1. Who am I
a. I am ATP-producing factory.
Answer: Mitochondria
b. I am single-layered, but maintain cellular osmotic pressure.
Answer: Vacuole
c. I support the cell, but I am not the cell wall. I have a body resembling a net.
Answer: Cytoskeleton
d. I am the chemical factory of the cell.
Answer: Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
e. Leaves are green because of me.
Answer: Chloroplast
2. What Would Have Happened If…
a. RBCs Had Mitochondria:
Red Blood Cells (RBCs) are unique because they lack mitochondria, which allows them to carry more hemoglobin and efficiently transport oxygen. If RBCs had mitochondria, they would consume some of the oxygen they carry for their own energy needs, reducing the amount available for tissues. This would make oxygen transport less efficient, potentially leading to lower energy levels and fatigue in organisms.
b. There Had Been No Difference Between Mitochondria and Plastids:
Mitochondria and plastids (like chloroplasts) have distinct roles in cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses, generating energy through cellular respiration, while plastids, such as chloroplasts, are involved in photosynthesis in plant cells. If there were no differences between them, cells would lose their specialized functions. Plants might struggle to perform photosynthesis, and energy production in all cells could become inefficient, disrupting the balance of ecosystems.
c. Genes Had Been Absent on the Chromosomes:
Genes, located on chromosomes, carry the instructions for making proteins and controlling cellular activities. If genes were absent, cells would lack the necessary information to function, grow, or reproduce. This would lead to the collapse of biological processes, making life as we know it impossible.
d. Plasma Membrane Had Not Been Selectively Permeable:
The selective permeability of the plasma membrane allows cells to control the movement of substances in and out, maintaining homeostasis. If the membrane were not selectively permeable, harmful substances could enter freely, and essential molecules might leak out. This would disrupt cellular functions and could lead to cell death.
e. Plants Lacked Anthocyanin:
Anthocyanins are pigments that give plants their red, purple, and blue colors and protect them from environmental stress. If plants lacked anthocyanins, they would lose some of their protective mechanisms against UV radiation and oxidative stress. This could make plants more vulnerable to damage and reduce their ability to attract pollinators, affecting reproduction and ecosystem balance.
3. Who is the Odd One Among Us? Give Reason.
a. Nucleolus, Mitochondria, Plastids, Endoplasmic Reticulum:
The nucleolus is the odd one out. While mitochondria, plastids, and the endoplasmic reticulum are all membrane-bound organelles involved in various cellular functions, the nucleolus is a non-membrane-bound structure within the nucleus responsible for ribosome production.
b. DNA, Ribosomes, Chlorophyll:
Chlorophyll is the odd one out. DNA and ribosomes are present in all living cells and are essential for genetic information and protein synthesis, respectively. Chlorophyll, however, is specific to plant cells and some photosynthetic bacteria, where it plays a crucial role in capturing light energy for photosynthesis.
4. Functions of Cell Components
a. Plasma Membrane:
The plasma membrane is a protective barrier that surrounds the cell. It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, allowing nutrients to enter and waste products to exit. This selective permeability helps maintain the cell’s internal environment.
b. Cytoplasm:
The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that fills the cell. It contains all the cell organelles and provides a medium for cellular processes. It also helps transport materials within the cell and supports the cell’s structure.
c. Lysosome:
Lysosomes are small organelles that contain digestive enzymes. They break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders like bacteria. This process helps keep the cell clean and functioning properly.
d. Vacuole:
Vacuoles are storage sacs within the cell. They store water, nutrients, and waste products. In plant cells, vacuoles also help maintain turgor pressure, which keeps the plant rigid and upright.
e. Nucleus:
The nucleus is the control center of the cell. It contains the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and regulates all cellular activities, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. It also plays a key role in protein synthesis by controlling gene expression.
5. Who Gives Me the Color?
a. Red Tomato:
The red color in tomatoes is due to Lycopene, a pigment that also acts as an antioxidant.
b. Green Leaf:
The green color in leaves comes from Chlorophyll, the pigment essential for photosynthesis.
c. Carrot:
The orange color in carrots is due to Carotene, a pigment that the body can convert into vitamin A.
d. Violet:
The violet color in some plants is due to Anthocyanin, a pigment that also helps protect plants from environmental stress.