Chloroplasts play an important role in energy production in plant cells. However, some parts of a plant, like the roots, lack chloroplasts. In one to two sentences, explain the most likely pathway for root cells to obtain energy, and identify the organelles involved. 2 to 5 sentences
Root cells likely obtain energy through the process of cellular respiration, which takes place in the mitochondria. During cellular respiration, glucose and other organic compounds are converted into ATP, the energy currency of cells. The mitochondria, often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell, produce ATP through the breaking down of glucose in a series of chemical reactions.
In three to five sentences, explain why animal cells do not require a cell wall or a central vacuole for their functions. 3 to 5 sentences
Animal cells do not require a cell wall because they have a flexible plasma membrane that provides support and protection. Unlike plant cells, which rely on a rigid cell wall for structural support, animal cells have the ability to change shape and move. Additionally, animals obtain their nutrients through ingestion, so they do not require a central vacuole for storage like plants do. Animal cells also have specialized organelles, such as lysosomes, which perform functions that would typically be carried out by a central vacuole in plant cells, such as waste disposal and storage of cellular materials.
In three to five sentences, compare the process of digesting food in an amoeba (unicellular) to those in a mouse (multicellular)
In an amoeba, the process of digesting food occurs within the cell itself. The amoeba engulfs its food by engulfing it with its pseudopodia and forms a food vacuole. The vacuole then fuses with lysosomes, which contain enzymes that break down the food into smaller molecules that can be used by the cell for energy. In a mouse, the process of digesting food is more complex and occurs in specialized organs within the digestive system. The mouse ingests food through its mouth and it passes through the esophagus into the stomach where it is broken down by stomach acid and enzymes. The broken down food then moves into the small intestine where it is further broken down by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the villi in the small intestine, while undigested waste is eliminated through the large intestine and rectum.
In plant roots, the most likely pathway for obtaining energy involves the process of cellular respiration. Root cells obtain energy by breaking down glucose molecules in the presence of oxygen, which occurs within the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the organelles responsible for producing ATP, the primary molecule used for energy by the cell.
Root cells obtain energy primarily through the process of cellular respiration, which takes place in the mitochondria. During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down to release energy in the form of ATP. The roots obtain glucose from the plant's photosynthetic tissues, such as the leaves, through the transport of sugars called phloem loading. Once within the root cells, the mitochondria convert the glucose into ATP, which provides the energy needed for various cellular processes in the roots.
