesteral

Question 58

What do Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum and Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum have in common?

Answer 58

Both types of ER possess a large variety of enzymes that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions.

Question 59

The __________ includes the fluid portion of the cell and all the organelles outside of the nucleus.

Answer 59

The cytoplasm (cytosol) includes the fluid portion of the cell and all the organelles outside of the nucleus.

Question 60

What is the name of the organelle made up of a stack of many flattened sacs called cisternae?

Answer 60

The Golgi complex (apparatus)

Question 61

Parts of the Golgi complex are connected; however, most form separate compartments. The Golgi complex is responsible for: 1) receiving what? (2 things) Then, what does the Golgi complex alter from these two things?

Answer 61

The Golgi complex is responsible for receiving lipids and proteins synthesized by the endoplasmic reticulum, altering their structures and shipping them to other parts of the cell.

Question 62

As portions pinch off from the Golgi membrane forming enclosed sacs called _________, they and their contents can be: a) transported to other organelles within the cell OR b) ?

Answer 62

Recap: The Golgi complex is responsible for receiving lipids and proteins synthesized by the endoplasmic reticulum, altering their structures and shipping them to other parts of the cell. As portions pinch off from the Golgi membrane forming enclosed sacs called VESICLES, they and their contents can be: a) transported to other organelles within the cell OR b) exported out of the cell through the cell membrane.

Question 63

Recap: As portions pinch off from the Golgi membrane forming enclosed sacs called VESICLES, they and their contents can be: a) transported to other organelles within the cell OR b) exported out of the cell through the cell membrane. How is this accomplished?

Answer 63

This is accomplished through FUSION of the vesicles with the plasma membrane of the cell or other membrane-bound organelles. Fusion can occur because all membranes within the cell are structured similarly.

Question 64

The Golgi complex also produces small sacs of digestive enzymes called WHAT?

Answer 64

The Golgi complex also produces small sacs of digestive enzymes called LYSOSOMES.

Question 65

What does the word Lysis mean?

Answer 65

("lysis" means to disintegrate). The digestive enzymes break down biomacromolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids) that originate inside or outside of the cell. Once broken into their building block monomers, these molecules can later be recycled into new biomacromolecules.

Question 66

Can Lysosomes also fuse with other vesicles containing harmful bacteria?

Answer 66

YES. Lysosomes can also fuse with other vesicles containing harmful bacteria. In this way, the bacteria can be degraded into its components.

Question 67

In the genetic disease known as _______, one of the normally present digestive enzymes inside lysosomes is lacking. Thus, a toxic lipid in the brain cells cannot be broken down. The resulting buildup of lipids in these cells can cause intellectual disability and death.

Answer 67

Tay-Sachs

Question 68

What is the name of the organelle responsible for converting the chemical energy found in food into ATP?

Answer 68

Mitochondria (singular, mitochondrion) is the organelle responsible for converting the chemical energy found in food into ATP.

Question 69

What does ATP stand for?

Answer 69

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate.

Question 70

What is ATP? What does it provide for the cell? What is the name of that process?

Answer 70

ATP is a high-energy molecule that provides energy for the cell. This process is called aerobic cellular respiration.

Question 71

During cellular respiration, _______ is required to break down food (usually in the form of glucose).

Answer 71

During cellular respiration, OXYGEN is required to break down food (usually in the form of glucose).

Question 72

Name three things that are produced as a result of cellular respiration.

Answer 72

Carbon dioxide, water, and ATP are produced. Notice that this is very much like respiration (breathing) in your lungs, but at the cellular level.

Question 73

It is through the ________ that the necessary oxygen is obtained to be used by cells for respiration.

Answer 73

LUNGS

Question 74

In the cell each mitochondrion is bound by what two things? Hint: How many membranes does a mitochondrian have?

Answer 74

Each mitochondrion is bound by a double membrane (note the inner membrane and outer membrane). That means that there are two membranes, one inside the other.

Question 75

Structure of the mitochondria: In the mitochondrian, there is an intermembrane space between the inner and outer membranes, and a _____ that forms the center of the mitochondrion, bound by just the inner membrane.

Answer 75

MATRIX that forms the center of the mitochondrion, bound by just the inner membrane.

Question 76

Structure of the mitochondria: The inner mitochondrial membrane possesses numerous folds that increase the surface area. What does that allow plenty of room for happening?

Answer 76

The ample surface area allows for the chemical reactions and enzymes required to transfer the chemical energy in food into ATP.

Question 77

What is a cytoskeleton? (Eukaryotic cells also contain a cytoskeleton).

