Cell Structures and Functions Review

I am the tiny structures inside organisms that carry out specific functions. What am I?

• organelles

• organ systems

• tissues

• cells

Answer explanation

The tiny structures that carry out specific functions within organisms are called organelles. They perform essential tasks, unlike organ systems, tissues, or cells, which are larger or more complex structures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

I am the rigid supporting layer that surrounds the cells of plants, protists, fungi, and some bacteria. What am I?

• cell membrane

• cell wall

• nucleus

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'cell wall' because it is the rigid supporting layer that surrounds the cells of plants, protists, fungi, and some bacteria, providing structure and protection, unlike the cell membrane which is more flexible.

True or False: Both animal cells and plant cells have a cell wall.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False. Only plant cells have a cell wall, which provides structure and support. Animal cells do not have a cell wall; they have a flexible cell membrane instead.

I have a cell wall. What type of cell am I?

• bacterial cell

• plant cell

• animal cell

Answer explanation

A cell wall is a characteristic feature of plant cells, providing structure and support. Bacterial cells also have cell walls, but the question specifies 'I have a cell wall,' which aligns more closely with plant cells.

There are small _____ in the plant cell wall that allow materials such as oxygen or water to pass through the cell wall.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'pores' as they are small openings in the plant cell wall that facilitate the passage of materials like oxygen and water, allowing essential substances to enter and exit the cell.

I am a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds a cell and controls which substances pass into and out of the cell. What am I?

• cell membrane

• nucleus

• cell wall

Answer explanation

The cell membrane is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds the cell, regulating the movement of substances in and out. The nucleus is the control center, and the cell wall is a rigid structure found in plant cells, not flexible.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Everything that a cell needs (food, water, and oxygen) enters through the cell membrane, and waste products leave through the cell membrane. What is the function (job) of the cell membrane?

• The cell membrane only allows water to pass through.

• Oxygen is produced by the cell membrane.

• The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Answer explanation

The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, allowing essential materials like food, water, and oxygen to enter while removing waste products, making it crucial for cell function.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

I am where all of a cell's organelles are found. I am also clear and gel-like. What am I?

• nucleus

• cell membrane

• cytoplasm

Answer explanation

The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within a cell where all organelles are suspended. It is clear and provides a medium for biochemical reactions, making it the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

I am the part of a cell that contains its DNA (genetic material) and controls the cell's functions. I tell the other cell parts what to do. What am I?

• nucleus

• ribosome

• mitochondria

Answer explanation

The nucleus is the part of a cell that contains DNA and regulates cell functions by directing other cell components. It acts as the control center, making it the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

I am a maze-like pathway that processes many substances, including proteins and lipids. Some refer to me as the cell's transportation station. What am I?

• golgi apparatus

• ribosome

• endoplasmic reticulum

Answer explanation

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a maze-like structure in cells that processes and transports proteins and lipids, making it the cell's transportation station. The golgi apparatus modifies and packages these substances, but the ER is the primary processing site.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2