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Biology Module 2 - Own Flashcards > 2.4 - Eukaryotic Cell Structure > Flashcards

2.4 - Eukaryotic Cell Structure Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary purpose of microscopes?

A

Microscopes make cells visible and allow us to look deep inside individual cells to study their structure and organization.

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2
Q

How do microscopes help in understanding cell function?

A

By enabling detailed observation of cellular structures, microscopes help relate the structure of cells to their specific functions.

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3
Q

What can microscopy reveal about cells?

A

Microscopy reveals how cells are organized, how they function in healthy states, and the changes that occur when cells are attacked or diseased.

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4
Q

Why is microscopy important in medical and biological research?

A

It allows researchers to investigate cellular processes and observe changes that are critical for diagnosing and understanding diseases.

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5
Q

What is the basic unit of all living things?

A

The Cell.

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6
Q

Describe prokaryotic cells.

A

Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms with a simple structure, consisting of a single undivided internal area called the cytoplasm, which is composed of cytosol (water, salts, and organic molecules).

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7
Q

What are the two fundamental types of cells?

A

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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8
Q

What type of organisms are made up of eukaryotic cells?

A

Multicellular organisms such as animals, plants, and fungi.

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9
Q

What does “ultrastructure” of a cell refer to?

A

The features of a cell that can be seen using an electron microscope.

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10
Q

What are the fundamental processes of life in cells?

A

Chemical reactions, which require enzymes and specific reaction conditions.

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11
Q

What does metabolism in cells involve?

A

The synthesis (building up) and the breakdown of molecules.

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12
Q

Where do chemical reactions take place in a cell?

A

In different regions of the cell’s ultrastructure, often within the cytoplasm.

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13
Q

What separates the cell cytoplasm from the external environment?

A

The cell surface membrane.

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14
Q

How is the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells organized?

A

It is divided into membrane-bound compartments known as organelles.

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15
Q

What is the cytoplasm made up of?

A

Cytosol (made up of water, salts and organic molecules)

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16
Q

Why are membranes important in eukaryotic cells?

A

Membranes are selectively permeable, controlling the movement of substances into and out of cells and organelles, and providing distinct environments for reactions.

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17
Q

What is a limitation of membranes despite their effectiveness as barriers?

A

They are fragile.

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18
Q

What is the function of organelles in eukaryotic cells?

A

Each organelle has a distinct structure and function, contributing to cellular processes.

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19
Q

List all the organelles mentioned as part of eukaryotic cells in this topic.

A
  1. Plasma (cell surface) membrane
  2. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
  3. Nucleolus
  4. Nucleus
  5. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
  6. Lysosome
  7. Ribosome
  8. Nuclear envelope
  9. Golgi apparatus
  10. Cytoplasm
  11. Mitochondrion
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20
Q

What is the structure of the plasma (cell surface) membrane?

A

Phospholipid bilayer with embedded intrinsic and extrinsic proteins.

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21
Q

What is the function of the plasma (cell surface) membrane?

A
  1. Manatins Structural Integrity
  2. Acts as a barrier, by controlling the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
  3. Also has receptor molecules, which allow it to respond to chemicals like hormones.
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22
Q

What is the primary function of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell?

A

The nucleus stores and manages genetic information in the form of DNA and controls the metabolic activities of the cell by directing protein synthesis.

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23
Q

Why is the nucleus often the largest organelle in a cell?

A

Because it houses DNA, which directs the synthesis of all proteins required by the cell, including enzymes necessary for metabolism.

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24
Q

What is the nuclear envelope, and what is its function?

A

The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that encloses DNA to protect it from damage in the cytoplasm.

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25
Q

What structures in the nuclear envelope allow the movement of molecules?

A

Nuclear pores allow molecules, such as RNA, to move in and out of the nucleus.

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26
Q

Why can DNA not leave the nucleus, and how is this problem solved?

A

DNA is too large to leave the nucleus. Instead, it is transcribed into smaller RNA molecules, which can exit through the nuclear pores.

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27
Q

What is the role of RNA molecules in protein synthesis?

A

RNA molecules carry the genetic information from DNA to ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs.

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28
Q

What are histones, and what is their role in the nucleus?

A

Histones are proteins that DNA associates with to form chromatin, which organizes and stabilizes the DNA.

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29
Q

What is chromatin, and what does it form during cell division?

A

Chromatin is a complex of DNA and histone proteins. It coils and condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

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30
Q

How does the nucleus indirectly control metabolism?

A

By directing the synthesis of proteins, including enzymes that catalyze metabolic reactions.

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31
Q

What is the significance of nuclear pores?

A

Nuclear pores allow the selective movement of molecules, such as RNA and nucleotides, ensuring proper communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

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32
Q

What is the nucleolus, and where is it located?

