Plant Physiology - Musienko M. M. 2001

Chemical and molecular composition, structure, and functions of the plant cell
Review questions and tasks

1. Describe the Structure AND Functions of pentoses, hexoses, and Polysaccharides—starch, Cellulose, and pectin—in plant Cells.

2. What Structural Features of CARBOHYDRATES account for such a wide diversity of polysaccharides?

3. Compare starch and cellulose: in what ways are they similar, and how do they differ in chemical structure, function, and intracellular localization? Explain why cellulose exists as long fibers, whereas starch forms rounded granules.

4. Explain which PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF Lipids underlie The process of membrane self-assembly.

5. How can the fact that membranes are predominantly permeable to most substances in only one direction be explained?

6. Name the non-membranous and membranous structures of The plant Cell.

7. List the main Structural components of the Plant Cell. What is the difference between PLANT AND ANIMAL cells? What functional features correspond to these structural differences?

8. What is the compartmentalization of cellular METABOLISM, its catalytic systems, and metabolic pools?

9. Describe the Structure and function of The Nucleus in the regulation and integration of cellular metabolism.

10. The Cell protoplast, like its Organelles, is surrounded by a membrane. List the General Structural Features and common properties of all membranes! Indicate the differences between membranes of various organelles and how they are related to organelle functions.

11. Explain The Role of membranes in the regulation and integration of cellular metabolism.

12. What is the Mechanism of enzyme Action in plant cells? What factors determine the rate and direction of enzymatic reactions?

13. Compare the structural characteristics of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria. What are the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, Endoplasmic reticulum, Lysosomes, and vacuoles? What is their fundamental difference from Mitochondria and chloroplasts?

14. Provide Examples of the functional interaction between different cell organelles.

15. In addition to the outer membrane, chloroplasts and mitochondria possess an internal membrane system. What is the function of these internal membranes?

16. Why is it important for the cytoplasmic pH to be strictly regulated?

17. Describe the structure and Functions of the Cell wall.

18. Explain why the Structural Organization of the cell is The basis of its biochemical activity and functioning as an integrated living system.

19. Outline the Main Features of the evolution of Cellular Organization by comparing prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.

20. Define The concepts of diffusion and osmosis. What determines the direction of diffusion?

21. What is Water potential? What are its components?

22. What factors determine the uptake of water into the cell?

23. Under what cellular condition does The water potential equal the osmotic potential? Zero⁹

24. What is the driving force behind the passive transport of ions into the cell?

25. What causes the Generation of the electrical transmembrane potential?

26. What are the main factors driving Active ion transport?

27. Characterize the stages of Ion uptake into the cell.

28. What is Facilitated Diffusion?

29. What is the source of energy for Active Transport processes? What is the role of transport ATPases in it?

30. Provide a characterization of the main tissue Organs and functional systems in higher plants.