2.1.1a Cell Ultrastructure Flashcards
What are prokaryotic organisms
Single celled organisms. Genetic material in prokaryotic cells are not enclosed by a nucleus
eg. bacteria
What are eukaryotic organisms
Multi-cellular organisms consisting of one or more cells that contain DNA in a membrane-bound nucleus, separate from the cytoplasm
eg. eukaryotes include animals, plants, fungi, protists
All eukaryotic cells contain a large number of specialised, membrane-bound organelles
3 structural components of the cytoskeleton
- Microfilaments
- Microtubules
- Intermediate fibres
Functions of the cytoskeleton
- Providing mechanical strength, support & stability to the whole cell (maintaining cell shape)
- Allows movement of cilia/flagella
- Changing shape of cells (cytokinesis, phagocytosis)
- Organelles can be moved or held in place
- Movement of chromosomes, chromatids, mRNA
- Movement of vesicles along microtubules
What are Microfilaments (in cytoskeleton)
Fibres made from the protein, actin. They are responsible for movement of the cell & cytoplasm during cytokinesis
What are Microtubules (in cytoskeleton )
Formed by the globular protein, tubule. They polymerise to form tubes that determine the shape of the cell. They also act as tracks for organelles moving around the cell
What are Intermediate Fibres (in cytoskeleton)
Gives strength to cells & helps maintain integrity
4 components of the Nucleus
- Double Nuclear Envelope
- Nuclear Pores
- Nucleolus
- Chromatin
What are Double Nuclear Envelopes (in nucleus)
A double membrane which compartmentalises the nucleus & prevents damage. This protects the DNA
What are Nuclear Pores (in nucleus)
Allows molecules to enter (eg. nucleotides for DNA replication) & leave the cell (eg. mRNA leaves the cell)
What is the Nucleolus (in nucleus)
Site of ribosome production. Composed of RNA & proteins
What is the Chromatin (in nucleus)
Chromatin is the DNA (with associated histone proteins). It contains the genetic code which controls the activity of the cell
Functions of the Nucleus
- Controls all the activity of the cell
- Where the genetic code (DNA) of the cell is stored, replicated & copied into RNA (transcribed)
- The nucleus is attached to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum so the mRNA can easily get to ribosomes
What does Rough ER stand for
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Structure of Rough ER
Stacks of membrane bound (fluid filled) sacs which form sheets called cisternae
What is the Rough ER
The Rough ER is attached to the nucleus & covered with ribosomes. It consists of an interconnected system of flattened sacs
Function of the Rough ER
Site of protein synthesis
What does Smooth ER stand for
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
What is the Smooth ER
Similar to Rough ER BUT lacks ribosomes. It is a system of interconnected tubules
Function of the Smooth ER
Responsible for lipid, carbohydrate & steroid synthesis as well as storage