Q1) Do you think the cells of an elephant would be bigger than the cells of a rat.
Explain briefly
The cells of an elephant would be of the same size as the cells of a rat. The size of cells does not vary
within the organisms, however, the number of cells varies from one organism to another. A larger
animal like an elephant will have the number of cells as compared to a smaller animal like a rat.
Q2) What is a difference between an organ and an organelle
An organ is a group of tissues that work together to perform a specific function in the body, such as
the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Organs are typically composed of different types of tissues, such
as muscle, epithelial, connective, and nervous tissues.
On the other hand, an organelle is a specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific
function, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum. Organelles are
essentially the functional units of cells and are responsible for carrying out various metabolic and
biochemical processes necessary for the cell's survival.
In summary, the main difference between an organ and an organelle is that organs are structures
made up of multiple tissues that perform a specific function in the body, while organelles are
structures within cells that carry out specific functions necessary for the cell's survival.
Q3) Define Plasmid
A plasmid is a small, circular DNA molecule that is separate from a cell's chromosomal DNA. Plasmids
are commonly found in bacteria but can also be found in other types of cells. They can replicate
independently of the chromosomal DNA and can be transferred from one cell to another through a
process called horizontal gene transfer.
Plasmids can carry genetic information that confers advantages to the host cell, such as antibiotic
resistance, toxin production, or the ability to metabolize specific nutrients. As a result, plasmids can
play a role in bacterial adaptation and evolution
Q4) Define mesosomes
Mesosomes are irregularly shaped, membrane-bound organelles that were once
thought to be a characteristic feature of bacterial cells. They are formed by
invaginations of the plasma membrane, which extend into the cytoplasm and often
appear as long, tubular structures or vesicles.
Mesosomes were initially believed to play a role in cell division, as they were often
observed in close association with the dividing cell. However, the exact function of
mesosomes in bacterial cells remains unclear, and recent research suggests that
they may be artifacts of cell preparation rather than true structures.
The existence and significance of mesosomes have been debated for several
decades, and their role in bacterial physiology is still a topic of active research and
discussion. While some studies have suggested that mesosomes may be involved in
various cellular processes, such as respiration, membrane transport, or DNA
replication, their function and importance in bacterial cells are still not well
understood.
a) Protoplasm and Cytoplasm
Protoplasm Cytoplasm
Refers to the entire living substance of
a cell, including the nucleus and Refers to the liquid or gel-like substance that
cytoplasm. fills the cell and surrounds the organelles.
Contains all the cellular components Contains mainly water, dissolved salts, and
and organelles, including the organic molecules such as proteins, enzymes,
cytoplasm. and nucleic acids.
Found in all living cells, including Found in all living cells, including bacteria,
bacteria, plants, and animals. plants, and animals.
It includes the cytoplasm and the It does not include the nucleus, but it includes
nucleus. all other organelles.
b) Nucleus and Nucleolus
Nucleus Nucleolus
The largest organelle in the eukaryotic cell that
contains the genetic material in the form of A small, dense, spherical structure
chromosomes. located within the nucleus.
Nucleus Nucleolus
Surrounded by a double membrane called the
nuclear envelope that has pores to allow the Does not have a membrane but is
transport of molecules in and out of the nucleus. located inside the nucleus.
Contains the DNA of the cell, which is organized into Is responsible for the production of
chromosomes, and is responsible for regulating ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the
gene expression and DNA replication. assembly of ribosomes.
Contains the nucleoplasm, which is a fluid-like Contains chromatin, which is the
substance that fills the nucleus and contains various material that makes up chromosomes,
molecules, including enzymes and nucleic acids. and proteins called histones.
Present in eukaryotic cells. Present in eukaryotic cells.
Characteristi
c Living cell Brick
Highly complex with many organelles and Simple and uniform in
Complexity molecules that carry out specific functions composition
Can respond to changes in the environment Does not respond to external
Response to and undergo complex processes like stimuli and does not change or
stimuli growth, division, and differentiation develop over time
Characteristi
c Living cell Brick
Has metabolic processes that allow it to Lacks metabolic processes and
convert nutrients into energy and carry out cannot convert nutrients into
Metabolism cellular functions energy
Reproduction Can reproduce to create new cells Cannot reproduce
Size Typically much smaller than a brick Much larger than a cell
Here are three things that could happen if each of the following organelles were absent from a
eukaryotic cell:
a) Cell Wall
The cell would be more vulnerable to physical damage and would not be able to maintain its shape.
The cell would not be able to resist osmotic pressure, which could lead to bursting in a hypotonic
environment.
The cell would not be able to provide structural support for the organism.
b) Plasma Membrane
The cell would not be able to control the movement of molecules into and out of the cell.
The cell would not be able to maintain a proper ionic balance, which could affect cellular functions.
The cell would not be able to communicate with other cells or the environment.
c) Cytoplasm
The cell would not be able to carry out metabolic processes, including energy production, protein
synthesis, and DNA replication.
The cell would not be able to transport molecules within the cell.
The cell would not be able to support the organelles and maintain their positions.
d) Endoplasmic Reticulum
Protein synthesis and modification would be impaired.
The cell would not be able to transport molecules within the cell.
Lipid metabolism would be affected.
e) Mitochondria
The cell would not be able to produce ATP, which is required for cellular processes.
Apoptosis (programmed cell death) would be impaired.
Calcium homeostasis would be affected.
f) Golgi Apparatus
Protein modification, sorting, and packaging would be impaired.
The cell would not be able to secrete molecules to the extracellular environment.
Glycosylation of proteins would be affected.
g) Ribosomes
Protein synthesis would be impaired.
The cell would not be able to generate new proteins to carry out cellular functions.
The cell's growth and division would be affected.
h) Lysosomes
The cell would not be able to break down waste products and cellular debris.
Apoptosis (programmed cell death) would be impaired.
Digestion of ingested material would be affected.
i) Centrosomes
The cell would not be able to form and organize microtubules.
The cell would not be able to properly separate chromosomes during cell division.
Cilia and flagella would not be able to function properly.
j) Chromosomes
The cell would not be able to properly segregate DNA during cell division.
The cell would not be able to transcribe or translate genetic information.
Mutations and genetic disorders could occur.
k) Nucleus
The cell would not be able to transcribe or translate genetic information.
The cell's growth and division would be affected.
Chromosome segregation during cell division would be impaired.
l) Plastids
The cell would not be able to carry out photosynthesis (in the case of chloroplasts).
Pigment synthesis would be affected.
Lipid and fatty acid synthesis would be impaired (in the case of amyloplasts and chromoplasts).
m) Nucleolus
The cell would not be able to synthesize ribosomal RNA.
The cell's ability to produce new ribosomes would be impaired.
The cell's growth and division would be affected.
n) Vacuoles
The cell would not be able to store and transport molecules, including water, ions, and nutrients.
The cell's ability to maintain turgor pressure would be affected.
Digestion of ingested material would be impaired.
o) Granules
The cell would not be able to store and transport molecules, including starch and glycogen.
The cell's ability to produce energy
