2.1 Cell Structure Flashcards
What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
It contains enzymes that catalyse lipid metabolic reactions.
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
It provides a large surface area for ribosomes and is the intracellular transport system.
What is the function of the golgi apparatus?
It processes and packages proteins to be pinched of into vesicles.
What is the function of the mitochondria?
The site of ATP production during respiration which releases energy when hydrolysed.
What are the functions of the nucleus?
- control centre of the cell
- contains the genome of the cell
- transmits genetic information
- provides transcription for protein synthesis
What is the function of chloroplasts (plants)?
It is the site of photosynthesis and contains chlorophyll which traps light energy.
What is the function of the vacuole (plant)?
Maintains the stability of the cell.
What is the function of the lysosomes?
It separates the hydrolytic enzymes from the rest of the cell.
What are the functions of ribosomes?
The site of protein synthesis (on RER for external proteins, free-floating ribosomes for internal proteins).
What are the functions of centrioles?
Forms spindle fibres that help the nucleus divide.
What is the function of the cell wall (plant)?
Protects the cell and maintains strength (is not an organelle).
What is the function of the microfilaments in the cytoskeleton?
To allow the cell to move and resist cell tension.
What is the function of the intermediate filaments in the cytoskeleton?
To hold the cell in place.
What is the function of the microtubules in the cytoskeleton.
To resist compressive forces.
What are the 4 steps in the cell theory?
Cells-Tissues-Organs-Organ Systems
What is magnification?
How much bigger an object appears compared to its actual size.
What is resolution?
The ability to distinguish between two different objects.
What are the 2 types of electron microscope?
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
What are the features of a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)?
- 2D and black and white
- the specimen has to be fixed and stained
- electrons pass through it
What are the features of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)?
- 3D and black and white
- the electrons bounce of the specimen to produce an image
- the specimen has to be placed in a vacuum
What are the advantages of a light microscope?
It is cheap and easy to use
What are the disadvantages of a light microscope?
It has a low magnification and a low resolution, as a result it can only see large cell organelles.
What are Laser Scanning Microscopes also called.
Confocal microscopes.
What are the advantages of Laser Scanning Microscopes?
They are high resolution and high magnification, they are used for research.
