Biology Flashcards
General Concepts
What are the major organelles of a cell?
Source :
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/cells/eukaryotic-cells/a/organelles-article
All cells have these four parts in common: a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and DNA.
All cells have membranes (the building), DNA (the various blueprints), and ribosomes (the production line), and so are able to make proteins (the product - let’s say we’re making toys).
Within the cytoplasm lie intricate arrangements of fine fibers and hundreds or even thousands of miniscule but distinct structures called organelles.
Eukaryotes Organelles
Organelle Function Factory part
Nucleus DNA Storage Room where the blueprints are kept
Mitochondrion Energy production Powerplant
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) Lipid production; Detoxification Accessory production - makes decorations for the toy, etc.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) Protein production; in particular for export out of the cell Primary production line - makes the toys
Golgi apparatus Protein modification and export Shipping department
Peroxisome Lipid Destruction; contains oxidative enzymes Security and waste removal
Lysosome Protein destruction Recycling and security
Prokaryote Organelles
Capsule: Found in some bacterial cells, this additional outer covering protects the cell when it is engulfed by other organisms, assists in retaining moisture, and helps the cell adhere to surfaces and nutrients.
Cell Wall: The cell wall is an outer covering that protects the bacterial cell and gives it shape.
Cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance composed mainly of water that also contains enzymes, salts, cell components, and various organic molecules.
Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane: The cell membrane surrounds the cell’s cytoplasm and regulates the flow of substances in and out of the cell.
Pili (Pilus singular): Hair-like structures on the surface of the cell that attach to other bacterial cells. Shorter pili called fimbriae help bacteria attach to surfaces.
Flagella: Flagella are long, whip-like protrusions that aid in cellular locomotion.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are cell structures responsible for protein production.
Plasmids: Plasmids are gene-carrying, circular DNA structures that are not involved in reproduction.
Nucleoid Region: Area of the cytoplasm that contains the single bacterial DNA molecule.
Vertebrates vs Invertebrates
Invertebrates are animals without spines, while vertebrates have a spine. Invertebrates are sometimes (mistakenly) thought of as primitive because of their lack of developed organs.
What is important about Physiology
Human physiology is focused on how the systems in your body operate, including your circulatory system, immune system, nervous system, and respiratory system. By understanding how each one works when healthy and when sick, scientists can understand how to treat illness.
What is the circulatory system?
The circulatory system (cardiovascular system) transports oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the lungs.
What is the respiratory system?
The respiratory system is the network of organs and tissues that help you breathe. It includes your airways, lungs and blood vessels. The muscles that power your lungs are also part of the respiratory system. These parts work together to move oxygen throughout the body and clean out waste gases like carbon dioxide.
What is the Digestive system?
The function of the digestive system is to digest and absorb food and then excrete the waste products with the help of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. Each of these organs plays a specific role in the digestive system.
Immune System
The immune system is a network of biological systems that protects an organism from diseases. It detects and responds to a wide variety of pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms, as well as cancer cells and objects such as wood splinters, distinguishing them from the organism’s own healthy tissue.
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a messenger system in an organism comprising feedback loops of hormones that are released by internal glands directly into the circulatory system and that target and regulate distant organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the neural control center for all endocrine systems.
Kidney System
The kidneys are the main focus of the renal system. The renal system regulates fluids in the body, filters toxins from the blood and excretes waste
