Q1. Describe an overview of key cell structures that are necessary to perform life functions.

Background

Topic: Cell Structure and Function

This question tests your understanding of the essential components of cells and their roles in maintaining life processes.

Key Terms:

• Plasma membrane

• Cytoplasm

• Ribosomes B

• DNA

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify the basic structures found in all cells: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and DNA.

2. Explain the function of each structure: for example, the plasma membrane regulates entry and exit of substances, ribosomes synthesize proteins, etc.

3. Consider why each structure is essential for cell survival and function.

4. Think about how these structures i nteract to support cellular processes.

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Q2. Using the table, give the specific cell size ranges for the following and rank them smallest to largest: atom, ribosomes, small bacteria, mitochondria, animal cells, chicken egg.

Background

Topic: Cell Size and Scale

This question tests your ability to compare the sizes of biological structures and understand their relative scale.

Key Terms:

• Atom: smallest unit of matter

• Ribosome: protein synthesis machinery

• Bacteria: unicellular organisms

• Mitochondria: organelle for energy production

• Animal cell: eukaryotic cell

• Chicken egg: large single cell

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Look up or recall the approximate size ranges for each structure (e.g., atom ~0.1 nm, ribosome ~20 nm, etc.).

2. Arrange the structures in order from smallest to largest based on their size.

3. Check your ranking against the typical biological scale.

4. Consider why size matters for visualization and function.

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Q3. Describe the difference between the different microscopes listed below. Give examples of the structures that are visible by each type of microscope and the rationale for their use.

Background

Topic: Microscopy and Cell Visualization

This question tests your understanding of how different microscopes are used to study cell structures.

Key Terms:

• Light microscope

• Fluorescence microscope

• Electron microscope (SEM, TEM)

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define each type of microscope and its principle of operation.

2. List the cell structures that can be visualized with each microscope (e.g., light microscopes for cells, electron microscopes for organelles).

3. Explain why certain microscopes are chosen for specific structures (resolution, detail, live/dead cells).

4. Consider examples from textbook figures or images.

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Q8. Why must cells be small? Why not have one big cell to do the job for the entire body?

Background

Topic: Cell Size and Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio

This question tests your understanding of why cells are small and how their size affects function.

Key Terms and Formula:

• Surface area-to-volume ratio

• Diffusion

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall that cells rely on diffusion to move materials in and out.

2. Understand that as cells get larger, their volume increases faster than their surface area.

3. Calculate surface area and volume for different cell sizes using the formulas above.

4. Compare the ratios for small and large cells to see how efficiency changes.

5. Think about the consequences for cellular function if the ratio is too low.

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Q17. Using the figure, describe the structural differences in gram positive vs gram negative bacteria.

Background

Topic: Bacterial Cell Walls and Antibiotic Action

This question tests your understanding of bacterial cell wall structure and its relevance to antibiotic effectiveness.

Key Terms:

• Gram-positive bacteria

• Gram-negative bacteria

• Peptidoglycan

• Outer membrane

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Examine the diagram showing the cell wall structures of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

2. Identify the thickness of the peptidoglycan layer in each type.

3. Note the presence or absence of an outer membrane.

4. Consider how these differences affect staining and antibiotic susceptibility.

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Q25. Describe the endosymbiosis theory and how the current eukaryotic cell may have derived with early origins with a prokaryotic cell. Use the diagram in your description.

Background

Topic: Evolution and Endosymbiosis Theory

This question tests your understanding of how eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic ancestors.

Key Terms:

• Endosymbiosis

• Mitochondria

• Chloroplast

• Prokaryote

• Eukaryote

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Review the diagram showing the engulfing of prokaryotic cells by a host cell.

2. Describe how mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from prokaryotes living inside another cell.

3. Explain the evidence supporting this theory (e.g., double membranes, DNA similarities).

4. Connect the theory to modern eukaryotic cell structure.

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Q50. What organelles or cell structures are likely malfunctioning in these diseases (Cystic Fibrosis, ALD, Pompe, Kartagener)?

Background

Topic: Cell Structure and Disease

This question tests your ability to connect symptoms and disease to malfunctioning organelles.

Key Terms:

• Cystic Fibrosis: plasma membrane

• ALD: peroxisomes

• Pompe: lysosomes

• Kartagener: cilia (cytoskeleton)

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Read the symptoms and normal function for each disease.

2. Match the symptoms to the organelle responsible (e.g., movement, breakdown of molecules).

3. Consider how malfunction of each organelle leads to the observed symptoms.

4. Fill in the affected organelle for each disease.

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