- Basic Math and Science Cellular Processes and Organelles Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which cellular organelle contains its own DNA and reproduces by binary fission?

Answer: Mitochondria

Mitochondria contain their own circular DNA and ribosomes, and divide independently by binary fission, supporting the endosymbiotic theory.

What is the primary function of lysosomes in animal cells?

Answer: Intracellular digestion

Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders through intracellular digestion.

In plant cells, which organelle stores pigments, starch, and oils?

Answer: Plastid

Plastids are plant-specific organelles that include chloroplasts (photosynthesis), chromoplasts (pigments), and leucoplasts (starch/oil storage).

What happens to a plant cell when placed in a hypertonic solution?

Answer: It shrinks and the membrane pulls away from the wall (plasmolysis)

In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the plant cell by osmosis, causing the cytoplasm to shrink and pull away from the cell wall, a process called plasmolysis.

Which phase of mitosis involves chromosomes aligning at the cell's equatorial plate?

Answer: Metaphase

During metaphase, chromosomes are pulled to the middle of the cell (metaphase plate) by spindle fibers attached to the centromeres.

What is the function of the centrioles in animal cells?

Answer: Forming the mitotic spindle during cell division

Centrioles organize the mitotic spindle fibers during cell division, helping to pull chromosomes to opposite poles of the dividing cell.

What is apoptosis?

Answer: Programmed cell death

Apoptosis is a controlled, programmed process of cell death that eliminates damaged, unneeded, or potentially dangerous cells without causing inflammation.