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What are the two main types of plastids found in plant cells, and their functions?
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Chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and Chromoplasts for pigmentation
How do prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Who discovered the nucleus and in what year?
Robert Brown in 1831
What is the primary component of plant cell walls, and what is its function?
Cellulose, which provides structure and protection
Describe the Fluid Mosaic Model of the plasma membrane.
Proposed by Singer and Nicolson, it describes the plasma membrane as a dynamic structure made of a phospholipid bilayer interspersed with proteins that can move fluidly.
Who were Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, and what was their contribution to biology?
Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann formulated the cell theory. Schleiden stated that all plants are composed of cells, while Schwann stated that all animals are composed of cells.
Illustrate the structural hierarchy in multicellular organisms.
Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism
What is 'Omnis cellula e cellula' and who proposed this concept?
'Omnis cellula e cellula' means 'All cells arise from pre-existing cells', proposed by Rudolf Virchow.
What are vacuoles and what role do they play in plant cells?
Vacuoles are storage sacs in cells; in plant cells, they store nutrients and waste products, and help maintain turgor pressure.
What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?
Processing, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids
Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.
Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number, while meiosis results in four genetically unique daughter cells with half the chromosome number.
What is the function of lysosomes, and why are they referred to as 'suicide bags'?
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down cellular waste and debris. They are called 'suicide bags' because they can release enzymes to destroy the cell during autolysis.
What are the main functions of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)?
Lipid synthesis and detoxification
What are ribosomes and what is their function?
Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Explain the structure and function of mitochondria.
Mitochondria have a double membrane with inner membranes folded into cristae, responsible for ATP production through aerobic respiration. They contain their own DNA and ribosomes.
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