1.1 Cells Flashcards
What are cells?
The smallest unit of life that can replicate independently
What’s the difference between animal and plant cells dividing and bacteria dividing?
Each bacteria cell is a whole organism, so when it divides it is called asexual reproduction. Animal and plant cells are multicellular, meaning they contain many cells. This means that when they divide they are just growing or replacing dead cells.
What is the function of the cell membrane?
Controls which substances can pass in and out of the cell
What is the function of the nucleus?
Contains genetic material/DNA which is arranged into chromosomes - controls activity of the cell
What is the function of the cytoplasm?
It’s where the other subcellular structures sit, and where chemical reactions take place
What is the function of the mitochondria?
Contains the enzymes needed to control most of the reactions in aerobic respiration. Respiration transfers energy that the cell needs to work
What is the function of ribosomes?
It’s the site of protein synthesis
What subcellular structures do both plant and animal cells contain? (5)
- nucleus
- cytoplasm
- a partially permeable cell membrane
- mitochondria
- ribosomes
What 3 other subcellular structures does the plant cell contain that the animal cell doesn’t?
- rigid cell wall
- large vacuole
- chloroplasts
What is the function of the rigid cell wall?
It is made of cellulose and it supports the cell and strengthens it
What is the function of the permanent vacuole?
It contains cell sap (mixture of sugars, salts, water) that the cell can use whenever it needs to
What is the function of chloroplasts?
This is the site of photosynthesis, which is where plants use energy from the sun to make sugars like glucose. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll which absorbs the light energy.
What type of cell is a bacteria cell?
Prokaryotic
What type of cell is an animal and a plant cell?
Eukaryotic
Are prokaryotic cells unicellular or multicellular?
Unicellular
