NEET Preparation - Cell Structure and Function
Chapter: Cell Structure and Function
1. Introduction to the Cell:
- Definition: The cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of life. It is the smallest unit
that can carry out all life processes.
- Cell Theory:
* All living organisms are composed of cells.
* The cell is the basic unit of life.
* All cells arise from pre-existing cells (proposed by Rudolf Virchow).
- Types of Cells:
* Prokaryotic cells: Simple, lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).
* Eukaryotic cells: Complex, have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants,
animals).
2. Prokaryotic Cell:
- Characteristics:
* No membrane-bound nucleus (nucleoid region contains circular DNA).
* Lack of membrane-bound organelles.
* 70S ribosomes (smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes).
* Cell wall made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria).
* Reproduce by binary fission.
- Key Structures:
* Cell wall: Provides structural support.
* Plasma membrane: Controls the movement of substances in and out.
* Cytoplasm: Contains enzymes for metabolic activities.
* Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
* Flagella: Used for movement (e.g., in bacteria like Escherichia coli).
* Plasmids: Small circular DNA molecules that carry extra genetic information.
3. Eukaryotic Cell:
- Characteristics:
* True membrane-bound nucleus.
* Presence of various membrane-bound organelles.
* 80S ribosomes (larger than prokaryotic ribosomes).
* Cell division by mitosis or meiosis.
- Key Organelles:
a. Nucleus: Control center of the cell.
b. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Smooth ER (lipid synthesis), Rough ER (protein synthesis).
c. Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
d. Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, site of ATP production.
e. Lysosomes: Contain hydrolytic enzymes for digestion.
f. Ribosomes: Site of protein synthesis.
g. Chloroplasts (in Plant Cells): Site of photosynthesis.
h. Vacuoles: Storage and maintenance of turgor pressure.
i. Cytoskeleton: Maintains cell shape, enables movement.
4. Cell Membrane Structure:
- Fluid Mosaic Model: Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
- Functions: Selectively permeable, cell communication.
5. Transport Across Cell Membranes:
- Passive Transport (Diffusion, Osmosis, Facilitated diffusion).
- Active Transport (Sodium-potassium pump).
- Endocytosis and Exocytosis.
6. Cell Division:
- Mitosis: Division into two identical cells.
- Meiosis: Formation of four haploid gametes.
Practice Questions:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells?
a) Membrane-bound nucleus
b) Presence of 80S ribosomes
c) Lack of true nucleus
d) Presence of endoplasmic reticulum
2. The powerhouse of the cell is:
a) Ribosomes
b) Nucleus
c) Golgi apparatus
d) Mitochondria
Short Answer Questions:
1. Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
2. Explain the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane.
Long Answer Questions:
1. Discuss the process of mitosis and its significance.
2. Compare passive and active transport mechanisms across cell membranes.
