High School Biology : Understanding the Nucleus and Nucleolus

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding The Nucleus And Nucleolus

The nucleus synthesizes all of the following except __________.

Possible Answers:

proteins

tRNA

mRNA

rRNA

Correct answer:

proteins

Explanation:

Remember that all three types of RNA are synthesized from DNA molecules. Since DNA molecules can’t leave the nucleus, the synthesis of RNA has to occur in the nucleus.

On the other hand, proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and rough endoplasmic reticulum through translation. Proteins cannot be synthesized directly in the nucleus.

mRNA, or messenger RNA, is used as the template to synthesize proteins in translation. rRNA, or ribosomal RNA, make up a structural components of ribosomes. tRNA, or transfer RNA, facilitate the synthesis of proteins from mRNA. Though these molecules function in the cytosol, they are all synthesized in the nucleus.

Example Question #1 : Understanding The Nucleus And Nucleolus

Which of the following is true regarding the nucleus?

I. It contains a phospholipid bilayer 

II. The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis

III. It contains nuclear pores through which mRNA and DNA can exit to the cytosol

Possible Answers:

I only

I and III

I and II

III only

Correct answer:

I and II

Explanation:

The cell’s nucleus, often termed the control center of the cell, is a very important organelle that contains the DNA. The nucleus is surrounded by two cell membranes, made up of two phospholipid bilayers, called the nuclear envelope; therefore, statement I is true.

The nucleus also contains a nucleolus, which is the site of rRNA synthesis. rRNA, or ribosomal RNA, are the building blocks for ribosomes and are assembled into ribosomal subunits in the nucleolus. Statement II is true.

The nucleus does contain nuclear pores, however, DNA cannot exit the nucleus. Messenger RNA (mRNA), on the other hand, can exit the nucleus and enter the cytosol, where it can bind to ribosomes and undergo translation; therefore, statement III is false.

Example Question #1 : Understanding The Nucleus And Nucleolus

What is the purpose of the nucleolus in eukaryotic cells?

Possible Answers:

Creates ribosomal subunits

Digests macromolecules

Provides energy for the nucleus

Synthesizes lipids

Correct answer:

Creates ribosomal subunits

Explanation:

The nucleolus is an area inside of the nucleus that stains dark purple on most cell slides. It is responsible for the creation of ribosomal subunits, as well as the transcription of rRNA.

The smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids, lysosomes digest macromolecules (particularly proteins), and mitochondria generate cellular energy in the form of ATP.

Example Question #1 : Common Cell Structures

What structure is located inside the nucleus and contains DNA for coding ribosomal RNA?

Possible Answers:

Ribosomes

Chromatin

Proteins

Nucleolus

ATP

Correct answer:

Nucleolus

Explanation:

The nucleolus is the region of the nucleus that is engaged in ribosome synthesis. The nucleolus contains genes encoding ribosomal RNA, newly synthesized ribosomal RNA, and ribosomal proteins.

Chromatin consists of DNA and its associated proteins. Proteins are organic molecules compose of one or more chains of amino acids and serve a variety of important biological functions. Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the major energy carrier in cells. 

Example Question #1 : Understanding The Nucleus And Nucleolus

Genomic DNA is contained in which of the following structures?

Possible Answers:

Endoplasmic reticulum

Nucleolus

Mitochondria

Nucleus

Golgi apparatus

Correct answer:

Nucleus

Explanation:

The nucleus is a membrane-bound container for DNA. The nucleus is called the "brain" of the cell because the DNA contained within directs all of the cell's activities. The nucleus houses all genomic DNA.

The nucleolus is the site of ribosome synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes lipids. The mitochondria produce energy by aerobic metabolism. The Golgi apparatus packages lipids and proteins for distribution.

Note that the mitochondria and chloroplasts each contain small amounts of DNA, but this is considered extragenomic DNA.

Example Question #1 : Cell Biology

What is the large and spherical organelle in eukaryotic cells that houses genetic information?

Possible Answers:

Nucleus

Mitochondrion

Peroxisome

Lysosome

Correct answer:

Nucleus

Explanation:

The nucleus of a cell contains the genetic information and is the organelle most easily seen when viewing cells under a light microscope. The nucleus is usually spherical and is generally the largest organelle in eukaryotic cells. The mitochondrion is a smaller organelle, and is responsible for making the energy (ATP) in the cell. Lysosomes are small organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes used to degrade and recycle macromolecules. The peroxisome is an organelle responsible for catabolism of lipids, detoxification of certain compounds, and regulation of cellular metabolism.

Example Question #1 : Cell Biology

What is responsible for the movement of proteins, RNA, and other specific molecules into and out of the nucleus?

Possible Answers:

Nuclear pores

Lysosomes

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

Flagella

Correct answer:

Nuclear pores

Explanation:

Nuclear pores are complex structures made up of proteins which allow movement of certain molecules into and out of the nucleus. Flagella are long tail-like projections found on some cells that function in cell motility. The rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes on it, which are the sites of protein synthesis. Lysosomes are organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes used to recycle/destroy macromolecules.

Example Question #1 : Cell Biology

What is the main difference between DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Possible Answers:

Prokaryotes have circular DNA, and eukaryotes have linear chromosomes

Prokaryotes have different polymers for DNA

Prokaryotes have guanine and cytosine only

Prokaryotes have linear chromosomes, and eukaryotes have circular DNA

Correct answer:

Prokaryotes have circular DNA, and eukaryotes have linear chromosomes

Explanation:

Prokaryotes have a single circular DNA molecule, and eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes.  The four nucleotides for DNA are in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Example Question #1 : Cell Biology

What kind of membrane makes up the nuclear envelope?

Possible Answers:

Single phospholipid bilayer membrane

Double phospholipid bilayer membrane

Cell wall

Peptidoglycan membrane

Correct answer:

Double phospholipid bilayer membrane

Explanation:

A double phospholipid bilayer membrane makes up the nuclear envelope. The outer layer of this nuclear envelope is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum, also known as cytoplasm's interior membrane system. The cell's plasma membrane, and the membranes surrounding various organelles (except the nucleus, and mitochondria which both have double phospholipid bilayers) are single phospholipid bilayers. Cell walls are found outside the plasma membrane of plant, bacterial, and fungal cells. Peptidoglycan is the main component of the cell walls of bacteria. 

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