Cell structure

• What types of microscopes allow us to see inside cells?

  Light and electron microscopes
• What are the main components of plant, animal, and bacterial cells?

  • Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound structures
  • Bacterial cells are prokaryotic and lack a nucleus
• What is the definition of eukaryotic cells?

  Cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound structures
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  It controls the entry and exit of materials and is semi-permeable
• What can be seen with a light microscope in animal cells?

  Mitochondria can be visible, but not in detail
• What type of microscope is required to see ribosomes?

  Electron microscope
• What is the role of cytoplasm in a cell?

  • Jelly-like material containing dissolved nutrients and salts
  • Site where many chemical reactions occur
  • Contains organelles
• What does the nucleus contain that is crucial for the cell?

  Genetic material, including DNA
• How does the cell membrane control the movement of substances?

  It is permeable to some substances but not to others
• What is the function of mitochondria in a cell?

  They contain enzymes for respiration and release most energy during respiration
• Where does protein synthesis occur in the cell?

  In ribosomes
• What is the significance of specialized cells in animals and plants?

  • Most cells are specialized and adapted for their function
  • Different types of cells work together in animals and plants
• What is the general structure of an animal cell?

  An animal cell contains a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes
• What type of cells do plants consist of?

  Plants consist of eukaryotic cells.
• What is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells?

  Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound structures.
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  The cell membrane controls the entry and exit of materials.
• What are the common structures found in both animal and plant cells?


  • Nucleus
  • Cell membrane
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
• What is the role of mitochondria in cells?

  Mitochondria are where aerobic respiration takes place.
• What is the function of ribosomes?

  Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.
• What additional structures do plant cells have compared to animal cells?

  • Chloroplasts
  • Cell wall
  • Permanent vacuole
• What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

  Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
• What is the role of the cell wall in plant and bacterial cells?

  The cell wall provides structure and protection.
• What is unique about plant cell walls compared to bacterial cell walls?

  Only plant cell walls are made from cellulose.
• What is the function of the permanent vacuole in plant cells?

  The permanent vacuole is filled with cell sap to help keep the cell swollen.
• Do animal cells have vacuoles, and if so, how do they differ from those in plant cells?

  Animal cells may have small and temporary vacuoles.
• What are the main components of a generalized plant cell?

  • Nucleus
  • Cell membrane
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
  • Chloroplasts
  • Cell wall
  • Permanent vacuole
• What types of microscopes allow us to see inside cells?

  Light and electron microscopes
• What are the main components of plant, animal, and bacterial cells?

  • Cytoplasm
  • Cell membrane
  • Unique components in bacteria: Chromosomal DNA, Plasmid DNA, Flagella, Cell wall
• What type of cells are bacteria classified as?

  Prokaryotic cells
• What is the definition of a prokaryotic cell?

  A cell that does not have a nucleus and has DNA free in the cytoplasm
• What is the function of the cell membrane?

  It is a selectively permeable membrane controlling the entry and exit of materials
• How can larger bacterial cells be observed?

  Using a light microscope
• What is chromosomal DNA in bacterial cells?

  It is the DNA found loose in the cytoplasm, not contained within a nucleus
• What are plasmids in bacterial cells?

  Small, closed-circles of DNA present in the cytoplasm
• What is the function of plasmid DNA in bacteria?

  It can move from one bacterium to another, giving variation
• What is the function of flagella in bacteria?

  They allow bacteria to move in a whip-like motion
• What do plant and bacterial cell walls provide?

  Structure and protection
• What is unique about plant cell walls compared to bacterial cell walls?

  Only plant cell walls are made from cellulose
• How do bacterial cells divide?

  By binary fission
• What is the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

  Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not