Answer 77

The cytoskeleton consists of a network of protein fibers that provide structural support and movement within the cell. It includes two types of protein fibers that compose the cytoskeleton, both of which can be rapidly assembled and disassembled

Question 78

What are the two types of protein fibers that compose the cytoskeleton? (note: both of which can be rapidly assembled and disassembled)

Answer 78

Microtubules Microfilaments are the 2 types of protein fibers of cytoskeleton.

Question 79

Recap: Microtubles and Microfilament are the 2 types of protein fibers that make up the cytoskeleton (which is a network of protein fibers that provide structure and movement within the cell). What are microtubules? (what do they look like and what are they involved in)?

Answer 79

Microtubules are hollow cylinders (like a tube) that are involved in the movement of chromosomes during cell division and in the structure of cilia and flagella. Cilia and flagella project from the surface of some cells.

Question 80

Which protein fibers in the cytoskeleton are hollow cylinders (like a tube)?

Answer 80

Microtubules

Question 81

____ and ____ project from the surface of some cells

Answer 81

Cilia and flagella

Question 82

What does flagella look like and what does it do?

Answer 82

The flagellum is usually a long, whip-like structure that propels or pulls a single-celled organism through a watery medium. Flagellum are also found on sperm cells.

Question 83

What is the long, whip-like structure that propels or pulls a single-celled organism through a watery medium?

Answer 83

Flagellum

Question 84

What is shorter than the flagellum and found in greater number. In humans, ____cells are found along the respiratory passageways for trapping and moving debris.

Answer 84

Cilia

Question 85

Where are cilia cells found in the human body?

Answer 85

Cilia are found along the respiratory passageways for trapping and moving debris.

Question 86

In order for the microtubules to perform their job, they generally need to be anchored somewhere in the cell. What are these anchoring regions called?

Answer 86

Microtubule-organizing centers (MTOC's).

Question 87

During cell division, microtubules grow outward from the MTOC. What do microtubules assist with?

Answer 87

Microtubules assist in the movement of chromosomes into two new cells.

Question 88

Inside the MTOC of animal cells are usually found two centrioles. The centrioles are made up of ____ sets of ____ attached tubules arranged to form a hollow cylinder. Similar structures called basal bodies anchor cilia and flagella. Both centrioles and basal bodies play a role in microtubule assembly.

Answer 88

Centrioles are made up NINE sets of THREE attached tubules arranged to form a hollow cylinder.

Question 89

Recap: Microtubules and Microfilament are the 2 types of protein fibers that make up the cytoskeleton (which is a network of protein fibers that provide structure and movement within the cell). What are Microfilaments? What do they look like and made up of?

Answer 89

Microfilaments are flexible, solid fibers made up of two intertwined polymer chains of actin molecules.

Question 90

Which protein fiber is a flexible, solid fibers made up of two intertwined polymer chains of actin molecules?

Answer 90

Microfilament

Question 91

Recap: Microfilament are the protein fibers that are a flexible, solid fibers made up of two intertwined polymer chains of actin molecules. Actin fibers cannot contract, but they can do what? _________.

Answer 91

Actin fibers cannot contract, but they can: generate movement by rapidly assembling and disassembling.

Question 92

True or False: During cell division, a ring of actin, associated with another protein, myosin, causes the constriction of the cell to form two daughter cells.

Answer 92

TRUE. During cell division, a ring of actin, associated with another protein, myosin, causes the constriction of the cell to form two daughter cells. In muscle cells, actin and myosin slide past one another, shortening the muscle fiber and causing muscle contraction.

Question 93

In muscle cells, actin and myosin slide past one another, doing what?

Answer 93

shortening the muscle fiber and causing muscle contraction.

Question 94

Most eukaryotic cells are surrounded by what?

Answer 94

Most eukaryotic cells are surrounded by a CELL COAT.

Question 95

Recap: Most eukaryotic cells are surrounded by a cell coat. The coat is made of polysaccharide (carbohydrate) side chains, which project out from the ______ and _____ which comprise the cell membrane.

Answer 95

The coat is made of polysaccharide (carbohydrate) side chains, which project out from the PROTEINS (glycoproteins), and LIPIDS (glycolipids), which comprise the cell membrane. These side chains allow cells to recognize one another, make contact, and, sometimes, to adhere to one another, such as in forming tissues.

Question 96

Many eukaryotic cells also secrete an extracellular matrix, which contains tough protein fibers called _______. The outside of eukaryotic cells usually contains a cell coat, made up of carbohydrate chains and other lipids that protrude outside the cell

Answer 96

Collagen

Question 97

TRUE or FALSE: | Animal and human cells do not possess a cell wall; however, most plants and bacteria do.

Answer 97

TRUE.