1. Question: What are the basic components of a typical animal cell and their functions?

Answer: The basic components of a typical animal cell include the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus,

mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and ribosomes. The plasma membrane

maintains the integrity of the cell, while the cytoplasm houses the cellular organelles. The nucleus controls

cellular activities, mitochondria produce energy, endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins, Golgi

apparatus processes and transports molecules, lysosomes break down waste materials, and ribosomes

synthesize proteins.

2. Question: Describe the structure and function of the plasma membrane.

Answer: The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. It acts as a

selectively permeable barrier, allowing certain substances to enter or leave the cell while preventing others.

Phospholipids create a fluid, flexible structure, while proteins serve as channels for transportation of ions

and molecules across the membrane.

3. Question: Explain the process of endocytosis and its different types.

Answer: Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and take in materials from the extracellular

environment. It involves the formation of a membrane-bound vesicle. There are three types of endocytosis:

phagocytosis (engulfing solid particles), pinocytosis (engulfing liquid or dissolved particles), and receptormediated endocytosis (engulfing specific molecules through receptor proteins).

4. Question: Discuss the structure and function of mitochondria in a cell.

Answer: Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell.

They generate ATP via aerobic respiration, providing energy for cellular activities. Mitochondria have an

outer membrane and an inner membrane with folds called cristae, where enzymes for ATP production are

located.

5. Question: Compare smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum in terms of structure and function.

Answer: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) lacks ribosomes, while rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

has ribosomes bound to its surface. SER is involved in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and

detoxification of drugs, while RER plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and modification.

6. Question: Define the term "gene expression" and explain its role in cellular function.

Answer: Gene expression refers to the process of transforming information stored in a gene to produce a

functional gene product, such as a protein or RNA molecule. It plays a vital role in cellular function as it

regulates the synthesis of proteins essential for cellular processes, including metabolism, growth, and