Question 1: Define an animal cell and describe its primary function in the body.

Answer: An animal cell is a eukaryotic cell characterised by a flexible cell membrane and various organelles, primarily responsible for carrying out life processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction within tissues.

Question 2: Name three key organelles found in animal cells and briefly state their functions.

Answer: Nucleus (controls cell activities), mitochondria (produce energy through respiration), cytoplasm (gel-like substance where organelles are suspended).

Question 3: Explain how the nucleus differs from other organelles within an animal cell.

Answer: The nucleus contains genetic material (DNA) and controls the activities of the cell, whereas other organelles have specific functions like energy production or protein synthesis.

Question 4: Calculate the surface area to volume ratio of a spherical animal cell with a diameter of 20 micrometres. (Use the formulas: Surface Area = 4πr², Volume = (4/3)πr³). Express your answer in μm⁻¹.

Answer: Surface Area = 1256.64 μm², Volume = 4188.79 μm³, Ratio = 0.30 μm⁻¹

Question 5: Identify which animal cell organelle is responsible for energy production and describe its process.

Answer: Mitochondria are responsible for energy production through cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down to produce ATP.

Question 6: In a laboratory experiment, which safety precautions should be taken when handling biological samples of animal cells?

Answer: Wear gloves and lab coats, avoid ingestion or inhalation of samples, and dispose of waste properly.

Question 7: Describe a simple method to observe animal cells under a microscope.

Answer: Prepare a wet mount slide by placing a small sample of tissue or cheek cells on a glass slide, add a drop of stain if necessary, cover with a cover slip, and observe under a microscope starting with low magnification to identify cell structures.

Question 8: Explain the importance of the cell membrane in animal cells.

Answer: The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell, maintaining a stable internal environment and allowing communication with other cells.

Question 9: Identify a real-world application where understanding animal cell structure is crucial.

Answer: In medical research, understanding cell structure is essential for developing treatments for diseases like cancer, where cell growth and division are abnormal.

Question 10: Using the knowledge of animal cell organelles, justify why a deficiency in mitochondria could lead to fatigue and low energy levels.

Answer: Mitochondria produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. A deficiency would reduce energy production, resulting in fatigue and low energy levels as cells cannot perform their functions efficiently.