Cell Transport and Cellular Complexity Flashcard

Front

Function of the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis?

Back

Regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell

Answer explanation

The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis. The other options involve different cellular functions not directly related to homeostasis.

Front

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Back

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, prokaryotic cells do not

Answer explanation

The main difference is that eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus, which houses their genetic material, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and have their genetic material freely floating in the cell. Thus, the correct choice is that eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, prokaryotic cells do not.

Front

Which process requires energy input from the cell to move molecules across the cell membrane?

Back

Active transport

Answer explanation

Active transport is the process that requires energy input from the cell to move molecules against their concentration gradient, unlike diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated diffusion, which do not require energy.

Front

Which structure is found in eukaryotic cells but not in prokaryotic cells?

Back

Mitochondrion

Answer explanation

Mitochondria are organelles responsible for energy production and are found only in eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, including mitochondria, while they do have ribosomes, cell walls, and plasma membranes.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration without using energy

Answer explanation

Passive transport is the movement of molecules from high to low concentration without using energy. This process relies on the natural tendency of molecules to spread out, making it distinct from active transport, which requires energy.

Front

What is present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Back

Ribosomes

Answer explanation

Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis and are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In contrast, nuclei, mitochondria, and chloroplasts are specific to eukaryotic cells.

Front

Which type of cellular transport is responsible for the movement of oxygen into cells?

Back

Diffusion

Answer explanation

Oxygen moves into cells primarily through diffusion, a passive transport process where molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, allowing oxygen to enter cells easily.

Front

True statement about genetic material in prokaryotic cells:

Back

It is found in the cytoplasm

Answer explanation

In prokaryotic cells, genetic material is not contained within a nucleus; instead, it is found in the cytoplasm. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are organelles found in eukaryotic cells, not prokaryotes.

Front

Why is active transport necessary for some molecules?

Back

Molecules move against the concentration gradient

Answer explanation

Active transport is necessary for some molecules because they move against the concentration gradient, meaning they are transported from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration, which requires energy.

Front

A scientist observes a cell with a cell wall, no nucleus, and circular DNA. What type of cell is this?

Back

Prokaryotic cell

Answer explanation

The cell has a cell wall, lacks a nucleus, and contains circular DNA, which are characteristics of prokaryotic cells. Animal and plant cells are eukaryotic and contain a nucleus, making 'prokaryotic cell' the correct choice.