1. The characteristics of a virus include being a small, infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism, having a genetic material (either DNA or RNA), being unable to carry out metabolic processes or reproduce on their own, and causing diseases in their host organisms.
2. The characteristics of living things that ensure the survival of the species include the ability to reproduce and pass on genes to the next generation, the ability to adapt and respond to changes in the environment, the ability to obtain and use energy for growth, and the ability to interact and communicate with other members of the same species.
3. The organelle that allows plant cells to make their own food is the chloroplast. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures sunlight and converts it into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.
4. The function of the plasma membrane is to regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintain the cell's shape and integrity, and allow for communication with the external environment. It is found in all types of cells, including animal cells, plant cells, and bacterial cells.
5. The organelle responsible for processing sugar is the mitochondria. Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses" of the cell because they generate energy in the form of ATP through the process of cellular respiration, which breaks down sugars to release energy.
6. The function of a pseudopod is to allow certain cells, such as amoebas and white blood cells, to move and engulf food or pathogens. Pseudopods are temporary extensions of the cell membrane that can change shape and move in a crawling motion.
7. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. This process takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
8. The main difference between cells in leaves and roots is their specialized functions. Leaf cells are responsible for photosynthesis and often have more chloroplasts to maximize sunlight absorption, while root cells are responsible for absorbing water and minerals from the soil and may have specialized structures like root hairs.
9. Root cells obtain energy through the process of cellular respiration, in which glucose is broken down to produce ATP. The mitochondria are involved in this process, as they are the site of the biochemical reactions that generate ATP.
10. Animal cells do not have a central vacuole or a cell wall because they do not need to maintain turgor pressure (the pressure that keeps plant cells rigid) and they rely on other structures like the cytoskeleton for support and movement.
11. Unicellular organisms digest food differently than multicellular organisms because they lack specialized organs like a digestive system. Unicellular organisms typically engulf their food through processes like phagocytosis, whereas multicellular organisms have specific organs and enzymes for digestion, absorption, and excretion.
Use 3-5 sentences for each answer
What are the characteristics of a virus?
Which characteristics of living things ensure the survival of the species?
What organelle allows plant cells to make their own food?
What is the function of the plasma membrane? What cells is it found in?
What organelle is responsible for processing sugar?
What is the function of a pseudopod? Where is it present?
What is photosynthesis? What cell does this process?
What is the difference between cells in leaves v. roots?
How do root cells obtain energy? What organelles are involved?
Why do animal cells not have a central vacuole or a cell wall?
How do unicellular organisms digest food differently than multicellular organisms?
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