A1 Cellular ultrastructure and function Flashcards
What are the two types of cells?
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic
What are eukaryotic cells?
Cells that contain a number of membrane bounded organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplast and nucleus. E.g animals and plants
What are prokaryotic cells?
Cells that have few organelles and genetic material is not membrane bounded.
Describe the structure and function of the plasma membrane
Phospholipid bilayer, proteins embedded in the layer
Regulated transport of materials in and out of the cell and separates cell contents from the outside environment
Describe the structure and function of the cytolasm
Thick, jelly like fluid
Maintains cell shape and stores chemicals needed by the cell for metabolic reactions
Describe the function of the nucleus
Responsible for regulating cellular activity and houses genetic information
Describe the structure and function of the nucleolus
Dense spherical structure in the middle of the nucleus
Produces ribosomes and RNA
Describe the structure and function of the rough ER
Cisternae studded with ribosomes
Transports and synthesises proteins
Describe the structure and function of the smooth ER
Cisternae, no ribosomes
Synthesis and storage of lipids and carbohydrates
Describe the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus
A stack of membrane bound flattened sacs
Proteins are modified and packaged into vesicles
What is the structure and function of vesicles?
Small spherical membrane bound sacs with fluid inside
Transports materials in, out and around of the cell
Describe the structure and function of mitochondria
Two membranes - inner that is highly folded to form cristae and the central part being the matrix and a smooth outer membrane
To produce energy through cellular respiration
