Science Topic 5: Cell & Organelle Functions

Question 1

Cell Theory

Answer 1

All living things are made of cells. The cell is the basic unit of life. All cells come from other cells.

Question 2

Cytoplasm

Answer 2

Jelly-like substance inside the cell. Holds organelles and is where many chemical reactions happen.

Question 3

Vesicles

Answer 3

Small sacs that transport or store materials inside the cell or to/from the cell membrane.

Question 4

Cell Wall

Answer 4

Rigid outer layer found in plant cells, fungi, and bacteria. Provides support and protection.

Question 5

Prokaryote

Answer 5

Simple, single-celled organisms (e.g., bacteria). No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Question 6

Cytoskeleton

Answer 6

Network of protein fibers. Provides cell shape, structure, and helps with movement.

Question 7

Centrioles

Answer 7

Cylinder-shaped structures in animal cells. Help organize cell division by forming spindle fibers.

Question 8

Cellulose

Answer 8

Tough carbohydrate in plant cell walls. Provides structure and strength.

Question 9

Archaebacteria

Answer 9

Ancient prokaryotic organisms that live in extreme environments (e.g., hot springs).

Question 10

Microtubules

Answer 10

Hollow protein tubes in the cytoskeleton. Help with cell shape, transport, and cell division.

Question 11

Cilia

Answer 11

Short, hair-like structures on the cell surface. Move fluids or the cell itself.

Question 12

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Answer 12

Network of membranes that helps with protein and lipid synthesis. Rough ER makes proteins. Smooth ER makes lipids.

Question 13

Eubacteria

Answer 13

Common bacteria with a cell wall made of peptidoglycan. Found in various environments.

Question 14

Microfilaments

Answer 14

Thin protein fibers (actin) in the cytoskeleton. Involved in cell movement and shape.

Question 15

Flagella

Answer 15

Long, whip-like tails that help cells move (e.g., in bacteria and sperm).

Question 16

Smooth ER / Rough ER

Answer 16

Smooth ER: Makes lipids, detoxifies, stores calcium. Rough ER: Makes proteins (due to ribosomes).

Question 17

Eukaryote

Answer 17

Organisms with cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals).

Question 18

Lysosome

Answer 18

Small organelles that digest waste and old cell parts. Contain enzymes for breaking down materials.

Question 19

Mitochondria

Answer 19

Powerhouse of the cell. Converts food into energy (ATP).

Question 20

Motor Proteins / Kinesins

Answer 20

Proteins that move along microtubules. Transport materials or help with cell movement.

Question 21

Plasma Membrane

Answer 21

Outer membrane of the cell. Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Question 22

Peroxisome

Answer 22

Organelles that break down toxic substances (like hydrogen peroxide).

Question 23

Chloroplast

Answer 23

Found in plant cells. Converts sunlight into energy (photosynthesis).

Question 24

Endosymbiotic Theory

Answer 24

Theory that some organelles (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts) originated from free-living bacteria.

Question 25

Organelle

Answer 25

Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria).

Question 26

Golgi Apparatus

Answer 26

Processes and packages proteins and lipids for transport out of the cell.

Question 27

Ribosome

Answer 27

Small structures that make proteins. Found in the cytoplasm or on the rough ER.

Question 28

Nucleus

Answer 28

Control center of the cell. Contains DNA and regulates gene expression.

Question 29

Cell Junctions

Answer 29

Structures that connect cells to each other and help tissues function together.

Question 30

Plasmodesmata

Answer 30

Channels in plant cell walls that allow communication and transport between cells.

Question 31

Nuclear Envelope

Answer 31

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus. Controls what enters and exits the nucleus.

Question 32

Vacuole / Central Vacuole

Answer 32

Storage sacs. Central Vacuole in plant cells stores water, nutrients, and waste.

Question 33

Nucleolus

Answer 33

Structure inside the nucleus that makes ribosomes.

Question 34

Chromatin

Answer 34

DNA and proteins in the nucleus. Condenses into chromosomes during cell division.

Question 35

Chromosome

Answer 35

Organized structure of DNA that carries genetic information.

Question 36

DNA

Answer 36

The genetic material that carries instructions for growth, function, and reproduction.