Question

I have a quiz for the cell structures and their functions. Please answer these questions.

1. CHEEK CELLS

Cheek cells are not the major producers of mucus in the mouth, they do produce a small amount of mucopolysaccharide. What inclusions should be especially numerous in the cytoplasm of these cells in order to make and excrete such a substance? What function does their flat shape provide?

2. BLOOD SMEAR (FROG & HUMAN)

How they differ? How is each adapted to the metabolic level of its owners? What is the function of these cells? What is the natural selection benefit of removing nuclei and mitochondria from the human red blood cells?

3. LEAF TISSUE (cross section)

Is there a cell membrane? A cell wall? Note the green pigment in the chloroplasts. Is green color found outside of chloroplasts? Why?

4. GIANT MULTIPOLAR NEURON

Look for the long fibers that support the processes. What cytoskeletal components are these composed of? Can you suggest a function for this characteristic?

5.SPERM (frog)

How do this structure and size relate to the function of a sperm?

6. ADIPOSE TISSUE

Look for cell boundaries and nuclei in the cytoplasmic areas. Can you suggest a function of these fat cells?

7.EPITHELIUM (columnar)

What is the internal structure of microvilli? What is their function?

Answer 1

1. Cheek cell….

The cheek epithelial cell secretes mucin which is key component of the of mucous. Along with saliva mucin provides moist environment in the oral cavity which is required for the proper action of salivary enzymes. These cell are thin and flat because their function, as they stack to make several layers to make cheek lining very smooth, flexible and strong.

2. Blood smear

The main difference between human and frog blood sample is frog RBC cells contains nucleus, however, human mature RBC cells do not possess nucleus. Unlike human, frog cell are devoid of blood platelets. Additionally, frog blood contains more WBC. Even though, the human RBC lacks nucleus and mitochondria, it has an advantage over others as it contains more haemoglobin, thus transporting more oxygen.

3. Leaf tissue

The plant cell has cell wall which is a rigid structure overlaid over cell membrane. The green pigment in the plant cell are chlorophyll is located in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplast/plastid.

4. Multipolar neuron

A multipolar neuron are neuron cells consist of a nucleus, single axon but with several dendrites which make them capable of harnessing information’s from the other neurons. Interestingly, their shape and size differs depending on their location. The multipolar neurons are often very long and they can have capabilities to conduct action potentials throughout the brain, down the spinal cord, and also along the nerves.

5. Frog sperm cell

It is differentiated into three parts head, middle piece and tail. Head consist of acrosome and nucleus. Acrosome harbours enzymes which helps in piercing female unfertilized egg. The middle piece is the smallest in the length and comprise of mitochondria and centriole. The middle part is powerhouse of the sperm, and centriole helps in the formation of spindle fibre. The tail is required for the movement of sperm similar to flagellar movement.

6. Adipose tissue is often called as fuel tank or fat cells as the reserves fat/lipids and triglycerides. These adipose tissue share an exceptionally important role during metabolism, and whenever body need for the energy, the stored lipids and glycerol were released from triglycerides stored in fat cells.