Biology Cell Organelle Structure/Function Flashcards

Which organelle is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles?

Answer: Golgi apparatus

The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the ER and modifies, sorts, and packages them into vesicles for their final destinations.

Cilia and flagella in eukaryotic cells are constructed primarily from which protein arrangement?

Answer: Microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement

Eukaryotic cilia and flagella contain an axoneme composed of nine peripheral microtubule doublets surrounding two central microtubules (9+2 arrangement).

Which component of the endomembrane system is most directly involved in lipid synthesis?

Answer: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

The smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is specialized for lipid synthesis, including phospholipids and steroids.

What is the primary function of the nucleolus found within the nucleus?

Answer: Ribosomal RNA synthesis and ribosome assembly

The nucleolus is the site of rRNA transcription and the assembly of ribosomal subunits before their export to the cytoplasm.

Peroxisomes carry out oxidative reactions that produce hydrogen peroxide; they prevent cell damage by containing which enzyme?

Answer: Catalase

Catalase in peroxisomes rapidly breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, neutralizing this toxic byproduct.

In plant cells, the central vacuole serves multiple roles. Which of the following is NOT a function of the central vacuole?

Answer: Synthesizing chlorophyll

Chlorophyll synthesis occurs in chloroplasts, not in the central vacuole, which functions in storage, turgor regulation, and waste isolation.

Which cytoskeletal element is most responsible for maintaining cell shape and anchoring organelles in animal cells?

Answer: Intermediate filaments

Intermediate filaments are the most stable cytoskeletal components and play a primary role in maintaining cell shape and anchoring organelles like the nucleus.