d-of-section questions a List six characteristics of all living organisms. b In which three ways do human cells differ from those of plants? c Draw a fully labelled diagram of the structure of a typical (unspecialised) animal cell and describe the function of each part.

Question

UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

Sure, I can help you with those biology questions. Here's a comprehensive answer to each part:

---

### **a) List six characteristics of all living organisms.**

1. **Cellular Organization**
   - **Description:** All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are considered the basic units of life.
   - **Example:** A single-celled bacterium or the multicellular structure of a human.

2. **Metabolism**
   - **Description:** Living organisms carry out chemical reactions to obtain energy and build necessary molecules.
   - **Example:** Humans metabolize food to produce energy, while plants perform photosynthesis.

3. **Homeostasis**
   - **Description:** The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
   - **Example:** Humans regulate body temperature, and plants adjust to varying light conditions.

4. **Growth and Development**
   - **Description:** Living organisms grow by increasing in size and develop by following specific instructions encoded in their DNA.
   - **Example:** A seed grows into a mature plant, and a child develops into an adult.

5. **Reproduction**
   - **Description:** The capability to produce new individual organisms, either sexually or asexually.
   - **Example:** Humans reproduce sexually, while bacteria can reproduce asexually through binary fission.

6. **Response to Stimuli**
   - **Description:** Living organisms can respond to environmental changes or stimuli.
   - **Example:** Plants grow toward light sources, and animals react to threats or sounds.

---

### **b) In which three ways do human cells differ from those of plants?**

1. **Presence of Cell Wall**
   - **Human Cells:** Do **not** have a cell wall. They only have a flexible cell membrane.
   - **Plant Cells:** Possess a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, providing structural support.

2. **Organelles Involved in Photosynthesis**
   - **Human Cells:** Lack chloroplasts, the organelles responsible for photosynthesis.
   - **Plant Cells:** Contain chloroplasts, allowing them to convert sunlight into energy.

3. **Vacuole Structure and Size**
   - **Human Cells:** May have small, temporary vacuoles, if any, primarily involved in transport and storage.
   - **Plant Cells:** Typically have a large central vacuole that maintains cell rigidity and stores nutrients and waste products.

4. **Centrioles**
   - **Human Cells:** Contain centrioles, which play a role in cell division.
   - **Plant Cells:** Generally lack centrioles; instead, they have other structures to assist in cell division.

---

### **c) Draw a fully labelled diagram of the structure of a typical (unspecialised) animal cell and describe the function of each part.**

While I can't provide a visual diagram, I can describe the structure of a typical unspecialized animal cell and explain the function of each part. Imagine the cell as a roughly circular shape with various components inside:

1. **Cell Membrane**
   - **Description:** The outer boundary of the cell.
   - **Function:** Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, providing protection and support.

2. **Nucleus**
   - **Description:** A large, prominent organelle usually located near the center.
   - **Function:** Acts as the control center of the cell, storing DNA and coordinating activities like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

3. **Cytoplasm**
   - **Description:** The gel-like substance filling the cell.
   - **Function:** Provides a medium for chemical reactions to occur and holds the organelles in place.

4. **Mitochondria**
   - **Description:** Bean-shaped organelles with a double membrane.
   - **Function:** Convert glucose and oxygen into ATP (energy) through cellular respiration.

5. **Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)**
   - **Rough ER:**
     - **Description:** Studded with ribosomes.
     - **Function:** Synthesizes and processes proteins.
   - **Smooth ER:**
     - **Description:** Lacks ribosomes.
     - **Function:** Synthesizes lipids and detoxifies harmful substances.

6. **Golgi Apparatus**
   - **Description:** A series of flattened, stacked membranous sacs.
   - **Function:** Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for storage or transport out of the cell.

7. **Ribosomes**
   - **Description:** Small complexes of RNA and proteins, either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the ER.
   - **Function:** Serve as the site of protein synthesis.

8. **Lysosomes**
   - **Description:** Membrane-bound vesicles containing digestive enzymes.
   - **Function:** Break down waste materials and cellular debris.

9. **Centrioles**
   - **Description:** Cylindrical structures located near the nucleus.
   - **Function:** Assist in cell division by organizing the mitotic spindle fibers.

10. **Cytoskeleton**
    - **Description:** A network of protein fibers (microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments).
    - **Function:** Maintains cell shape, secures organelles in specific positions, and enables cellular movement.

11. **Vacuoles**
    - **Description:** Small vesicles used for storage.
    - **Function:** Transport materials within the cell and store nutrients or waste products.

---

#### **Simplified ASCII Representation of an Animal Cell:**

```
+---------------------------------------+
|                Cell Membrane          |
|                                       |
|        +---------------------+        |
|        |      Nucleus        |        |
|        |   +-------------+   |        |
|        |   | Nucleolus   |   |        |
|        |   +-------------+   |        |
|        +---------------------+        |
|                                       |
|  Mitochondria    Ribosomes            |
|      +               +                |
|      |               |                |
|  +--------+     +--------+            |
|  |        |     |        |            |
|  |        |     |        |            |
|  +--------+     +--------+            |
|                                       |
|  Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough & S)    |
|        +---------------------+        |
|        |                     |        |
|        +---------------------+        |
|                                       |
|         Golgi Apparatus               |
|               +---+                   |
|               |   |                   |
|               +---+                   |
|                                       |
|           Lysosomes                   |
|               +                       |
|               |                       |
|               +                       |
|                                       |
+---------------------------------------+
```

*Please note that this is a highly simplified representation and lacks many details found in an actual cell diagram.*

---

Feel free to ask if you need more detailed explanations or further assistance!
**a) Six Characteristics of All Living Organisms:** 1. **Cellular Organization:** Composed of one or more cells. 2. **Metabolism:** Carry out chemical reactions for energy and molecule production. 3. **Homeostasis:** Maintain stable internal conditions. 4. **Growth and Development:** Increase in size and develop through instructions in DNA. 5. **Reproduction:** Produce new organisms, either sexually or asexually. 6. **Response to Stimuli:** React to environmental changes. **b) Three Ways Human Cells Differ from Plant Cells:** 1. **Cell Wall:** Human cells lack a rigid cell wall, while plant cells have a cellulose cell wall. 2. **Chloroplasts:** Human cells do not have chloroplasts for photosynthesis, whereas plant cells do. 3. **Vacuole Size:** Human cells have small vacuoles, if any, compared to the large central vacuole in plant cells. **c) Structure of a Typical Animal Cell:** - **Cell Membrane:** Controls substance movement. - **Nucleus:** Control center with DNA. - **Cytoplasm:** Gel-like medium for reactions. - **Mitochondria:** Energy production. - **Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough & Smooth):** Protein synthesis and lipid production. - **Golgi Apparatus:** Modifies and packages proteins. - **Ribosomes:** Protein synthesis sites. - **Lysosomes:** Break down waste materials. - **Centrioles:** Assist in cell division. - **Cytoskeleton:** Maintains cell shape and supports movement. - **Vacuoles:** Store nutrients and waste. *Note: The diagram is a simplified representation.*

d-of-section questions a List six characteristics of all living organisms. b In which three ways do human cells differ from those of plants? c Draw a fully labelled diagram of the structure of a typical (unspecialised) animal cell and describe the function of each part.

Real Tutor Solution

Answer

Solution

Bonus Knowledge

Related Questions

Latest Biology Questions