1. What is the main function of the nucleus?
Answer: The nucleus stores DNA and controls cellular activities, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
2. What organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
Answer: The mitochondrion is known as the powerhouse of the cell because it produces ATP through cellular respiration.
3. What is the primary function of ribosomes?
Answer: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by translating RNA into amino acid sequences.
4. What does the Golgi apparatus do in a cell?
Answer: The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.
5. What is the role of lysosomes in a cell?
Answer: Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders.
6. What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?
Answer: The SER is involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification of harmful substances, and calcium storage.
7. What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
Answer: Rough ER has ribosomes attached to its surface and is involved in protein synthesis, while smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis.
8. What organelle is responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells?
Answer: Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, converting light energy into chemical energy.
9. What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?
Answer: Vacuoles store water, nutrients, and waste products and maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.
10. What is the primary role of the plasma membrane?
Answer: The plasma membrane regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
11. What is the function of peroxisomes?
Answer: Peroxisomes are involved in the detoxification of harmful substances and the breakdown of fatty acids.
12. What role does the cytoskeleton play in the cell?
Answer: The cytoskeleton provides structural support, facilitates cell movement, and assists in intracellular transport.
13. What is the function of the centrosome during cell division?
Answer: The centrosome organizes microtubules and forms the spindle apparatus that helps in cell division.
14. What is the main component of the cell wall in plant cells?
Answer: The main component of the cell wall is cellulose, which provides structural support and protection.
15. What is the function of the nucleolus?
Answer: The nucleolus is involved in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the assembly of ribosomes.
16. What is the role of microtubules in the cell?
Answer: Microtubules help maintain the cell’s shape, assist in intracellular transport, and form the mitotic spindle during cell division.
17. What is the structure of a mitochondrion?
Answer: Mitochondria have a double membrane, with an outer membrane and an inner membrane folded into cristae to increase surface area for ATP production.
18. What is the function of chloroplasts?
Answer: Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
19. What is the function of ribosomes on the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Answer: Ribosomes on the rough ER synthesize proteins that are either secreted, incorporated into the plasma membrane, or sent to an organelle.
20. What is the function of the cytoplasm?
Answer: The cytoplasm supports and suspends cellular organelles and is the site of many metabolic reactions.
21. What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in terms of protein processing?
Answer: The Golgi apparatus modifies proteins received from the ER by adding sugar groups and then sorts them for transport to their final destination.
22. What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Answer: Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.
23. What is the role of the plasma membrane in cell signaling?
Answer: The plasma membrane contains receptors that interact with external signals, triggering cellular responses.
24. What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
Answer: The RER is involved in the synthesis and modification of proteins that are either secreted or integrated into membranes.
25. What is the purpose of the double membrane structure of mitochondria?
Answer: The double membrane structure of mitochondria creates compartments that enable efficient ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation.
26. What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?
Answer: rRNA is a component of ribosomes and helps in the process of translating mRNA into proteins.
27. What is the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in detoxification?
Answer: The smooth ER detoxifies drugs and harmful chemicals by modifying them into water-soluble forms for easier elimination.
28. What are the structural differences between plant and animal cells?
Answer: Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles, while animal cells lack a cell wall and chloroplasts.
29. What is the function of lysosomes in cellular waste management?
Answer: Lysosomes break down waste materials, damaged organelles, and foreign particles through enzymatic action.
30. What is the function of microfilaments in the cytoskeleton?
Answer: Microfilaments assist in cell movement, shape maintenance, and muscle contraction in eukaryotic cells.
These short questions cover key aspects of the structure and function of cellular organelles, helping students understand the essential roles these organelles play in maintaining cellular function.
