Cell Structure

Question What is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **cell**. Question Which part of the cell controls its activities and contains genetic material? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **nucleus**. Question What is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **cytoplasm**. Question Which structure surrounds the cell and controls what enters and exits? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **cell membrane** (plasma membrane). Question What is the function of the cell wall? tap to flip ↻ Answer It provides **support and protection** to the cell, and is found in plant cells, fungi, and some bacteria. Question Which organelles are known as the powerhouse of the cell? tap to flip ↻ Answer **Mitochondria**. Question What is the main function of ribosomes? tap to flip ↻ Answer **Protein synthesis**. Question Which organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **Golgi apparatus** (Golgi complex). Question What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)? tap to flip ↻ Answer It is involved in **protein synthesis** (rough ER) and **lipid synthesis** (smooth ER), and transports materials within the cell. Question Which organelles contain digestive enzymes to break down waste and cellular debris? tap to flip ↻ Answer **Lysosomes**. Question What is the function of a vacuole? tap to flip ↻ Answer It stores **water, nutrients, and waste**; in plant cells, a large central vacuole provides turgor pressure. Question Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **chloroplast**. Question What is the function of the cytoskeleton? tap to flip ↻ Answer It provides **structural support**, maintains cell shape, and aids in movement of materials and organelles. Question Which part of the nucleus contains the genetic material (DNA)? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **nucleoplasm** (or nucleoid in prokaryotes) contains DNA; in eukaryotes, DNA is organized into chromosomes within the nucleus. Question What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? tap to flip ↻ Answer **Prokaryotic cells** lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles; **eukaryotic cells** have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Question Which structures are found in plant cells but not in animal cells? tap to flip ↻ Answer **Cell wall**, **chloroplasts**, and a large **central vacuole**. Question What is the function of the nucleolus? tap to flip ↻ Answer It is the site of **ribosome synthesis** (rRNA production and assembly). Question What is the role of the cell membrane in transport? tap to flip ↻ Answer It regulates the movement of substances via **passive transport** (diffusion, osmosis) and **active transport**. Question Which organelle is responsible for detoxification of harmful substances? tap to flip ↻ Answer The **smooth endoplasmic reticulum** (and peroxisomes). Question What are plastids? Name one type. tap to flip ↻ Answer **Plastids** are organelles found in plant cells; examples include **chloroplasts** (photosynthesis), **chromoplasts** (pigments), and **leucoplasts** (storage).