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Chapter 3 Part B Study Guide: Cell Structure, Function, and Division

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Q1. Identify examples of the 3 types of cytoskeleton.

Background

Topic: Cytoskeleton Structure and Function

This question tests your understanding of the three main types of cytoskeletal elements in eukaryotic cells and your ability to recognize examples of each.

Key Terms:

  • Microfilaments (actin filaments)

  • Intermediate filaments

  • Microtubules

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that the cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that provides structural support, shape, and movement for the cell.

  2. Think about the size and function of each type: microfilaments are the thinnest, intermediate filaments are medium-sized, and microtubules are the thickest.

  3. For each type, try to remember a specific protein or cellular structure associated with it (e.g., actin for microfilaments, keratin for intermediate filaments, tubulin for microtubules).

  4. Consider examples of where each type is found or what cellular processes they are involved in (e.g., cell division, muscle contraction, cilia/flagella movement).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. State the function of each organelle.

Background

Topic: Cell Organelles and Their Functions

This question assesses your knowledge of the main organelles in eukaryotic cells and their specific roles.

Key Terms:

  • Nucleus

  • Mitochondria

  • Endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth)

  • Golgi apparatus

  • Lysosome

  • Peroxisome

  • Ribosome

  • Centrosome

  • Plasma membrane

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List each organelle you need to know.

  2. For each, recall its main function (e.g., energy production, protein synthesis, packaging, digestion).

  3. Think about any unique features or structures that help you remember their function (e.g., double membrane, presence of DNA, ribosomes on surface).

  4. Try to connect each organelle to a process in the cell (e.g., mitochondria and ATP production).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. Name the steps of protein synthesis and where they occur in the cell.

Background

Topic: Protein Synthesis (Gene Expression)

This question tests your understanding of the two main steps of protein synthesis and their cellular locations.

Key Terms:

  • Transcription

  • Translation

  • Nucleus

  • Cytoplasm

  • Ribosome

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that protein synthesis involves converting genetic information from DNA into a functional protein.

  2. Identify the first step (making mRNA from DNA) and where it happens.

  3. Identify the second step (assembling amino acids into a protein) and where it occurs.

  4. Think about the organelles or cellular structures involved in each step.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. Explain how transcription is carried out.

Background

Topic: Transcription (Gene Expression)

This question asks you to describe the process by which a gene's DNA sequence is copied into mRNA.

Key Terms and Concepts:

  • RNA polymerase

  • Promoter

  • Base pairing rules (A-U, C-G)

  • mRNA

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that transcription is the process of making an RNA copy of a gene's DNA sequence.

  2. Identify the enzyme responsible for synthesizing the RNA strand.

  3. Describe how the enzyme recognizes where to start (promoter region).

  4. Explain how complementary base pairing is used to build the mRNA strand.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. Be able to transcribe base triplet into a codon into an anticodon.

Background

Topic: Genetic Code and Transcription/Translation

This question tests your ability to convert a DNA base triplet into an mRNA codon and then into a tRNA anticodon.

Key Terms and Concepts:

  • Base triplet (DNA)

  • Codon (mRNA)

  • Anticodon (tRNA)

  • Base pairing rules

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Start with a DNA base triplet (e.g., TAC).

  2. Apply base pairing rules to transcribe it into an mRNA codon (A-U, T-A, C-G, G-C).

  3. Then, use base pairing rules again to find the complementary tRNA anticodon for the mRNA codon.

  4. Remember that mRNA uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q6. Explain how translation is carried out.

Background

Topic: Translation (Protein Synthesis)

This question asks you to describe the process by which the sequence of an mRNA molecule is used to build a protein.

Key Terms and Concepts:

  • Ribosome

  • mRNA

  • tRNA

  • Amino acids

  • Codon/anticodon pairing

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that translation occurs at the ribosome in the cytoplasm.

  2. Describe how the mRNA sequence is read in sets of three bases (codons).

  3. Explain how tRNA molecules bring the correct amino acids by matching their anticodon to the mRNA codon.

  4. Describe how the amino acids are joined together to form a polypeptide chain.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q7. Define somatic cell and germ cell.

Background

Topic: Cell Types

This question tests your understanding of the difference between body cells and reproductive cells.

Key Terms:

  • Somatic cell

  • Germ cell

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that somatic cells make up most of the body's tissues and organs.

  2. Remember that germ cells are involved in reproduction and give rise to gametes (sperm and egg).

  3. Think about the chromosome number in each type (diploid vs. haploid).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q8. Identify the differences between somatic cell division (mitosis) and reproductive cell division (meiosis).

Background

Topic: Cell Division

This question tests your ability to compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.

Key Terms:

  • Mitosis

  • Meiosis

  • Diploid

  • Haploid

  • Genetic variation

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the purpose of mitosis (growth, repair) and meiosis (production of gametes).

  2. Compare the number of cell divisions and resulting daughter cells in each process.

  3. Think about the chromosome number in the resulting cells (diploid vs. haploid).

  4. Consider whether genetic variation is introduced in each process.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q9. Explain the four phases of mitosis.

Background

Topic: Mitosis (Cell Division)

This question asks you to describe the sequence and events of the four main phases of mitosis.

Key Terms:

  • Prophase

  • Metaphase

  • Anaphase

  • Telophase

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the four phases in order.

  2. For each phase, recall the key events (e.g., chromosome condensation, alignment, separation, reformation of nuclei).

  3. Think about what happens to the nuclear envelope, chromosomes, and spindle fibers in each phase.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q10. In which phases of meiosis do crossing over and independent assortment occur to increase genetic variation?

Background

Topic: Meiosis and Genetic Variation

This question tests your understanding of the mechanisms that increase genetic diversity during meiosis.

Key Terms:

  • Crossing over

  • Independent assortment

  • Meiosis I

  • Prophase I

  • Metaphase I

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that crossing over involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

  2. Identify the phase of meiosis when homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments.

  3. Remember that independent assortment refers to the random orientation of homologous pairs during a specific phase.

  4. Identify the phase when homologous chromosomes line up at the cell's equator and are separated randomly.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q11. Distinguish between benign tumor versus malignant tumor.

Background

Topic: Cancer Biology

This question tests your ability to differentiate between two types of abnormal cell growths.

Key Terms:

  • Benign tumor

  • Malignant tumor

  • Metastasis

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the characteristics of benign tumors (growth rate, spread, encapsulation).

  2. Recall the characteristics of malignant tumors (invasiveness, potential to metastasize).

  3. Think about the clinical implications of each type.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q12. State the types of cancer and know what type of tissue is affected in each type.

Background

Topic: Types of Cancer

This question tests your knowledge of the main categories of cancer and the tissues they originate from.

Key Terms:

  • Carcinoma

  • Sarcoma

  • Leukemia

  • Lymphoma

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main types of cancer by name.

  2. For each, recall the tissue or cell type from which it arises (e.g., epithelial, connective, blood-forming, lymphatic).

  3. Think about examples of each type if you can.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

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