A

The nucleolus is a distinct region within the nucleus responsible for producing ribosomes.

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33
Q

What is the nucleolus composed of?

A

The nucleolus is composed of proteins and RNA.

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34
Q

What role does RNA play in the nucleolus?

A

RNA in the nucleolus is used to produce ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

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35
Q

How are ribosomes formed in the nucleolus?

A

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is combined with proteins in the nucleolus to form ribosomes.

36
Q

Why is the nucleolus essential for protein synthesis?

A

It produces ribosomes, which are the sites of protein synthesis in the cell.

37
Q

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

A

Mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration, where ATP is produced.

38
Q

How does the number of mitochondria in a cell relate to its activity level?

A

The number of mitochondria in a cell reflects its energy usage; very active cells usually have many mitochondria.

39
Q

Describe the structure of mitochondria.

A

Mitochondria have a double membrane. The inner membrane is highly folded into structures called cristae, and the fluid interior is called the matrix.

40
Q

What is the function of the cristae in mitochondria?

A

The cristae contain enzymes necessary for aerobic respiration.

41
Q

What unique genetic feature do mitochondria have?

A

Mitochondria contain a small amount of their own DNA, called mitochondrial DNA.

42
Q

Why is mitochondrial DNA important?

A

It allows mitochondria to produce their own enzymes and reproduce independently.

43
Q

What type of cells are likely to have a high number of mitochondria?

A

Cells with high energy demands, such as muscle cells.

44
Q

What are vesicles, and what are their primary roles?

A

Vesicles are membranous sacs with a single membrane and fluid inside. They are responsible for storage and transporting materials within the cell.

45
Q

How do lysosomes differ from regular vesicles?

A

Lysosomes are specialized vesicles that contain hydrolytic enzymes for breaking down waste material and old organelles / worn out components in the cell. They can also be used to digest invading cells.

46
Q

What role do lysosomes play in the immune system?

A

Lysosomes break down pathogens ingested by phagocytic cells, aiding in immune defense.

47
Q

What is apoptosis, and how are lysosomes involved?

A

Apoptosis is programmed cell death, and lysosomes play a role by breaking down cellular components during this process.

48
Q

What type of enzymes do lysosomes contain?

A

Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes.

49
Q

Why is it important for lysosomes to break down old organelles?

A

This prevents the accumulation of non-functional components and allows the cell to recycle useful materials.

50
Q

What is the cytoskeleton, and where is it found?

A

The cytoskeleton is a network of fibers present throughout the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. It is necessary for the shape, stability, and movement of the cell and its organelles.

51
Q

What are the three components of the cytoskeleton?

A
  1. Microfilaments
  2. Microtubules
  3. Intermediate fibers
52
Q

What are microfilaments, and what are their functions?

A

Microfilaments are contractile fibers formed from the protein actin. They are responsible for cell movement and cell contraction during cytokinesis, the division of cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells.

53
Q

Describe the structure and role of microtubules in the cytoskeleton.

A

Microtubules are made of polymerized globular tubulin proteins forming tube-like structures. They determine cell shape, serve as tracks for organelle movement (e.g., vesicles), and form spindle fibers that segregate chromosomes during cell division.

54
Q

What role do intermediate fibers play in the cytoskeleton?

A

Intermediate fibers provide mechanical strength to cells and help maintain their integrity.

55
Q

Which component of the cytoskeleton is involved in cytokinesis?

A

Microfilaments are involved in cytokinesis, facilitating cell contraction to divide the cytoplasm

56
Q

What cytoskeletal component forms the spindle fibers in cell division?

A

Microtubules form the spindle fibers, which are crucial for the segregation of chromosomes.

57
Q

How does the cytoskeleton contribute to organelle movement?

A

Microtubules act as tracks for the movement of organelles, such as vesicles, within the cell.

58
Q

What are centrioles, and where are they found?

A

Centrioles are components of the cytoskeleton present in most eukaryotic cells, except for flowering plants and most fungi. They are small hollow cylinders composed of microtubules.

59
Q

What is the structure of centrioles?

A

Centrioles are small, hollow cylinders made of microtubules.

60
Q

What role do centrioles play in cell division?

A

Two associated centrioles form the centrosome, which is involved in the assembly and organization of spindle fibers during cell division.

61
Q

How do centrioles contribute to the function of flagella and cilia?

A

In organisms with flagella and cilia, centrioles are thought to play a role in the positioning and formation of these structures.

62
Q

What is the centrosome, and how is it related to centrioles?

A

The centrosome is the region where two centrioles are associated, and it plays a key role in organizing the spindle fibers during cell division.

63
Q

What are flagella and cilia, and what is their basic difference?

A

Flagella are whip-like extensions, while cilia are hair-like extensions. Flagella are longer than cilia, but cilia are usually present in much greater numbers.

