Cell Organelles

In what organelle is the genetic material found inside?

• cell membrane

• chloroplast

• nucleus

• ribosome

Answer explanation

The genetic material, DNA, is primarily found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The nucleus serves as the control center, housing the cell's genetic information, unlike the other options listed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

What organelle is called the "powerhouse" of a cell?

• mitochondria

• nucleus

• cell wall

• cell membrane

Answer explanation

The mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration. This makes them essential for energy production.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

A large central vacuole is found in a _____ cell.

• animal

• plant

Answer explanation

A large central vacuole is a characteristic feature of plant cells, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining turgor pressure and storing nutrients. In contrast, animal cells typically have smaller vacuoles.

What is the function of a chloroplast?

• makes proteins for animal cells

• allows materials in and out of the cell

• provides structure and support

• absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis

Answer explanation

The function of a chloroplast is to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy. This process is essential for plant growth and energy production.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

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What is the structure that contains DNA and directs the cell?

• endoplasmic reticulum

• central vacuole

• cell wall

• nucleus

Answer explanation

The nucleus is the structure that contains DNA and directs the cell's activities, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Other options like the endoplasmic reticulum and cell wall do not contain DNA.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Looking in a microscope, you see cells that have rectangular shapes and a green color. What type of cells are you probably viewing?

• plant cells

• animals cells

• muscle cells

• blood cells

Answer explanation

You are likely viewing plant cells, which are typically rectangular in shape and contain chlorophyll, giving them a green color. Animal cells, muscle cells, and blood cells do not have these characteristics.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

Identify the structure that is indicated by the arrow in the image.

• cell wall

• central vacuole

• chloroplast

• nucleus

Answer explanation

The structure indicated by the arrow is the central vacuole, which is a large, membrane-bound organelle found in plant cells. It stores nutrients and waste products, helping maintain turgor pressure, unlike the other options listed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Which structure is responsible for maintaining the shape and structure of a plant cell?

• Cell wall

• Cell membrane

• Chloroplast

• Nucleus

The arrow is showing the fluid inside the cell that surrounds the cell organelles. What is the arrow pointing to in the cell?

• cytoplasm

• mitochondria

• ribosomes

• nucleus

Answer explanation

The arrow is pointing to the cytoplasm, which is the fluid that surrounds cell organelles. It provides a medium for biochemical reactions and supports the organelles within the cell.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

What type of cell is being shown in the image?

• plant

• animal

Answer explanation

The image shows an animal cell, which typically lacks a cell wall and has a more irregular shape compared to plant cells. Animal cells also contain centrioles and lysosomes, which are not found in plant cells.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1