Cell Biology Flashcards

Which organelle is responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration?

Answer: Mitochondrion

Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration, producing ATP for the cell.

What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?

Answer: Provides structural support and prevents over-expansion

The cellulose cell wall gives plant cells rigid structural support and prevents them from bursting when water enters.

During mitosis, chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell in which phase?

Answer: Metaphase

In metaphase, chromosomes align along the cell's equator before being pulled apart.

Which process allows water to move across a partially permeable membrane from a dilute to a concentrated solution?

Answer: Osmosis

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a partially permeable membrane down a water potential gradient.

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Answer: Synthesising proteins

Ribosomes translate mRNA sequences into polypeptide chains, effectively synthesising proteins.

A student places red blood cells in a very dilute (hypotonic) solution. What will happen?

Answer: The cells will swell and may burst (lyse)

Water enters red blood cells by osmosis when placed in a hypotonic solution, causing them to swell and potentially burst.

Which type of cell division produces four genetically unique haploid cells?

Answer: Meiosis

Meiosis undergoes two rounds of division and genetic recombination, producing four haploid cells with unique gene combinations.