Cell Biology Flashcards
define ‘cell’
basic unit of living organisms
define ‘sub-cellular structure’ / ‘organelle’
Parts of a cell situated or occurring within a cell.
What is a nucleus?
- organelle
- contains genetic information (DNA)
- DNA controls cell’s activities
What is the cytoplasm?
- gel-like substance
- chemical reactions occur here
- enzymes control chemical reactions
- holds other organelles of cell
What is the cell membrane?
- partially permeable membrane
- holds the cell together
- controls what goes in and out
What are mitochondrion?
Organelles where aerobic respiration occurs.
What are ribosomes?
Where protein synthesis occurs (where proteins are made).
What is the cell wall?
- rigid structure outside of cell
- made of cellulose
- supports and strengthens cell.
What is the permanent vacuole?
- contains cell sap
- cell sap is a dilute solution of sugars and salts
What are chloroplasts?
- contain a green pigment called chlorophyll
- chlorophyll absorbs light energy
- light energy needed for photosynthesis
What are plasmids?
Small rings of DNA found in bacterial cells.
Other than plasmids, how do bacterial cells hold genetic information?
bacterial cells use a circular strand of DNA that floats freely in the cytoplasm instead of a nucleus.
What is the role of a flagellum?
- organelle used for movement
- looks like a tail
define ‘eukaryote’
A complex, multi-celled organism with a nucleus. It is a eukaryotic organism.
define ‘prokaryote’
A simple, single-celled organism without a nucleus. It is a prokaryotic organism.
