Bio Lab 10

Lab 10: Cell Structure & Function
Questions
1. For each structure identified, do you think its location affects its ability to function? Why or why not? (Hint: those buried deep in the cell probably do different things than those closer to the cell membrane)
Structure does not affect function of the cells, cells have a particular structure that enables them to carry out their function in the best way. Everything in a cell is there to enable it to perform in the most efficient manner possible.
2. Draw a labeled diagram of a small section of the plasma membrane and briefly describe its structure and function.
3. Describe the differences between animal and plant cells.
Plant Cells have cell walls, which makes them appear rectangular or square in shape,, plant cells have chlorophyll the light absorbing pigment required for photosynthesis. First, animal cells don't have central vacuoles or cell walls. Cell Walls are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and other material Animal cells do not have cell walls they only have a cell membrane, this makes their shape round/fluid they have lysosones which plants do not, versus the plant cell which is more angular/rigid. Plant cells have chloroplasts to convert light into energy, animals do not. Animal cells contain centriole, lysosome, and flagellum, where as most plant cells do not. Both contain DNA unique to their species or type of plant.
4. Which of the following structures are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Plasma Membrane- both
Golgi Apparatus- not present in the prokaryotic cell, present in the eukaryotic cell
DNA- both
Lysosomes and peroxisomes- not in prokaryotic cells, both in eukaryotic cells
Cytoplasm- both

5. Where is genetic material found in plant cells?
Found within the DNA within the plants nucleus

6. Mitochondria contain their own DNA (circular) and have a double membrane. What explana‐ tion for this observation can you come up with?
(Hint 1: Where else do we see circular DNA?)
(Hint 2: What do you know about the relative age of eukaryotic cells?)
7. How is the structure of the cellulose wall related to its function?
8. Defects in structures of the cell can lead to many diseases. Pick one structure of a eukaryotic cell and develop a hypothesis as to what you think the implicaons would be if that structure did not function properly.
9. Using books, articles, the internet, etc. conduct research to determine if your hypothesis was
correct.