MODULE 1 PROBLEM SET Questions with Correct Solutions
Question:
1. Explain the three differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Answer:
1) Prokaryotic cells are typically smaller than eukaryotic cells. Most are between 1-10 μm
(micrometers) in size (about 1/30,000 of an inch); therefore, they are just visible with the light
microscope. 2) The DNA of a prokaryotic cell is not enclosed in a nuclear membrane
(prokaryotic means "before the nucleus"). 3) Prokaryotic cells do not contain many of the
internal membrane-bounded organelles of eukaryotic cells.
Question:
2. Explain the function of each of the following in the cell:
a. nucleus
b. ribosomes
c. smooth ER
d. rough ER
e. RNA
f. endospore
g. Golgi complex
h. lysosome i. mitochondria j. plasma membrane k. microtubules and microfilaments l.
extracellular matrix
Answer:
Nucleus - contains DNA and serves as the control center of the cell. Ribosomes tiny
manufacturing plants that assemble proteins. Smooth ER -synthesizes lipids. Rough ER -
modifies and transports proteins derived from the ribosomes that are found along its surface.
RNA - take the coded amino acid sequence from nucleus to ribosome for protein synthesis.
Endospore -dormant, extremely durable cell produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum
which can lead to botulism. Golgi complex - responsible for receiving lipids and proteins
synthesized by the endoplasmic reticulum, altering their structures and shipping them to
other parts of the cell. Lysosome - possess digestive enzymes which break down
biomacromolecules. Mitochondria - convert the chemical energy found in food into ATP.
Plasma membrane - contains specialized "pumps" and "gates" that regulate the passage of
materials into and out of the cell. In prokaryotic cells the membrane folds inward to provide a
place for reactions to take place. Microtubules are hollow and anchored to the MTOC;
microfilaments are solid and create movement. extracellular matrix contains collagen fibers,
found in human/animal cells.
, Question:
3. Define the following terms:
a. eukaryotic cells/prokaryotic cells
b. membranes
c. diffusion
d. active transport
e. endocytosis
f. proteins
g. isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic
h. cholesterol
Answer:
a. eukaryotic cells/prokaryotic cells - recognize the three main differences between them
(size, organelles and membranes).
b. membranes - know their detailed structure (including hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions
of proteins, phospholipids and cholesterol). Understand the importance of membranes in
being able to separate or confine molecules. Know what is "fluid" about a membrane.
c. diffusion - know the difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion and know which
molecules use each type and why.
d. active transport - know how this process relates to the concentration gradient and that it
requires additional energy.
e. endocytosis - understand the three types of endocytosis (also in the figure). Know how to
describe which types of molecules use this method.
f. proteins - know how proteins are used in diffusion, active transport, and the extracellular
matrix.
g. isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic-know the difference in these terms and how a cell would
react in different solutions (see examples in text). Remember that these terms refer to the
amount of solute in an aqueous solution. Water moves into an area of high solute
concentration. h. cholesterol- describe how it helps to stabilize the cell membrane.
Question:
4. Explain what happens in Tay-Sachs disease.
Answer:
One of the normally present digestive enzymes inside lysosomes is lacking. Thus, a toxic lipid
in the brain cells cannot be broken down. The resulting buildup of lipids in these cells can
cause intellectual disability and death.
Question:
5. Describe aerobic respiration and the purpose of ATP production.
Answer:
Eukaryotic cells require mitochondria to convert the chemical energy found in food (glucose)
into ATP. This process is called aerobic respiration. During cellular respiration oxygen is
required to break down food. Carbon dioxide, water and ATP are produced.
Question:
1. Explain the three differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Answer:
1) Prokaryotic cells are typically smaller than eukaryotic cells. Most are between 1-10 μm
(micrometers) in size (about 1/30,000 of an inch); therefore, they are just visible with the light
microscope. 2) The DNA of a prokaryotic cell is not enclosed in a nuclear membrane
(prokaryotic means "before the nucleus"). 3) Prokaryotic cells do not contain many of the
internal membrane-bounded organelles of eukaryotic cells.
Question:
2. Explain the function of each of the following in the cell:
a. nucleus
b. ribosomes
c. smooth ER
d. rough ER
e. RNA
f. endospore
g. Golgi complex
h. lysosome i. mitochondria j. plasma membrane k. microtubules and microfilaments l.
extracellular matrix
Answer:
Nucleus - contains DNA and serves as the control center of the cell. Ribosomes tiny
manufacturing plants that assemble proteins. Smooth ER -synthesizes lipids. Rough ER -
modifies and transports proteins derived from the ribosomes that are found along its surface.
RNA - take the coded amino acid sequence from nucleus to ribosome for protein synthesis.
Endospore -dormant, extremely durable cell produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum
which can lead to botulism. Golgi complex - responsible for receiving lipids and proteins
synthesized by the endoplasmic reticulum, altering their structures and shipping them to
other parts of the cell. Lysosome - possess digestive enzymes which break down
biomacromolecules. Mitochondria - convert the chemical energy found in food into ATP.
Plasma membrane - contains specialized "pumps" and "gates" that regulate the passage of
materials into and out of the cell. In prokaryotic cells the membrane folds inward to provide a
place for reactions to take place. Microtubules are hollow and anchored to the MTOC;
microfilaments are solid and create movement. extracellular matrix contains collagen fibers,
found in human/animal cells.
, Question:
3. Define the following terms:
a. eukaryotic cells/prokaryotic cells
b. membranes
c. diffusion
d. active transport
e. endocytosis
f. proteins
g. isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic
h. cholesterol
Answer:
a. eukaryotic cells/prokaryotic cells - recognize the three main differences between them
(size, organelles and membranes).
b. membranes - know their detailed structure (including hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions
of proteins, phospholipids and cholesterol). Understand the importance of membranes in
being able to separate or confine molecules. Know what is "fluid" about a membrane.
c. diffusion - know the difference between diffusion and facilitated diffusion and know which
molecules use each type and why.
d. active transport - know how this process relates to the concentration gradient and that it
requires additional energy.
e. endocytosis - understand the three types of endocytosis (also in the figure). Know how to
describe which types of molecules use this method.
f. proteins - know how proteins are used in diffusion, active transport, and the extracellular
matrix.
g. isotonic, hypertonic, hypotonic-know the difference in these terms and how a cell would
react in different solutions (see examples in text). Remember that these terms refer to the
amount of solute in an aqueous solution. Water moves into an area of high solute
concentration. h. cholesterol- describe how it helps to stabilize the cell membrane.
Question:
4. Explain what happens in Tay-Sachs disease.
Answer:
One of the normally present digestive enzymes inside lysosomes is lacking. Thus, a toxic lipid
in the brain cells cannot be broken down. The resulting buildup of lipids in these cells can
cause intellectual disability and death.
Question:
5. Describe aerobic respiration and the purpose of ATP production.
Answer:
Eukaryotic cells require mitochondria to convert the chemical energy found in food (glucose)
into ATP. This process is called aerobic respiration. During cellular respiration oxygen is
required to break down food. Carbon dioxide, water and ATP are produced.
