Grade 10 biology – Cell Structure and Specialisation Quiz

Mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration where glucose is converted to ATP, the cell's main energy currency.

Chloroplasts have chlorophyll and the structures needed for photosynthesis to make glucose from light, CO2 and water.

Plant cell walls are mainly made of cellulose, a carbohydrate polymer that gives rigidity and support.

Ribosomes read mRNA and assemble amino acids into proteins; they may be free in the cytoplasm or on the rough ER.

The vacuole stores water, ions and waste; when full it presses the cytoplasm against the cell wall giving turgor pressure.

Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus enclosed by a membrane; prokaryotes have no membrane-bound nucleus.

The plasma membrane is selectively permeable, regulating exchange of ions, nutrients and wastes between cell and environment.

Plasmodesmata are microscopic channels through cell walls allowing communication and transport of substances between plant cells.

Root hair cells form long projections that increase surface area, improving absorption of water and minerals from the soil.

Mature xylem vessels are dead, hollow tubes with lignin-strengthened walls that conduct water and dissolved minerals from roots to shoots.

Phloem sieve tube elements transport sucrose and other solutes; companion cells maintain their metabolic functions.

Guard cells change shape by taking up or losing water, opening or closing stomata to control CO2 uptake and limit water loss.

Red blood cells are biconcave and anucleate to maximise surface area and space for haemoglobin, improving oxygen transport.

Sperm have a flagellum for motility and many mitochondria in the midpiece to supply ATP needed for swimming to the egg.

Neurones are elongated with dendrites and an axon to carry electrical impulses quickly between different parts of the body.

Muscle contraction requires energy; many mitochondria produce ATP to meet the high energy demand during activity.

The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the ER, modifies them (e.g. adds sugars), sorts and packages them into vesicles for secretion or use.

RER is studded with ribosomes for making proteins; SER is involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification and calcium storage.

Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that break down damaged organelles, pathogens and macromolecules for recycling.

Diffusion is the passive movement of molecules down their concentration gradient and does not require ATP.

Osmosis is a special case of diffusion for water: it moves from higher water potential (dilute) to lower water potential (concentrated) through a partially permeable membrane.

One central idea of cell theory is that the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Resolution determines how much detail can be seen; higher resolution allows two close points to be seen as distinct.

Bacteria reproduce asexually by binary fission: the DNA replicates and the cell splits into two genetically similar daughter cells.

Xylem vessels are dead at maturity, lack chloroplasts, and are specialised to conduct water and dissolved minerals from roots upward.

Cells are the smallest structures that can carry out all life processes; tissues, organs and systems are made of many cells.

Cell theory states that all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and cells arise from existing cells.

The nucleus contains DNA which controls cell activities and holds genetic instructions for growth and reproduction.

The cell membrane is selectively permeable and regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

The rigid cell wall, made of cellulose, gives plant cells shape, strength and protection.

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis, converting light into chemical energy (food).

Mitochondria perform cellular respiration, producing ATP which the cell uses for energy-requiring activities.

Ribosomes translate messenger RNA into amino acid chains, assembling proteins needed by the cell.

The large central vacuole stores water, ions and waste; turgor pressure from the vacuole helps keep the plant cell firm.

Chloroplasts for photosynthesis are found in plants (and algae) but not in animal cells.

Prokaryotes (bacteria) have DNA not enclosed in a nucleus, while eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus.

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts and packages proteins and lipids for storage or transport out of the cell.

RER has ribosomes on its surface and is involved in producing proteins that will be secreted or inserted into membranes.

Muscle cells need a lot of energy for contraction, so they have many mitochondria to produce ATP.

Neurones have long extensions that carry nerve impulses to and from the cell body, allowing rapid communication.

Root hair cells have fine extensions that increase surface area, improving absorption of water and minerals from soil.

Xylem vessels are dead, hollow tubes strengthened by lignin and with open ends to allow continuous upward water flow.

Mature red blood cells lose their nucleus to maximise haemoglobin content and surface area for efficient oxygen transport.

The flagellum propels the sperm and mitochondria provide the ATP needed for movement toward the egg.

Guard cells change shape to open or close stomata, regulating exchange of CO2, O2 and water vapour between leaf and air.

Mitochondria have their own small circular DNA, supporting the idea they evolved from free-living bacteria.

Electron microscopes have much higher resolution than light microscopes and can show fine internal organelle structure.

Osmosis specifically refers to passive movement of water across a partially permeable membrane down its water potential gradient.

Stem cells are unspecialised cells that can self-renew and become various specialised cells during growth or repair.

Specialisation means cells are adapted for specific roles (e.g., photosynthesis, transport, nerve signalling), improving overall function and survival.