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 gel - like substance inside the cell).
• c. Ribosomes (for protein synthesis).
• d. Genetic material (DNA, which contains the cell's instructions).

1. Differences between plant and animal cells:

• Plant cells have a cell wall (provides structure and protection), while animal cells do not.
• Plant cells have chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), animal cells do not.
• Plant cells usually have a large central vacuole (stores water and other substances), animal cells may have smaller vacuoles or none.

1. The function of the cell wall in plants is to provide structural support, protect the cell from mechanical damage, and help maintain the cell's shape.

Answer:

1. The nucleus.
2. a. Cell membrane; b. Cytoplasm; c. Ribosomes; d. Genetic material (DNA).
3. Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole (animal cells lack these).
4. Provide structural support, protection, and help maintain cell shape.