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MCAT Biology > 1: Cell Theory > Flashcards

1: Cell Theory Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the four tenets of the cell theory?

A
  1. All living things are composed of cells.
  2. The cell is the basic functional unit of life.
  3. Cells arise only from preexisting cells.
  4. Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA. This genetic material is passed on from parent to daughter cell.
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2
Q

Are viruses considered living organisms?

A

No. They can only replicate by invading cells.

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3
Q

What is the nucleus? Name some of its features.

A

The nucleus contains all of the genetic material necessary for replication. It is surrounded by a double membrane that maintains a nuclear environment distinct from the cytoplasm. Nuclear pores in the membrane allow selective two-way exchange of material between the cytoplasm and the nucleus.

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4
Q

Linear DNA is wound around organizing proteins known as _______, and is then further wound into linear stands called ________.

A

Histones; chromosomes

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5
Q

What is synthesized in the nucleolus?

A

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

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6
Q

The inner membrane of the mitochondria is characterized by numerous infoldings called _______.

A

Cristae

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7
Q

The space between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes is called the _______ _______. The space inside the inner membrane is called the _______ ______.

A

Intermembrane space; mitochondrial matrix

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8
Q

What is cytoplasmic (or extranuclear) inheritance?

A

The transmission of genetic material independent of the nucleus.

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9
Q

Programmed cell death is called _______.

A

Apoptosis

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10
Q

What are lysosomes?

A

Lysosomes are membrane-bound structures containing hydrolytic enzymes that are capable of breaking down many different substrates, including substances ingested by endocytosis and cellular waste products.

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11
Q

What are endosomes?

A

Endosomes transport, package, and sort cell material travelling to and from the membrane.

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12
Q

The ________ ________ is a series of interconnected membranes that are actually contiguous with the nuclear envelope.

A

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

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13
Q

This type of ER is studded with ribosomes, which permit the translation of proteins destined for secretion directly into its lumen.

A

Rough ER (RER)

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14
Q

This type of ER lacks ribosomes and is utilized primarily for lipid synthesis and the detoxification of certain drugs and poisons.

A

Smooth ER (SER)

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15
Q

What are some functions of the Golgi apparatus?

A
  1. Take vesicles from the ER and modify the contents, adding groups such as carbohydrates, phosphates, and sulfates.
  2. Modify cellular products through the introduction of signal sequences that direct delivery of the contents to specific locations in the cell.
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16
Q

What is the name of the process in which secretory vesicles merge with the cell membrane to release their contents to the extracellular space?

A

Exocytosis

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17
Q

True or false: Cells have the same relative distribution of organelles.

A

False. Form follows function. For example, sperm cells have high concentrations of mitochondria due to the energy requirements of locomotion.

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18
Q

What are peroxisomes?

A

Peroxisomes are organelles that contain hydrogen peroxide. One of their primary functions is the breakdown of very long chain fatty acids via beta-oxidation.

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19
Q

The _______ provides structure to the cell and helps it to maintain its shape.

A

Cytoskeleton

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20
Q

What are the three components of the cytoskeleton?

A
  1. Microfilaments
  2. Microtubules
  3. Intermediate filaments
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21
Q

Microfilaments are made up of solid polymerized rods of ______.

A

Actin

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22
Q

Microfilaments play a role in cytokinesis (the division of materials between daughter cells). What is this role?

A

During mitosis, the cleavage furrow is formed from microfilaments.

23
Q

Microtubules are hollow polymers of what type of protein?

A

Tubulin

24
Q

Microtubules provide the primary pathways along which motor proteins carry vesicles. Name two examples of these motor proteins.

A

Kinesin and dynein

25
Q

This type of motile structure, composed of microtubules, are projections from a cell that are primarily involved in movement of materials along the surface of the cell.

A

Cilia.

Example: Cilia line the respiratory tract and are involved in the movement of mucus.

26
Q

This type of motile structure, composed of microtubules, are involved in movement of the cell itself.

A

Flagella.

