BIO 183 EXAM #1 | COMPREHENSIVE BIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE, PRACTICE QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS 2026/2027
what are the basic components of the cell? - ANS ✔✔plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus
Plasma membrane role and composition - ANS ✔✔A selective barrier, regulating what enters and exists
the cell to maintain a stable internal environment. a lipid bilayer of phospholipids and cholesterol, with
various proteins and carbohydrates embedded or attached.
function of cytosol - ANS ✔✔distributes materials by diffusion; stores glycogen, pigments, and other
materials. Gel-like because of a high concentration of dissolved proteins and other macromolecules
suspended in the water-based solution.
cytoskeleton - ANS ✔✔A network of fibers that holds the cell together, helps the cell to keep its shape,
and aids in movement
cell theory - ANS ✔✔idea that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic units of structure
and function in living things, and new cells are produced from existing cells
Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells - ANS ✔✔prokaryotic cells are smaller, simpler, no
nucleus/ membrane bound organelles, DNA located in a nucleoid region.
surface area to volume ratio - ANS ✔✔For any cell, organism, or geometrical solid, the ratio of surface
area to volume; this is an important factor in setting an upper limit on the size a cell or organism can
attain.
plasma membrane - ANS ✔✔A selectively-permeable phospholipid bilayer forming the boundary of the
cells
Nucleus - ANS ✔✔A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and
reproduction
Nucleolus - ANS ✔✔Found inside the nucleus and produces ribosomes
Ribosomes - ANS ✔✔Makes proteins
Endoplasmic reticulum - ANS ✔✔A cell structure that forms a maze of passageways in which proteins
and other materials are carried from one part of the cell to another.
Rough ER - ANS ✔✔ER that is dotted with ribosomes
Smooth ER - ANS ✔✔That portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that is free of ribosomes. Makes lipids
Golgi apparatus - ANS ✔✔A system of membranes that modifies and packages proteins for export by the
cell
Mitochondria - ANS ✔✔Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production
ANSWERS 2026/2027
what are the basic components of the cell? - ANS ✔✔plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus
Plasma membrane role and composition - ANS ✔✔A selective barrier, regulating what enters and exists
the cell to maintain a stable internal environment. a lipid bilayer of phospholipids and cholesterol, with
various proteins and carbohydrates embedded or attached.
function of cytosol - ANS ✔✔distributes materials by diffusion; stores glycogen, pigments, and other
materials. Gel-like because of a high concentration of dissolved proteins and other macromolecules
suspended in the water-based solution.
cytoskeleton - ANS ✔✔A network of fibers that holds the cell together, helps the cell to keep its shape,
and aids in movement
cell theory - ANS ✔✔idea that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic units of structure
and function in living things, and new cells are produced from existing cells
Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells - ANS ✔✔prokaryotic cells are smaller, simpler, no
nucleus/ membrane bound organelles, DNA located in a nucleoid region.
surface area to volume ratio - ANS ✔✔For any cell, organism, or geometrical solid, the ratio of surface
area to volume; this is an important factor in setting an upper limit on the size a cell or organism can
attain.
plasma membrane - ANS ✔✔A selectively-permeable phospholipid bilayer forming the boundary of the
cells
Nucleus - ANS ✔✔A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and
reproduction
Nucleolus - ANS ✔✔Found inside the nucleus and produces ribosomes
Ribosomes - ANS ✔✔Makes proteins
Endoplasmic reticulum - ANS ✔✔A cell structure that forms a maze of passageways in which proteins
and other materials are carried from one part of the cell to another.
Rough ER - ANS ✔✔ER that is dotted with ribosomes
Smooth ER - ANS ✔✔That portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that is free of ribosomes. Makes lipids
Golgi apparatus - ANS ✔✔A system of membranes that modifies and packages proteins for export by the
cell
Mitochondria - ANS ✔✔Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production
