Essential Cell Biology Exam Study Guide
Questions and Correctly Detailed Verified Answers
Cells - Answer The basic unit from which a living organism is made; consists of an aqueous solution of
organic molecules enclosed by a membrane.
Cell Biology - Answer The study of cells and their structure, function and behavior.
Cilium (cilia) - Answer Hairlike structure made of microtubules found on the surface of many eukaryotic
cells; when present in large numbers, its rhythmic beating can drive the movement of fluid over the cell
surface, as in the epithelium of lungs.
DNA - Answer Double-stranded polynucleotide formed from two separate chains of covalently linked
deoxyribonucleotide units. It serves as the cell's store of genetic information that is transmitted from
generation to generation.
RNA - Answer Molecule produced by the transcription DNA; usually single-stranded , it is a
polynucleotide composed of covalently linked ribonucleotide subunits. Serves a variety of structural,
catalytic and regulatory functions as well.
Protein - Answer Polymer built from amino acids that provides cells with their shape and structure and
performs most of their activities.
Central Dogma - Answer Th principle that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.
Amino Acids - Answer Small organic molecule containing both an amino group and a carboxylic group; it
serves as the building block of proteins.
Conformation - Answer Precise, three-dimensional shape of a protein or other macromolecule, based on
the spatial location of its atoms in relation to one another.
Mutations - Answer A randomly produced, permanent change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.
, Evolution - Answer Process of gradual modification and adaptation that occurs in living organisms over
generations.
Genome - Answer The total genetic information carried by all the chromosomes of a cell or organism.
Microscope - Answer Instrument for viewing extremely small objects.
Light Microscope - Answer Uses a focused beam of visible light and is used to examine cells and
organelles.
Electron Microscope - Answer Instrument that illuminates a specimen using beams of electrons to reveal
and magnify the structures of very small objects, such as organelles and large molecules.
Cell Theory - Answer All living cells are formed by the growth and division of existing cells.
Extracellular Matrix - Answer Complex network of polysaccharides and proteins secreted by cells. A
structural component of tissues that also influences their development and physiology.
Nucleus - Answer The prominent, rounded structure that contains the DNA of a eukaryotic cell.
Cytoplasm - Answer Contents of a cell that are contained within its plasma membrane but, in the case of
eukaryotic cells, contained outside the nucleus.
Fluorescence Microscopes - Answer Instrument used to visualize a specimen that has been labeled with
a fluorescent dye; samples are illuminated with a wavelength of light that excites the dye, causing it to
fluoresce.
Ribosome - Answer Large macromolecular complex, composed of ribosomal RNAs and ribosomal
proteins, that translates messenger RNA into protein.
Fixed - Answer When tissue is preserved by pickling in a reactive chemical solution.
Questions and Correctly Detailed Verified Answers
Cells - Answer The basic unit from which a living organism is made; consists of an aqueous solution of
organic molecules enclosed by a membrane.
Cell Biology - Answer The study of cells and their structure, function and behavior.
Cilium (cilia) - Answer Hairlike structure made of microtubules found on the surface of many eukaryotic
cells; when present in large numbers, its rhythmic beating can drive the movement of fluid over the cell
surface, as in the epithelium of lungs.
DNA - Answer Double-stranded polynucleotide formed from two separate chains of covalently linked
deoxyribonucleotide units. It serves as the cell's store of genetic information that is transmitted from
generation to generation.
RNA - Answer Molecule produced by the transcription DNA; usually single-stranded , it is a
polynucleotide composed of covalently linked ribonucleotide subunits. Serves a variety of structural,
catalytic and regulatory functions as well.
Protein - Answer Polymer built from amino acids that provides cells with their shape and structure and
performs most of their activities.
Central Dogma - Answer Th principle that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.
Amino Acids - Answer Small organic molecule containing both an amino group and a carboxylic group; it
serves as the building block of proteins.
Conformation - Answer Precise, three-dimensional shape of a protein or other macromolecule, based on
the spatial location of its atoms in relation to one another.
Mutations - Answer A randomly produced, permanent change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.
, Evolution - Answer Process of gradual modification and adaptation that occurs in living organisms over
generations.
Genome - Answer The total genetic information carried by all the chromosomes of a cell or organism.
Microscope - Answer Instrument for viewing extremely small objects.
Light Microscope - Answer Uses a focused beam of visible light and is used to examine cells and
organelles.
Electron Microscope - Answer Instrument that illuminates a specimen using beams of electrons to reveal
and magnify the structures of very small objects, such as organelles and large molecules.
Cell Theory - Answer All living cells are formed by the growth and division of existing cells.
Extracellular Matrix - Answer Complex network of polysaccharides and proteins secreted by cells. A
structural component of tissues that also influences their development and physiology.
Nucleus - Answer The prominent, rounded structure that contains the DNA of a eukaryotic cell.
Cytoplasm - Answer Contents of a cell that are contained within its plasma membrane but, in the case of
eukaryotic cells, contained outside the nucleus.
Fluorescence Microscopes - Answer Instrument used to visualize a specimen that has been labeled with
a fluorescent dye; samples are illuminated with a wavelength of light that excites the dye, causing it to
fluoresce.
Ribosome - Answer Large macromolecular complex, composed of ribosomal RNAs and ribosomal
proteins, that translates messenger RNA into protein.
Fixed - Answer When tissue is preserved by pickling in a reactive chemical solution.
