B1 - Cell Biology Flashcards
What are three common features of plant and animal cells (eukaryotes)?
- Cell membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Genetic material in a nucleus
Which are bigger; bacterial cells (prokaryotes) or eukaryotes?
Eukaryotes.
True or false? “Prokaryotic cells have a cell wall.”
True
True or false? “Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus.”
False
In what form is the genetic material in a prokaryotic cell?
A single DNA loop.
Name five common parts of animal and plant cells.
Nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane mitochondria, ribosomes.
Name three features of only a plant cell.
Chloroplasts, permanent vacuole (filled with cell sap), cell wall.
Describe the function of the mitochondria.
Where aerobic respiration occurs to release energy.
Name three further features of a plant cell.
Chloroplasts, permanent vacuole (filled with cell sap), cell wall.
Describe the function of the cytoplasm.
The location of cellular reactions.
Describe the function of the cell membrane.
To determine what is allowed into and out of the cell.
Describe the function of the ribosomes.
To bond amino acids together to form proteins (protein synthesis).
Describe the function of the chloroplasts.
The location of photosynthesis.
Describe the function of the permanent vacuole.
A storage area for ions and water, sometimes pigments. Helps to maintain water balance.
Which strong material is the cell wall of plant and algal cells made from?
Cellulose
What is the definition of a cell?
The individual unit of an organism.
What is the definition of a tissue?
Cells of the same type working together to perform a specific function.
What is the definition of an organ?
A structure made from multiple tissue types to perform a specific function.
What is the definition of an organ system?
Multiple organs working together to perform a specific function.
Describe the specialisation of a sperm cell.
Mobile due to flagellum.
Many mitochondria to allow high energy release for movement.
Streamline head.
Digestive enzymes in the head to break down the eggs membrane.
Describe the specialisation of a nerve cell.
Many proteins embedded in the cell membrane to allow ion movement.
The nerve cell is covered with a fatty sheath which insulates the nerve cell and speeds up the nerve impulse.
Describe the specialisation of a muscle cell.
Many mitochondria to provide lots of energy for contractions.
Many ribosomes to synthesise proteins.
Describe the specialisation of a root hair cell.
Elongated shape to increase surface area for ion absorption.
Many mitochondria to provide lots of energy for active transport.
Describe the specialisation of a xylem cell.
Little cell contents to allow easy movement of water and ions through each cell.
What is cell differentiation?
The process where a stem cell develops new sub-cellular structures to let it perform a specific function.
When do most animal cells differentiate?
At an early stage of development.
In mature animals, what is cell differentiation used for?
Replacement of old/damaged cells.
What are the two advantages of electron microscopes over light microscopes?
- Increased magnification
- Increased resolution
What is the resolution of a microscope?
The ability to differentiate two or more objects close together.
What are the three forms of equation used to calculate magnification (M), the image size (I), or the actual size of an object (A)?
I = A X M
M = I / A
A = I / M
What is a contaminant?
An unwanted species of microorganism growing in your culture.
Define Eukaryotic cells.
A cell with a defined nucleus.
Define prokaryotic cells.
A cell without a nucleus.
What are the features of prokaryotic cells (bacteria)?
No nucleus, encased by a cell wall, pili helps to attach the cell to surfaces.