Guiding Questions
mcourtney 15 Sep 2007 18:01
How We Study Cells
- Distinguish between magnification and resolving power.
- Describe the principles, advantages, and limitations of the light microscope, transmission electron microscope, and scanning electron microscope.
- Describe the major steps of cell fractionation and explain why it is a useful technique.
A Panoramic View of the Cell
- Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- Explain why there are both upper and lower limits to cell size.
- Explain the advantages of compartmentalization in eukaryotic cells.
The Nucleus and Ribosomes
- Describe the structure and function of the nuclear envelope, including the role of the pore complex.
- Briefly explain how the nucleus controls protein synthesis in the cytoplasm.
- Explain how the nucleolus contributes to protein synthesis.
- Describe the structure and function of a eukaryotic ribosome.
- Distinguish between free and bound ribosomes in terms of location and function.
The Endomembrane System
- List the components of the endomembrane system, and describe the structure and functions of each component.
- Compare the structure and functions of smooth and rough ER.
- Explain the significance of the cis and trans sides of the Golgi apparatus.
- Describe the cisternal maturation model of Golgi function.
- Describe three examples of intracellular digestion by lysosomes.
- Name three different kinds of vacuoles, giving the function of each kind.
Other Membranous Organelles
- Briefly describe the energy conversions carried out by mitochondria and chloroplasts.
- Describe the structure of a mitochondrion and explain the importance of compartmentalization in mitochondrial function.
- Distinguish among amyloplasts, chromoplasts, and chloroplasts.
- Identify the three functional compartments of a chloroplast. Explain the importance of compartmentalization in chloroplast function.
- Describe the evidence that mitochondria and chloroplasts are semiautonomous organelles.
- Explain the roles of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells.
The Cytoskeleton
- Describe the functions of the cytoskeleton.
- Compare the structure, monomers, and functions of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
- Explain how the ultrastructure of cilia and flagella relates to their functions.
Cell Surfaces and Junctions
- Describe the basic structure of a plant cell wall.
- Describe the structure and list four functions of the extracellular matrix in animal cells.
- Explain how the extracellular matrix may act to integrate changes inside and outside the cell.
- Name the intercellular junctions found in plant and animal cells and list the function of each type of junction.