Exploring Cell Biology and Viruses

What are the main components of a virus?

• Cell wall and chloroplasts

• Nucleus and mitochondria

• The main components of a virus are genetic material (DNA or RNA), a protein coat (capsid), and sometimes a lipid envelope.

• Ribosomes and cytoplasm

How do viruses differ from living cells?

• Viruses differ from living cells in that they are acellular, cannot reproduce independently, and lack metabolic processes.

• Viruses are made up of cells and can reproduce independently.

• Viruses have complex metabolic processes similar to living cells.

• Viruses can survive and thrive in extreme environments like bacteria.

Describe the structure of a prokaryotic cell.

• A prokaryotic cell has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

• Prokaryotic cells contain multiple linear DNA strands.

• A prokaryotic cell consists of a cell membrane, cell wall, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and a single circular DNA molecule.

• A prokaryotic cell is surrounded by a double lipid bilayer membrane.

What is the function of the cell membrane in prokaryotic cells?

• The cell membrane acts as a site for photosynthesis.

• The cell membrane regulates substance transport and maintains cell integrity.

• The cell membrane is responsible for DNA replication.

• The cell membrane acts as a site for protein synthesis.

List three characteristics of prokaryotic cells.

• Presence of a nucleus

• 1. Lack of a nucleus 2. Smaller size 3. Presence of a cell wall made of peptidoglycan

• Larger size than eukaryotic cells

• Absence of a cell wall

What organelles are found in animal cells?

• Vacuoles

• Chloroplasts

• Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, ribosomes.

• Cell wall

How do animal cells differ from plant cells?

• Animal cells contain large central vacuoles similar to plant cells.

• Plant cells do not have a nucleus like animal cells.

• Animal cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

• Animal cells differ from plant cells in that they do not have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles.

What is the role of the nucleus in an animal cell?

• The nucleus controls cell activities and stores genetic information.

• The nucleus produces energy for the cell.

• The nucleus helps in the digestion of nutrients.

• The nucleus is responsible for protein synthesis.

Describe the structure of a plant cell.

• A plant cell contains only a cell membrane and cytoplasm.

• Plant cells are composed only of chloroplasts and a nucleus.

• A plant cell consists of a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, a large central vacuole, a nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.

• A plant cell has a rigid outer shell and lacks organelles.

What organelles are unique to plant cells?

• Mitochondria

• Lysosomes

• Chloroplasts, cell wall, large central vacuole

• Ribosomes