Biology: Cell Structure and Function Flashcards

What is the function of lysosomes in a cell?

Answer: Digestion of cellular waste and foreign materials

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign substances such as bacteria.

Which organelle is responsible for modifying, packaging, and shipping proteins to their final destinations?

Answer: Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins and lipids before directing them to their final destinations inside or outside the cell.

What distinguishes active transport from passive transport across the cell membrane?

Answer: Active transport requires energy (ATP); passive transport does not

Active transport uses ATP to move substances against their concentration gradient, while passive transport moves substances along their concentration gradient without energy input.

What is the primary role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

Answer: Lipid synthesis and detoxification

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids and steroids and is involved in detoxifying harmful substances, especially in liver cells.

What is phagocytosis?

Answer: The process by which a cell engulfs large particles or microorganisms

Phagocytosis is a type of endocytosis where the cell surrounds and engulfs large particles or microorganisms using the cell membrane.

What is the primary function of the cytoskeleton?

Answer: To provide structural support and enable cell movement

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that maintains cell shape, enables movement, and facilitates the transport of organelles within the cell.

Which process allows a cell to release substances from secretory vesicles to the outside environment?

Answer: Exocytosis

Exocytosis is the process by which vesicles fuse with the cell membrane to release their contents outside the cell.