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Name: ____________________
Period: _________
System Overload!!!
Critical Thinking about the Cell
o These questions require thinking about the cell organelles and their functions.
o None of these questions have only one word or even one sentence answers. Answer
completely and clearly. EXPLAIN your thinking.
On Friday, we will be in the computer lab where you will answer these questions. You will only
have this period. This will require you to be prepared with (1) knowledge of organelle functions;
(2) previously read and researched/answered these questions. Come ready!
1. The ribosomes in a cell have begun to slow down their production. (A) Explain the effect on the
cell when this occurs. (B) Explain the effects on the body as a whole.
2. The nucleus has been exposed to a substance that dissolves the nuclear membrane. (A) What
effect will this have on the DNA? (B) What effect will this have on the cell?
3. Your muscles are weak and sore and you feel like you don’t have the energy to move. Identify
which organelle may be experiencing problems and explain why you identified that particular
organelle.
4. You have been infected by bacteria that destroy the cell membrane of the cell. The cytoplasm is
slowly leaking out. Explain the effects of the loss of cytoplasm on a cell.
5. The lysosomes have lost the ability to produce the digestive enzymes it needs to do its job.
Explain the effect this will have on the cell.
6. Nutrients and other materials are being sent to the wrong areas of the cell. Identify which
organelle may be experiencing problems and explain why you identified that particular
organelle.
7. How are some of the functions of your own skeleton similar to the function of a cell’s
cytoskeleton?
8. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are both organelles that deal with energy capture and
conversion. Evaluate the following claim: plant cells have chloroplasts only and animal cells
have mitochondria only.
9. Rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes attached to it. Explain how the functions of
endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes make this “partnership” logical.
10. Explain why animal cells do not have cell walls.
11. Explain why animal cells do not contain chloroplasts.