Microbiology Cell Structure and Function Study Guide

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Topic: Cell Structure and Function

This question tests your understanding of the roles played by different organelles in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Organelle: Specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.
Nucleus, Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, Lysosomes, Chloroplasts, etc.

List the major organelles found in eukaryotic cells (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, chloroplasts in plants, etc.).
For each organelle, briefly describe its main function (e.g., the nucleus stores genetic material, mitochondria produce ATP, ribosomes synthesize proteins, etc.).
Consider which organelles are unique to plant cells (e.g., chloroplasts, central vacuole, cell wall) and which are found in both plant and animal cells.
Think about which organelles are present in prokaryotic cells (e.g., ribosomes) and which are absent (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria).

Topic: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

This question assesses your ability to distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells based on structural features.

Prokaryote: Cell lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria, archaea).
Eukaryote: Cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals, fungi, protists).
Organelle, Nucleoid, Cytoplasm, Plasma Membrane

Identify where DNA is located in prokaryotic cells (nucleoid region) and in eukaryotic cells (nucleus).
List which organelles are present in eukaryotic cells but absent in prokaryotic cells (e.g., mitochondria, ER, Golgi apparatus).
Compare the presence of a cell wall, plasma membrane, and ribosomes in both cell types.
Note differences in cell size, complexity, and examples of each cell type.

Topic: Membrane Transport Mechanisms

This question tests your knowledge of how substances move across cell membranes.

Passive Transport: Movement of molecules without energy input (e.g., diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis).
Active Transport: Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (e.g., sodium-potassium pump).
Endocytosis, Exocytosis

Define passive transport and give examples (simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis).
Define active transport and provide examples (e.g., pumps, bulk transport).
Describe the difference between endocytosis and exocytosis as forms of bulk transport.
Consider what types of molecules use each transport method and why.

Topic: Osmosis and Tonicity

This question tests your understanding of how water movement affects cells in different environments.

Isotonic Solution: Solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell.
Hypotonic Solution: Lower solute concentration outside the cell than inside.
Hypertonic Solution: Higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside.
Osmosis: Movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Define each type of solution (isotonic, hypotonic, hypertonic) in terms of solute concentration relative to the cell.
Predict the direction of water movement for each scenario (into, out of, or no net movement).
Describe the effect on animal cells (e.g., lysis, crenation) and plant cells (e.g., turgor pressure, plasmolysis) in each solution.
Relate these effects to the concept of osmoregulation in cells.

Topic: Endosymbiotic Theory

This question tests your understanding of the evidence that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotes.

Endosymbiotic Theory: The idea that certain organelles originated as free-living bacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.
Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, Double Membrane, Circular DNA, Binary Fission

List the main features of mitochondria and chloroplasts that suggest a prokaryotic origin (e.g., double membranes, own DNA).
Describe how their DNA is similar to bacterial DNA (circular, not linear).
Explain how these organelles replicate (binary fission) and how this is similar to bacteria.
Consider the presence of their own ribosomes and how these compare to prokaryotic ribosomes.