Cell Flashcards
Cell
Acell is a chemical system that is able to maintain its structure and reproduce.
Cell Theory:
• Basic unit of life; all chemical reactions that makes us alive happens in the cell
• All cells arrives from existing cells
• Is a building block for all living organisms:
• Unicellular
• Multicellular:
• Each type of cell with a specific function
• Immune cells fight against pathogens
Cell theory is a unifying principle of biology and is based on experimentation and the invention of the microscope. It
was first formulated in the mid-nineteenth century by Theodor Schwann and Matthias Schleiden.
Cell theory is a unifying principle of biology and is based on experimentation and the invention of the microscope. It
was first formulated in the mid-nineteenth century by
Theodor Schwann and Matthias Schleiden.
Cell components:
• Membrane – boundary
• Cytoplasm – contains organelles
• Nucleus – contains DNA
Modern cell theory
Modern cell theory is a widely accepted explanation of the relationship between cells and living things. It has several main principles
including:
Cells are the basic unit: Cells are the fundamental structural and functional unit of all living things.
Cells come from other cells: New cells are created from existing cells through cellular division.
Cells contain DNA: Cells contain DNA, which is found in the chromosome, and RNA, which is found in the cell nucle
and cytoplasm.
Cells have similar chemical composition: Cells in organisms of similar species have a similar chemical composition.
Energy flow occurs within cells: Energy flow, or metabolism and biochemistry, takes place within cells.
Organism activity depends on cell activity: The activity of an organism is the result of the combined actions of
individual cells
Prokaryotic cells
Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms of the domains
Bacteria and Archaea.
• All prokaryotes have plasma membranes, cytoplasm,
ribosomes, and DNA that is not membrane-bound.
• Most have peptidoglycan cell walls, and many have
polysaccharide capsules. Prokaryotic cells range in
diameter from 0.1 to 5.0 μm.
• As a cell increases in size, its surface area-to-volume ratio
decreases. If the cell grows too large, the plasma membrane
will not have sufficient surface area to support the rate of
diffusion required for the increased volume
• few or no membrane enclosed spaces within the cytoplasm
• no nucleus - DNA is in a region called the nucleoid
• DNA is circular and naked (has no protein associated with
it)
EU
Dna in prokaryotic cells
• no nucleus - DNA is in a region called the nucleoid
• DNA is circular and naked (has no protein associated with
it)
Cel organellesx
plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer embedded with proteins. The
nucleus’s nucleolus is the site of ribosome assembly. We find ribosomes either in
the cytoplasm or attached to the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane or
endoplasmic reticulum that perform the protein synthesis.
• Mitochondria participate in cellular respiration. They are responsible for the
majority of A TP produced in the cell. Peroxisomes hydrolyze fatty acids, amino
acids, and some toxins. V esicles and vacuoles are storage and transport
compartments. In plant cells, vacuoles also help break down macromolecules.
Animal cells
Animal cells also have a centrosome and lysosomes. The centrosome has two
bodies perpendicular to each other, the centrioles, and has an unknown purpose in
cell division. Lysosomes are the digestive organelles of animal cells.
Plant cells
Plant cells and plant-like cells each have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a central
vacuole. The plant cell wall, whose primary component is cellulose, protects the
cell, provides structural support, and gives the cell shape. Photosynthesis takes
place in chloroplasts. The central vacuole can expand without having to produce
more cytoplasm.
Plasma membrane
The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded
proteins. There are other components, such as cholesterol and
carbohydrates, which can be found in the membrane in addition to
phospholipids and protein.
The biochemical
machinery for trapping
light energy is contained
within a highly folded
Plasma membrane
The biochemical
machinery for trapping
light energy is contained
within a highly folded
Plasma membrane
Nuclear membrane
– envelope
• Nuclear pores – allows passage in & out
• Surrounded by rough endoplasmic
reticulum
Nucleoplasm
– inside the nucleus
• Contains:
• the nucleolus – where rRNA is made
• DNA – under the form of chromatin
Nuclear envelope
The outermost boundary of the nucleus is the nuclear envelope.
Notice that the nuclear envelope consists of two phospholipid
bilayers (membranes)—an outer membrane and an inner
membrane—in contrast to the plasma membrane, which consists
of only one phospholipid bilayer.
Chromosomes
: Described as “colored bodies,” chromosomes consist of DNA and proteins. They appear in a highly condensed form during cell division.
DNA and Protein State:
• Outside of cell division, the DNA and proteins are in a threadlike state, referred to as chromatin.
Histones:
These are the most common proteins found in chromatin. DNA wraps around histones in a repeating pattern.
Histones:
These are the most common proteins found in chromatin. DNA wraps around histones in a repeating pattern.
