Question

CHAPTER 1 SUB QUESTIONS Explain the principles of the cell theory

Describe some of the basic biochemical properties of cells

Review the central dogma of molecular biology and discuss an exception to this dogma (does the exception applies to living organisms? Why or why not?)

Compare and contrast cellular structure and function in bacteria (eubacteria), archaea, and eukaryotes in the context of their evolutionary history.

Understand why most cells are small in size

Assess the usefulness and limitations of information obtained via different types of microscopy.

Describe different strategies to isolate cellular organelles and macromolecules (DNA/protein).

Analyze the applications of recombinant DNA technology

Understand how transgenic and knockout mice can be used for the study of cell biology

Describe the process and applications of immunofluorescence

Compare direct (primary) and indirect (secondary) immunofluorescence

Explain how the field of bioinformatics can be used for studying whole genomes /proteomes

Describe how cell culture and model organisms can be used to study cellular processes

Explain how cells can be made to grow in culture indefinitely

Answer 1

Explain the principles of the cell theory :

1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. ( A living organism can be unicellular or multicellular)

2. Cells are the basic unit of structure and organization of all living organisms. (Cells make tissues, tissues make organs, organs make systems and the chain moves on. Hence cell is known as basic unit of life)

3. Cells arise only from previously existing cells. ( A cell passing copies of their genetic material on to their daughter cells, same is done by daughter cells)

Describe some of the basic biochemical properties of cells. :

As it is not specifically mentioned about any organelle I will mention properties of various organelles.

1. Respiration occurs in the cell mitochondria, which generate the cell's energy by oxidative phosphorylation, by releasig energy stored in cellular nutrients (mainly as glucose) to generate ATP using oxygen.

2. Golgi apparatus mainly pack and process macromolecules like proteins and lipids produced in the cell by endoplasmic reticulum. Golgi apparatus and Endoplasmic reticulum are organelles of cell where important cellular biochemical processes take place.

Understand why most cells are small in size. :

Cells are so small so the surface area and volume of them can be proportional to each other. This ratio is exceeds a specific value it restricts the motility of the cell through membranes. Small size also helps with the efficiency of the cell's absorption and waste expulsion processes. In short, the small size of the cell is for faster movement across the membranes and to speed up the cellular communication.