Quiz 4: Cell Structure

List the three main components of the cytoskeleton.

Microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments

What are the two basic types of cells?

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic

List the components of the endomembrane system.

Nuclear membrane, rough ER, smooth ER, Golgi apparatus and vesicles

Describe the structure and function of the nucleus.

Structure: there is a double membrane enclosing the nucleus called the nuclear envelope. The membrane is perforated with pores. Inside the nuclear membrane is chromatin (DNA & proteins). Function: store genetic material and coordinate cell activities.

As cell size increases, what happens to its surface area relative to its volume? And, why can't cells get too big?

As cell size increases, the surface area to volume ratio decreases. A low surface area to volume ratio of makes it difficult for cells to exchange waist and nutrients with the exterior.

List at least three similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Both have a plasma membrane, contain DNA, have cytoplasm, and have ribosomes

What is the function of a chloroplast? And what is the function of a mitochondrion.

Chloroplasts build sugar (carbohydrates) via photosynthesis. Mitochondrion breakdown sugar to generate ATP via cellular respiration.

List at least three differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells are small, do not contain a nucleus and do not contain organelles. Whereas, eukaryotic cells are larger, containing nucleus and contain membrane-bound organelles.

Describe the structure and function of microtubules.

Structure: composed of tubular subunits that can rapidly grow and shrink. Function: Act as railroads for motor proteins when stabilized. Important for moving proteins during cell division.

Describe the structure and function of the Golgi.

Structure: like pita bread has sidedness. Vesicles from ER go into the cis Golgi and go out the trans Golgi. Function: modify, sort and package proteins

Describe the structure and function of a lysosome.

Structure: specific vesicle containing digestive enzymes. Combines with vacuole to digest components of vacuole. Function: coincide with food vacuoles to speed up digestion

Describe the structure and function of the rough ER.

Structure: the rough ER is contiguous with the nuclear membrane, and is studded with ribosomes. Function: synthesize proteins

Describe the structure and function of the smooth ER.

Structure: the smooth ER is contiguous with rough ER, and has no ribosomes. Function: synthesize lipids and detoxify drugs (alcohol).

If a cell in your body has a lot of ribosomes (compared to other cells), what would you assume about the function of the cell?

The function of the cell is primarily to synthesize proteins.