1. Cell Biology (cell structure) Flashcards
What are eukaryotic cells?
Plant and animal cells, that have genetic information enclosed in a nucleus
What are prokaryotic cells?
Bacterial cells. Their genetic information is not enclosed in a nucleus.
What is the function of the nucleus?
It controls the activities of the cell and is where the genetic information is enclosed.
What is the function of the mitochondria?
It releases energy for the cell via aerobic respiration
What is the function of the cytoplasm?
The cytoplasm is a jelly like substance where all the chemical reactions take place
What does the ribosome do?
Where protein synthesis takes place (the making of protein)
What is the function of the cell wall?
The cell wall keeps the cell rigid and strong, and is made of cellulose
What is the role of the permanent vacuole?
The vacuole contains cell sap, a weak solution of sugars and salts. It acts like a pump for the cell, keeping it turgid
What is the function of the chloroplasts?
- It is the site of photosynthesis
- It contains a green pigment called chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight needed for photosynthesis
What is the function of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell. Eg, proteins, water, sugars
What is the flagellum and what is its function?
The flagellum is a long hair like structure that helps to rotate and move the cell.
What are plasmids?
Small loops of extra DNA that are not part of the chromosomal DNA
What is the chromosomal DNA in bacteria?
The free floating, single loop of DNA inside the cytoplasm (instead of nucleus)
What organelles do plant cells have that animal cells do not?
- Cellulose cell wall
- Vacuole
- Chloroplasts
What are the common organelles that usually both plant and animal cells have?
- Nucleus
- Mitochondria
- Cell membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Ribosomes
What are the differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells?
- Eukaryotes have membrane bound organelles whereas prokaryotes do not
- Eukaryotes have larger ribosomes than the ribosomes in prokaryotes
- Prokaryotes are much smaller than eukaryotes
- Eukaryotes have their genetic information enclosed in a nucleus whereas prokaryotes do not
What cells, other than plant cells, have a cell wall made from cellulose?
Algal cells
In a bacteria cell, where is the genetic information?
In the free-floating chromosomal DNA and in plasmids
Which cells are smaller, prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Prokaryotic cells
What is the structure of DNA in eukaryotes?
double helix structure
What is a double-helix structure in DNA?
When you unwind the chromosome it is linear
What are prokaryotes coated with?
A polysaccharide capsule, which is a complex carbohydrate coated around the bacterium.
What are the usual structures that make up a bacterial cell?
- Single, free-flowing, loop of DNA
- Plasmids
- Cytoplasm
- Cell membrane
- Cell wall
What do plasmids contain genes for?
Drug resistance, which is passed down between generations in bacteria
