Exploring Cell Structures and Functions

Which organelle is responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP in both plant and animal cells?

• Nucleus

• Mitochondria

• Ribosome

• Chloroplast

Answer explanation

The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, as they generate ATP, the energy currency, in both plant and animal cells. The nucleus and ribosomes have different functions, while chloroplasts are specific to plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

What is the primary function of the cell wall in plant cells?

• To store nutrients

• To control cell division

• To provide structural support and protection

• To synthesize proteins

Answer explanation

The primary function of the cell wall in plant cells is to provide structural support and protection, helping maintain cell shape and preventing damage from external forces.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Which of the following organelles is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

• Mitochondria

• Chloroplast

• Golgi apparatus

• Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer explanation

Chloroplasts are organelles unique to plant cells, responsible for photosynthesis. In contrast, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum are found in both plant and animal cells.

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

• To produce energy

• To synthesize proteins

• To digest waste materials

• To store genetic information

Answer explanation

Ribosomes are essential cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into amino acid sequences, making them crucial for cell function and growth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Which structure is responsible for controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell?

• Cell wall

• Nucleus

• Cell membrane

• Cytoplasm

Answer explanation

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell by acting as a selective barrier, allowing certain molecules to pass while blocking others, thus maintaining homeostasis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

How do plant cells differ from animal cells in terms of energy production?

• Plant cells use mitochondria only

• Plant cells use chloroplasts for photosynthesis

• Animal cells use chloroplasts for photosynthesis

• Animal cells do not produce energy

Answer explanation

Plant cells differ from animal cells in energy production as they contain chloroplasts, which enable photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. Animal cells lack chloroplasts and rely solely on mitochondria for energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which organelle is known as the "control center" of the cell?

• Nucleus

• Lysosome

• Golgi apparatus

• Vacuole

Answer explanation

The nucleus is known as the "control center" of the cell because it houses the cell's genetic material and regulates gene expression, thereby controlling cellular activities and functions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

What is the main difference between the vacuoles in plant and animal cells?

• Plant cells have smaller vacuoles

• Animal cells have larger vacuoles

• Plant cells have a single large central vacuole

• Animal cells do not have vacuoles

Answer explanation

The main difference is that plant cells typically have a single large central vacuole, which stores nutrients and helps maintain turgor pressure, while animal cells have smaller, more numerous vacuoles.

Which organelle is responsible for packaging and distributing proteins and lipids?

• Ribosome

• Golgi apparatus

• Endoplasmic reticulum

• Lysosome

Answer explanation

The Golgi apparatus is the organelle responsible for modifying, packaging, and distributing proteins and lipids synthesized in the cell, making it essential for cellular transport.

What is the function of lysosomes in a cell?

• To produce proteins

• To digest and recycle cellular waste

• To store water and nutrients

• To provide structural support

Answer explanation

Lysosomes are cellular organelles that contain digestive enzymes. Their primary function is to digest and recycle cellular waste, breaking down unwanted materials and helping maintain cellular health.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2