Example: A sperm cell has a single flagellum.

27
Q

Cilia and flagella share the same structure. What is a name for this structure?

A

9 + 2 (nine pairs of microtubules form an outer ring, while two microtubules are in the center)

28
Q

True or false: The 9 + 2 structure is seen only in EUKARYOTIC organelles of motility.

A

True. Bacterial flagella have a different structure.

29
Q

Centrioles are found in a region of the cell called the _______. They are composed of _________.

A

Centrosome; microtubules

30
Q

What are the four types of tissue?

A
  1. Epithelial
  2. Connective
  3. Muscle
  4. Nervous
31
Q

Where do we find epithelial tissue in the body?

A

Epithelial tissues cover the body and line its cavities.

32
Q

To remain one cohesive unit, epithelial cells are tightly joined to each other and to an underlying layer of connective tissue known as the _______ _______.

A

Basement membrane

33
Q

The functional parts of an organ are called the ______.

A

Parenchyma

34
Q

What type of epithelial cells are flat and scalelike?

A

Squamous epithelial cells

35
Q

What is the main function of connective tissue?

A

Connective tissue supports the body and provides a framework for the epithelial cells to carry out their functions.

36
Q

Whereas epithelial cells contribute to the parenchyma of an organ, connective tissues are the main contributors to the _______ or support structure.

A

Stroma

37
Q

List some examples of connective tissue.

A
  1. Bone
  2. Cartilage
  3. Tendons
  4. Ligaments
  5. Blood
38
Q

Most cells in connective tissues produce and secrete materials such as collagen and elastin to form the _______ ________.

A

Extracellular matrix

39
Q

The genetic material of prokaryotes is organized into a single circular molecule of DNA concentrated in an area of the cell called the ______ ______.

A

Nucleoid region

40
Q

Which two domains of life consist of prokaryotes?

A

Archaea and Bacteria

41
Q

What are some cell features shared by all bacteria?

A
  1. Cell membrane
  2. Cytoplasm
  3. Ribosomes
  4. Genetic material (DNA)
42
Q

Most bacteria exist in which three shapes?

A
  1. Cocci (spherical)
  2. Bacilli (rod-shaped)
  3. Spirilli (spiral-shaped)
43
Q

Bacteria that require oxygen for metabolism are termed _____ ______.

A

Obligate aerobes

44
Q

Anaerobes that cannot survive in an oxygen-containing environment are termed ______ ______.

A

Obligate anaerobes

45
Q

Some bacteria can use oxygen for aerobic metabolism if it is present, and switch to anaerobic metabolism if it is not. These bacteria are called _____ ______.

A

Facultative anaerobes

46
Q

Which type of anaerobe is not able to use oxygen for metabolism but is not harmed by its presence?

A

Aerotolerant anaerobe

47
Q

Name the two main types of bacterial cell wall.

A

Gram-positive (absorbs crystal violet stain) and gram-negative (absorbs safranin counterstain).

48
Q

Gram-positive cell walls consist of a thick layer of ______ and also contain which acid?

A

Peptidoglycan; lipoteichoic acid

49
Q

In addition to the cell wall and cell membrane, gram-negative bacteria also have outer membranes containing phospholipids and _________. It is this component that triggers an immune response in humans.

A

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)

50
Q

The ability of a cell to detect chemical stimuli and move toward or away from them is called _______.

A

Chemotaxis

51
Q

Bacterial flagella are composed of which three main components?

A
  1. The filament (a hollow, helical structure composed of flagellin)
  2. The basal body (anchors the flagella to the cytoplasmic membrane; serves as the motor)
  3. The hook (connects the filament and basal body)
52
Q

Bacterial DNA acquired from outside sources may be carried on small circular structures known as ______.

A

Plasmids

53
Q

Prokaryotic ribosomes contain ___S and ___S subunits.

A

30; 50

54
Q

Eukaryotic ribosomes contain ___S and ___S subunits.

A

40; 60

MCAT Biology (6 decks)

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