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Biology > 2.1 - Cell structure > Flashcards

2.1 - Cell structure Flashcards

1
Q

Draw a diagram of the cell-surface membrane and describe its function

A
  • phospholipid bilayer
  • proteins: receptors
  • cholesterol: controls membrane fluidity
    Function: to control what enters and leaves the cell
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2
Q

Draw the structure of the nucleus and describe its function

A
  • nuclear envelope: controls passage of ions, molecules, RNA, between nucleoplasm and cytoplasm
  • nucleolus: assembling ribosomal subunits
  • chromatin
  • nucleoplasm
    Function: genetic info to code for protein synthesis
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3
Q

Draw the structure of the mitochondria and describe its function

A
  • cristae
  • mitochondrial matrix: contains respiratory enzymes
  • double membrane
    Function: producing ATP via aerobic respiration
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4
Q

Draw the structure of a chloroplast and describe its function

A
  • thylakoids
  • grana
  • lamellae
  • stroma
  • double membrane
    Function: site of photosynthesis
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5
Q

Draw the structure of the Golgi apparatus and vesicles and describe their functions

A

apparatus: modifies and packages proteins and lipids
vesicles: transport these to target cells
- also produces lysosomes

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6
Q

Draw the structure of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and describe its function

A
  • has ribosomes on its surface
    Function: folds and processes proteins
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6
Q

What is the function of a ribosome?

A

site of protein synthesis

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6
Q

What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

A

making and processing lipids

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7
Q

What is the function of the cell wall?

A

Function: provide structural support to cell

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8
Q

Describe the structure and function of a lysosome

A
  • vesicles containing digestive enzymes bound by a single membrane
    Function: breakdown of proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, old organelles
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9
Q

Draw the structure of a vacuole and describe its function

A
  • tonoplast
    Function: keep cell rigid and isolate unwanted chemicals
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10
Q

Describe the function of the cytoplasm

A

site of many metabolic reactions in the cell

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11
Q

List the key differences between a eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell

A
  • prokaryotes are smaller
  • prokaryotes have no membrane-bound organelles in cytoplasm, eukaryotes do
  • eukaryotes have golgi and mitochondria, prokaryotes don’t
  • prokaryotes have smaller 70S ribosomes whereas eukaryotes have larger 80S
  • prokaryotes have no nucleus, eukaryotes do
  • prokaryotes have a murein cell wall, eukaryotes have no cell wall
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12
Q

List features that SOME prokaryotes have, but not all

A
  • 1 or more plasmids
  • capsule surrounding cell
  • 1 or more flagella
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13
Q

Describe the general structure of a virus and draw a diagram

A
  • genetic material
  • capsid (protein coat)
  • attachment protein
  • (sometimes lipid envelope)
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14
Q

Describe how an optical microscope works, as well as its advantages and disadvantages

A
  • uses light and focuses using lenses
  • live specimens can be used
  • sample shown in colour
  • low resolution compared to other microscopes
15
Q

Describe how a transmission electron microscope works, as well as its advantages and disadvantages

A
  • uses electrons and focuses using magnets

Adv and disadvantages:
- high resolution due to shorter wavelength of electrons so smaller organelles can be observed
- only dead specimens can be used
- sample is shown in black and white
- requires thinner specimens
- requires complex preparation
- produces 2D images

16
Q

Describe how a scanning electron microscope works, as well as its advantages and disadvantages

A
  • uses electrons
  • produces 3D images
  • lower resolution than TEM
17
Q

Define magnification

A

how many times larger the image of a specimen observed is than the actual size of the specimen

18
Q

Define resolution

A

the minimum distance 2 objects can be distinguished as separate in an image

19
Q

What is the formula to calculate magnification?

A

image size/actual size

20
Q

Describe the process of cell fractionation and ultracentrifugation

A
  • blend sample in homogeniser to form homogenate
  • ensure solution ice-cold, buffered and isotonic
  • filter homogenate to remove cell debris
  • spin in centrifuge at low speed
  • densest organelle forms pellet first
  • decant supernatant and re-spin in another test tube at a higher speed
  • next densest organelle forms pellet and so on
21
Q

What are some examples of artefacts?

A

dust, air bubbles, fingerprints

22
Q

Explain why the solution used in cell fractionation should be ice-cold, buffered and isotonic

A

ice-cold: prevent enzymes damaging organelles
buffered: keep pH constant so enzymes don’t denature
isotonic: keeps water potential constant so no water enters or leaves the cell by osmosis, which could cause shrinkage or lysis

23
Q

Order that organelles form a pellet in ultracentrifugation

A
  • nuclei
  • chloroplasts (if using plant tissue)
  • mitochondria
  • lysosomes
  • endoplasmic reticulum
  • ribosomes
24
Q

Describe the structure and function of centrioles

A
  • hollow cylinders containing ring of microtubules
    Function: produce spindle fibres for cell division
25
Q

Describe the structure and function of capsule

A
  • protective, slimy layer
    Function: helps cell to retain moisture and adhere to surfaces
26
Q

Describe the structure of a plasmid

A

circular DNA

27
Q

Describe the structure of a flagellum

A

tail-like structure which rotates to move the cell

28
Q

Describe the structure of pili

A

hair-like structures which attach to other bacterial cells

29
Q

Name structures prokaryotes contain that eukaryotes don’t

A
  • cell wall
  • capsule
  • plasmid
  • flagellum
  • pili
30
Q

Name differences between DNA in chloroplasts and nucleus

A

chloroplasts: DNA not associated with histones
nucleus: DNA associated with histones

31
Q

Outline the role of organelles in the production, transport and release of proteins from eukaryotic cells

A
  • DNA in nucleus is code
  • ribosomes produce protein
  • mitochondria produce ATP for protein synthesis
  • golgi package/modify proteins
  • vesicles transport proteins
32
Q

Name an organelle found in both a chloroplast and a prokaryotic cell

A

ribosome

33
Q

Describe how you could make a temporary mount of a piece of plant tissue to observe the position of starch grains in the cells when using an optical microscope

A
  • add drop of water to slide
  • obtain thin section of tissue and place on slide
  • stain with iodine
  • lower cover slip using mounted needle

Biology (40 decks)

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