Question

unit 4 - cell transport study guide
important topics:

• cell types (eukaryotes vs. prokaryotes, plants vs. animals)
• cell size (surface area to volume ratios and importance)
• membrane components and function (phospholipids, cholesterol, etc.)
• types of transport (active vs. passive, simple diffusion vs. facilitated diffusion, etc.)
• osmosis (direction of water flow and effects on cells)

cell types
examine the figure to the right which shows the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

1. what is the one organelle that separates prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells?
2. what 4 components do all cells have (i.e., both eukaryotes and prokaryotes)?

a.
b.
c.
d.

1. a peer has asked you to identify differences between plant and animal cells. identify at least 3 differences between plants and animal cells.
2. what is the function of the cell wall in plants?

Explanation:

1. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a membrane - bound nucleus.
2. All cells have:

• a. Cell membrane (to control what enters and leaves the cell).
• b. Cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell where many reactions occur).
• c. DNA (the genetic material).
• d. Ribosomes (for protein synthesis).

1. Differences between plant and animal cells:

• Plant cells have a cell wall (for support and protection), animal cells do not.
• Plant cells have chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), animal cells do not.
• Plant cells usually have a large central vacuole (for storage), animal cells may have small vacuoles or none.

1. The cell wall in plants provides structural support, helps maintain cell shape, and protects the cell from mechanical damage and excessive water uptake.

Answer:

1. Nucleus.

2.
a. Cell membrane.
b. Cytoplasm.
c. DNA.
d. Ribosomes.
3.

• Plant cells have a cell wall; animal cells do not.
• Plant cells have chloroplasts; animal cells do not.
• Plant cells have a large central vacuole; animal cells may have small vacuoles or none.

1. Provides structural support, maintains cell shape, and protects the cell.