Cell Flashcards
The smallest unit of life
Cell
The three scientists that contributed to the development of cell theory are…
Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, and Rudolf Virchow.
Postulates of Cell Theory
- All organisms are composed of one or more cells
- Cell is the smallest unit of organism
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells
Cell Types (2)
- Prokaryotic Cell
2. Eukaryotic Cell
Energy production without oxygen
Anaerobic respiration
Energy production with oxygen
Aerobic respiration
10-30 micrometers in length
Typically round or irregular in shape.
Animal Cell
10-100 micrometers in length
Typically rectangular or cubic in shape
Plant Cell
A subcellular structure that has one or more specific jobs to perform in the cell much like an organ does in the body.
Cell Organelles
- Largest and most obvious organelle that stores the cell’s DNA.
- Cell’s command center.
- Controls all the cell activities such as growth and metabolism using the DNA’s genetic information.
Nucleus
Prominent structure in the nucleus that produces ribosomes.
Nucleolus
- Is the “soup” within which all the other cell organelles reside and where most of the cellular metabolism occurs.
- Mostly water, and is full of proteins that control cell metabolism including signal transduction pathways, glycolysis, intracellular receptors, and transcription factors.
Cytosol
- Is a collective term for the cytosol plus the organelles suspended within the cytosol.
Cytoplasm
- MICROTUBULE ORGANIZING CENTER (MTOC)
- Is an area in the cell where microtubules are produced.
Centrosome
Is a membrane-bound structure with a single membrane. It is actually a stack of membrane-bound vesicles that are important in packaging macromolecules for transport elsewhere in the cell.
Golgi Apparatus
Contain hydrolytic enzymes necessary for intercellular digestion.
Lysosomes
Are responsible for protecting the cell from its own production of toxic hydrogen peroxide.
Peroxisomes
Cell secretions - e.g. hormones, neurotransmitters - are packaged in secretory vesicles at the Golgi apparatus. The _____ are then transported to the cell surface for release.
Secretory Vesicles
- Acts as a protective barrier to the uncontrolled flow of water.
- A double layer of phospholipids (lipid bilayer)
Cell Membrane
Water loving
Hydrophilic
Water fearing
Hydrophobic
Provides the energy a cell needs to move, divide, produce secretory products, contract. A powerhouse of the cell.
Mitochondria
Is a membrane-bound sac that plays roles in intracellular digestion and the release of cellular waste products.
- Tends to be larger in plants and smaller in animals.
- Plays several roles including storing nutrients and waste products.
Vacuole
- Vast network of membrane-bound vesicles and tubules.
- Is so named because it appears smooth by electron microscopy.
- Plays different functions depending on the specific cell type including lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, breakdown of lipid-soluble toxins in liver cells, and control of calcium release in muscle cell contraction
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
Appears “pebbled” by electron microscopy due to the presence of numerous ribosomes on its surface
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
They are the site of protein synthesis.
Ribosomes
Helps maintain cell shape, but primary importance is in cell motility.
Cytoskeleton
Provides and maintains the shape of these cells and serves as a protective barrier.
Cell Wall
These organelles contain the plant cell’s chlorophyll responsible for the plant’s green color and the ability to absorb energy from sunlight
Chloroplast
Smaller, DNA in nucleoid region, single-celled, anaerobic respiration, no membrane-bound organelles
Prokaryotic cell
Larger, DNA within membrane bound nucleus, multicellular, aerobic respiration, membrane-bound organelles
Eukaryotic cell
Where microtubules are produced
Centrosome