64
Q

What is the primary function of flagella in cells?

A

Flagella are primarily used for enabling cell mobility. In some cells, they also function as sensory organelles that detect chemical changes in the cell’s environment.

65
Q

What is the structure of flagella in eukaryotic cells?

A

Flagella in eukaryotic cells are similar to cilia but longer. They are surrounded by the plasma membrane and contain two central microtubules and 9 pairs of microtubules around the edge.

66
Q

How do flagella move, and what is their function?

A

The microtubules contract to make the flagellum move. Flagella act like outboard motors to propel cells forward, for example, in the swimming movement of sperm cells.

67
Q

What is the function of cilia, and where are they found?

A

Cilia can be mobile or stationary. Mobile cilia beat in a rhythmic manner to move fluids or objects adjacent to the cell. For example, cilia in the trachea move mucus away from the lungs, and in the fallopian tubes, they move eggs from the ovary to the uterus.

68
Q

What is the structural arrangement of microtubules in cilia?

A

Cilia have a “9 + 2” arrangement, consisting of 9 pairs of microtubules around the edge and 2 central microtubules.

69
Q

How do cilia create their movement?

A

Pairs of parallel microtubules slide over each other, causing the cilia to beat in a rhythmic motion.

70
Q

What is the key function of a cell related to protein synthesis?

A

The key function of a cell related to protein synthesis is to produce proteins, including enzymes, for internal use and secretion (transport out of the cell).

70
Q

Where are cilia often found in the human body?

A

Cilia are present in the trachea, fallopian tubes, and other areas where fluid or objects need to be moved across the surface of the cell.

71
Q

Which organelles are involved in protein synthesis in the cell?

A

The ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and Golgi apparatus are all involved in protein synthesis and work together to produce proteins and prepare them for different roles within the cell.

72
Q
A
73
Q

How does the cytoskeleton support protein synthesis?

A

The cytoskeleton plays a key role in coordinating protein synthesis by maintaining cell structure and helping to transport proteins and other materials within the cell.

73
Q

What is the endoplasmic reticulum, and what it is connected to?

A

The Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes enclosing flattened sacs called cisternae. It is connected to the outer membrane of the nucleus.

73
Q

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

A
  1. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)
  2. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
73
Q

What is the role of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum?

A

Responsible for lipid and carbohydrates synthesis and storage

74
Q

What is the structure of ribosomes?

A

Ribosomes are not surrounded by a membrane and are constructed of RNA molecules made in the nucleolus of the cell.

74
Q

What is the structure, and role of the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum?

A

Rough Endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes bound to the surface and is responsible for the synthesis and transport of proteins

74
Q

What will secretory cells have more of, compared to those that do not release proteins?

A

Secretory cells which released hormones or enzymes have more rough Endoplasmic reticulum than cells that do not release proteins.

74
Q

Where can ribosomes be found in the cell?

A

Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

75
Q

What is the main function of ribosomes in the cell?

A

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis, where mRNA is translated into amino acid sequences to form proteins.

76
Q

Which other organelles contain ribosomes besides the cytoplasm and rough ER?

A

Mitochondria and chloroplasts also contain ribosomes, as do prokaryotic cells.

77
Q

What is the structure of the Golgi Apparatus? What is it similar to, and what is the key difference?

A

Stacks of membrane creating flattened sacs called cisternae, surrounded by small, round and hollow vesicles. It is similar in structure to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, but does not contain ribosomes.

77
Q

What is the main function of the Golgi apparatus?

A

The Golgi apparatus modifies proteins and ‘packages’ them into vesicles for transport. These vesicles can be secretory vesicles (for proteins destined to leave the cell) or lysosomes (for proteins that stay inside the cell).
Carbohydrates can be added to proteins to form glycoproteins.

78
Q

What are the two types of vesicles that the Golgi apparatus forms?

A

The Golgi apparatus forms secretory vesicles (for proteins that leave the cell) and lysosomes (for proteins that stay in the cell).

79
Q

What are the steps of protein production?

A
  1. Proteins are synthesized on the ribosomes bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.
  2. They then pass into the cisternae and our packaged in transport vesicles.
  3. Vesicles containing the newly synthesized proteins move towards the Golgi apparatus via the transport function of the cytoskeleton.
  4. The vesicles fuse with the cis face of the Golgi apparatus and the proteins enter. The proteins are structurally modified before leaving the Golgi Apparatus in vesicles from its trans face.
  5. Secretory vesicles carry proteins that are to be released from the cell. The vesicles move towards and fuse with the cell brain -surface membrane, releasing their contents by exocytosis. Some vesicles form vesicles - these contain enzymes for use in the cell.

Biology Module 2 - Own Flashcards (35 decks)

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