10 - Eukaryotic structure and function* Flashcards
Multicellular forms of eukaryotic organisms
vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plants, algae and some fungi
Unicellular forms of eukaryotic organisms
protists (protozoa, microalgae), yeasts, many other fungi
what do all eukaryotic cells have in common
- membrane-delimited nuclei
- membrane-bound, compartmentalised organelles that perform specific functions
- intracytoplasmic membrane complex serves as transport system
- more structurally complex and generally larger than bacterial or archaeal cells
different ways of protection and retention of cell contents
- Plasma membrane
- Cell wall
- Glycocalyx
- Cytoplasm and cytoskeleton
Plasma membrane
- All eukaryotic cells have plasma membranes
- Similar in structure and function to that of prokaryotes
- Retains cell contents
- Controls exchange with the external environment
- Consists of a phospholipid bilayer with sphingolipids and sterols that effect permeability and transport
- Heterogenous with lipid rafts
Cell wall
Only plants, algae, fungi and some stages of parasites have cell walls.
Animal, protozoan and other eukaryotic cells lack cell walls and have less rigid cell shapes
What is the composition of eukaryotic cell walls
- Different to prokaryotes
- Plants: cellulose
- Fungi: Chitin, glycans, protein
- Algae: Pectins, cellulose
How is cell shape maintained in a cell membrane
- Chemicals (sterols) embedded in plasma membrane (lipid rafts)
- The cytoskeleton (network of flexible fibres and microtubules)
- Some protists have a thin protein ‘pellicle’ layer supporting the membrane
Glycocalyx
- Gel like external cell coating
- Usually carbohydrate
- Anchored to membrane
Functions of glycocalyx
- Strengthens cell surface
- Helps attach cells together
- Cell-cell recognition/signalling
- Protection
Cytoplasm
Complex structure of liquid component with structural framework that support the various different organelles
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a scaffold within the cytoplasm that is composed of three types of filaments providing structural integrity and transport
3 filaments of the cytoskeleton
- Actin filaments (microfilaments)
- Intermediate filaments
- microtubules
Structures that control cell activities and processes
The nucleus and ribosomes
The nucleus
Cell control centre determining cellular activities, most prominent organelle. Information for cell control is encoded on numerous long, linear DNA chromosomes.