Nucleosomes
: These are the structural units formed when DNA is coiled around histone proteins.
T/F Chromosomes are only visible during cell division. ()
Answer: True
T/F The threadlike form of DNA and proteins during non-division phases is called chromatin. (
Answer: True
T/F Nucleosomes are made up of RNA and histone proteins. ()
Answer: False
DNA
CENTRAL HISTONE
SPACER HISTONE
During cell division, DNA and proteins condense to form structures called _______. ()
Answer: Chromosomes
The DNA-protein complex in its threadlike state is called _______.
Chromatin
_______ are the proteins around which DNA coils in a regular pattern.
Histones
What is the main function of histone proteins?
Helping DNA coil into nucleosomes
What is the structural unit of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells?
Nucleosomes
What is the appearance of DNA during interphase?
Chromatin (threadlike)
Why is the DNA condensed into chromosomes during cell division?
To ensure the DNA is evenly and accurately distributed into the daughter cells.
Explain the role of nucleosomes in DNA organization.
Nucleosomes compact the DNA by coiling it around histone proteins, allowing it to fit within the nucleus and regulate gene expression.
What is the difference between chromatin and chromosomes?
Chromatin is the uncondensed, threadlike form of DNA and proteins during the non-dividing phases, while chromosomes are the condensed form during cell division.
Chromosome
• “Chromosome” means “colored body.”
• Composed of both DNA and proteins.
• Highly condensed and visible during cell division.
• In non-dividing cells, the DNA and protein exist in a thread-like form called chromatin.
Structure of Chromosomes:
• DNA is wrapped around histone proteins.
• Forms repeating units called nucleosomes.
• Central histones and spacer histones contribute to the structure.
• This coiling allows DNA to compact and fit within the nucleus.
Role of Histones:
• Histones are the most common proteins in chromosomal structure.
• They facilitate DNA organization by acting as spools around which DNA winds.
Function of Chromosomes:
• Carry genetic information.
• Essential for cell division, growth, and reproduction.
What does the term “chromosome” mean?
Colored body
What is the thread-like form of DNA and protein called in non-dividing cells?
Chromatin
What are the most common proteins found in chromosomes?
Histones
What is the structural unit formed when DNA is coiled around histones?
Nucleosomes
Which part of the chromosome interacts with histones?
DNA
Why is DNA coiled around histones?
To compact it for fitting in the nucleus
What is the main purpose of chromosomes during cell division?
Distribute genetic material equally
Here is a list of membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells:
- Nucleus• Structure: Double membrane with nuclear pores.
• Function: Contains the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and regulates gene expression. - Mitochondria• Structure: Double membrane with inner folds called cristae.
• Function: Produces ATP through cellular respiration (the “powerhouse of the cell”). - Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)• Structure: Network of membranous tubules and sacs.
• Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes.
• Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes.
• Function:
• Rough ER: Synthesizes and modifies proteins.
• Smooth ER: Synthesizes lipids, detoxifies substances, and stores calcium ions. - Golgi Apparatus• Structure: Stacks of flattened membranous sacs.
• Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport. - Lysosomes (in animal cells)• Structure: Membrane-bound vesicles containing digestive enzymes.
• Function: Breaks down waste, pathogens, and damaged organelles (intracellular digestion). - Peroxisomes• Structure: Membrane-bound vesicles.
• Function: Breaks down fatty acids, amino acids, and detoxifies harmful substances. - Vacuoles• Structure: Membrane-bound sacs, prominent in plant cells.
• Function:
• Stores water, nutrients, and waste.
• Provides turgor pressure in plant cells. - Chloroplasts (in plant and algae cells)• Structure: Double membrane with internal structures called thylakoids.
• Function: Conducts photosynthesis, converting solar energy into chemical energy (glucose). - Vesicles• Structure: Small membrane-bound sacs.
• Function: Transport materials within the cell and to/from the cell membrane. - Endosomes• Structure: Membrane-bound compartments formed by endocytosis.
• Function: Sorts and delivers internalized materials to lysosomes or back to the membrane. - Nuclear Envelope• Structure: Double membrane surrounding the nucleus.
• Function: Protects the nucleus and regulates transport through nuclear pores.
These organelles perform specific roles essential for cell survival and functionality. Let me know if you’d like a more detailed explanation of any!
Key Details About Chloroplasts
Structure:
- Two membranes:
• Outer membrane: Protective boundary.
• Inner membrane: Regulates the passage of materials.
Stroma
:
• The fluid inside the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle occurs.
• Contains enzymes, DNA, and ribosomes.
Thylakoids
:
• Flattened sacs within the stroma.
• Contain chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing light energy.
• Organized into stacks called grana (singular: granum).