2.1.1 Cell structure and function (Q&A)

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the basic unit of life?
   Answer
   The cell is the basic unit of life.
2. What are the two types of microscopes used to observe cells?
   Answer
   Light microscope and electron microscope.
3. What surrounds the components inside the cell?
   Answer
   The plasma membrane surrounds the cell components.
4. What is the cell wall made of?
   Answer
   The cell wall is made of cellulose.
5. Which cells have a cell wall?
   Answer
   Plant cells have a cell wall.
6. What is the function of the plasma membrane?
   Answer
   It controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
7. What is cytoplasm?
   Answer
   Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that contains cell organelles and serves as the medium for most metabolic reactions.
8. What is the function of the nucleus?
   Answer
   The nucleus controls all cellular activities and cell division.
9. What is chromatin made of?
   Answer
   Chromatin is made of DNA.
10. What are ribosomes responsible for?
    Answer
    Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
11. What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?
    Answer
    Rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
12. What is the main function of mitochondria?
    Answer
    Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration, producing energy in the form of ATP.
13. What is the Golgi body responsible for?
    Answer
    It processes, packages, and transports proteins and lipids.
14. What is contained in lysosomes?
    Answer
    Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes.
15. What is the function of centrioles in animal cells?
    Answer
    Centrioles organize spindle fibers during cell division.
16. Where are chloroplasts found?
    Answer
    Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and algae.
17. What is the purpose of the large central vacuole in plant cells?
    Answer
    It stores cell sap and helps maintain cell turgidity.
18. What pigment is found in chloroplasts?
    Answer
    Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll.
19. How do plant and animal cells differ in terms of vacuoles?
    Answer
    Plant cells have a large central vacuole, whereas animal cells have small vacuoles or no vacuoles.
20. What do animal cells use to store carbohydrates?
    Answer
    Animal cells store carbohydrates as glycogen.

Explanation Questions

1. Why is the plasma membrane considered selectively permeable (semi-permeable)?
   Answer
   It allows some substances to pass through while preventing others.
2. How does the cell wall protect plant cells?
   Answer
   It provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and prevents the cell from bursting due to water intake.
3. What is the role of the nucleus in cell division?
   Answer
   The nucleus controls cell division by regulating genetic information through chromatin.
4. What is the difference between rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?
   Answer
   RER is involved in protein transport, whereas SER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs.
5. Why are mitochondria called the “powerhouse” of the cell?
   Answer
   Because they produce energy in the form of ATP through aerobic respiration.
6. How do lysosomes help in cellular waste management?
   Answer
   Lysosomes break down macromolecules, damaged cell components, and bacteria.
7. What enables plant cells to carry out photosynthesis?
   Answer
   Chloroplasts containing chlorophyll absorb light energy for photosynthesis.
8. What is the importance of nuclear pores in the nuclear membrane?
   Answer
   They allow the exchange of substances between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
9. How do centrioles help in cell division?
   Answer
   Centrioles organize spindle fibers to ensure proper chromosome separation.
10. What structural difference gives plant cells a fixed shape?
    Answer
    The presence of a rigid cell wall.