3.2 Cells Flashcards
3.2.1 Cell structure
What is a eukaryotic cell? (1 point)
A cell that has a true nucleus with a nuclear envelope surronding the chromosomes and membrane-bound organelles
Describe the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell (4 points)
A large organelle surrounded by a nuclear envelope (double membrane), which contains many pores. Nucleus contains chromosomes and nucleolus
The nucleus controls the cell’s activities by controlling the transcription of DNA.
DNA contains instructions to make proteins.
The pores allow substances to move between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
The nucleolus makes ribosomes
Describe the cell surface plasma membrane of a eukaryotic cell (4 points)
The membrane found on surface of animal cells and inside cell wall of other cells.
Mainly made of lipids and protein
Regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Also has receptor molecules on it which allow it to respond to chemicals like hormones
Describe the mitochondrion of eukaryotic cells (6 points)
Usually oval-shaped.
Have double membrane.
Inner membrane folded to form structures called cristae.
Inside is matrix, which contains enzymes involved in respiration
The site of aerobic respiration, where ATP is produced.
Found in large numbers in cells that require a lot of energy as they are very active
Describe the chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells (5 points)
A small, flattened structure found in plant and algal cells.
Its surrounded by a double membrane and also has membranes inside called thylakoid membranes.
These membranes are stacked up in some parts of the chloroplast to form grana.
Grana linked together by lamellae thin, flat pieces of thylakoid membrane
The site of photosynthesis
Describe the Golgi Apparatus in eukaryotic cells (4 points)
A group of fluid-filled, membrane bound flattened sacs.
Vesicles are often seen at the edges of the sacs
It processes and packages new lipids and proteins.
Also makes lysosomes
Describe the Golgi Vesicles in eukaryotic cells (2 points)
A small fluid-filled sac in the cytoplasm, surrounded by a membrane and produced by the golgi apparatus
Stores lipids and proteins made by the golgi apparatus and transports the out of the cell via the cell-surface membrane
Describe the lysosome of a eukaryotic cell (4 points)
A round organelle surounded by a membrane, with no clear internal structure.
Its a type of golgi vesicle
Contains digestive enzymes called lysozymes. These are kept separate from the cytoplasm by the surrounding membrane, and can be used to digest invading cells or to break down worn out components of the cell.
Describe the ribosomes in eukaryotic cells (4 points)
A very small organelle that either floats free in the cytoplasm or is attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Its made up of proteins and RNA.
Its not surrounded by a membrane
The site where proteins are made
Describe the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum in eukaryotic cells (3 points)
A system of membranes enclosing a fluid-filled space.
The surface is covered with ribosomes
Folds and processes proteins that have been made at the ribosomes
Describe the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum in eukaryotic cells (2 points)
Similar to RER but has no ribosomes
Synthesises and processes lipids
Describe the Cell Wall in eukaryotic cells (4 points)
A rigid structure that surrounds cells in plants, algae and fungi.
In plants and algae its made mainly of the carbohydrate cellulose.
In fungi its made of chitin
Supports cells and prevents them from changing shape
Describe the Cell Vacuole in eukaryotic cells (6 points)
A membrane-bound organelle found in the cytoplasm of plant cells.
It contains cell sap which is a weak solution of sugar and salts.
The surrounding membrane is called the tonoplast
Helps to maintain pressure inside the cell and keep the cell rigid.
This stops plants wilting.
Also involved in the isolation of unwanted chemicals inside the cell
What are specialised cells? (2 points and example in small intestine)
Eukaryotic cells can become specialised to carry out specific functions
E.g. Epithelial cells in small intestine adapted to absorb food efficiently because:
Walls of small intestine lined with villi which increase surface area for absorption
Epithelial cells have folds in cell-surface membranes called microvilli to increase surface area even more
Have lots of mitochondria to provide energy for transport of digested food molecules into cell
Specialised cells grouped together to form tissues which work together to form organs which make up an organ system
What is a prokaryotic cell? (1 point and example)
A cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus or any other membrane bound organelle
E.g. Bacteria
Describe the cytoplasm in prokaryotic cells (1 point)
Contains no membrane bound organelles whereas eukaryotes do (mitochondria)
Describe the ribosomes in prokaryotic cells and how they differ to eukaryotic cells (1 point)
Same function and structure as in eukaryotic cells but are smaller (70s) whereas eukaryotes have 80s
Describe DNA in prokaryotic cells (2 points)
Prokaryotic cell doesn’t have a membrane bound nucleus unlike eukaryotic cells instead has circular DNA present as one long coiled up strand and floats free in cytoplasm.
DNA is not attached to any histone proteins
Describe prokaryotic cell Plasmids (4 points)
Small loops of DNA that aren’t part of main circular DNA molecule.
Plasmids contain genes for antibiotic resistance and can be passed between prokaryotes.
Not always present but some can have several.
Eukaryotes don’t have a plasmid
Describe prokaryotic cell Capsule (2 points)
Some have capsule made up of slime
Helps to protect bacteria from attack by cells of the immune system
Describe prokaryotic cell wall and how it differs from eukaryotic cell wall (3 points)
Supports the cell and prevents it from changing shape
Made of a polymer called murein which is a glycoprotein.
In eukaryotes however cell wall is made from cellulose
Describe prokaryotic cell plasma membrane (2 points)
Mainly made of lipids and proteins
Controls the movement of substances into and out of cell
How does prokaryotic cell size differ from eukaryotic cell? (1 point)
Prokaryotic cell is 1 - 10 micrometres whereas eukaryotic cell is 10 – 100 micrometres
What is a virus? (1 point)
A virus is a microscopic, intracellular, parasitic organism that infects other organisms