Cell Biology Flashcards
What is a cell?
A cell is the smallest unit of life that can live on its own. Cells make up all living organisms and their tissue
What are the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
1) Eukaryotic cells are much larger than prokaryotic cells
2) eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells dont
3) eukaryotic cells keep their DNA in the form of chromosomes within a nucleus, whilst prokaryotic cells have their DNA loose in the cell
For animal, plant and bacteria cells state whether they are eukaryotic or prokaryotic.
Eukaryotic: animal, plant
Prokaryotic: bacteria
Name 5 sub-cellular structures (organelles) that are found in both animal and plant cells.
Cell membrane
Ribosomes
Mitochondria
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
What is the cell membrane and what is its role?
The cell membrane is a protective barrier around the outside of a cell.
It controls which substances can pass in and out of the cell.
What is the cytoplasm and what is its role?
The cytoplasm is a jelly-like liquid that fills the cell.
It allows substances to dissolve and chemical reactions to take place.
What is the role of the nucleus?
It contains the genetic material (DNA) of the cell, and so controls what the cell does.
What is the role of the mitochondria?
They carry out aerobic respiration, so provide energy (in the form of ATP) for the cell to use in chemical reactions.
What is the role of ribosomes?
They are the site of protein synthesis (where proteins are made).
Name 3 sub-cellular structures (organelles) that are found in plant cells but NOT in animal cells.
Cell wall
Permanent vacuole
Chloroplast
In plants, what is the cell wall made of?
Cellulose
What is the role of the plant cell wall?
It provides strength and structure to the plant cell, preventing it from bursting or shrinking when water enters/leaves the cell via osmosis.
What does the permanent vacuole contain?
Cell sap (a solution of sugars, salts and amino acids)
What is the role of chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis, so make glucose for the cell.
What is chlorophyll?
A green pigment within chloroplasts that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.
It is chlorophyll that makes plants go green.
Name 7 sub-cellular structures (organelles) that are found in bacterial cells.
Cell Wall
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleoid (circular strands of DNA)
Plasmid
Ribosome
Flagellum
What are plasmids and what are their role?
Plasmids are small, circular loops of DNA that are separate to the main DNA.
They contain ’extra genes’ that are sometimes useful to the bacteria such as antibiotic resistance.
What is the prokaryotic cell wall composed of?
Peptidoglycan
What is the role of the permanent vacuole?
It supports the cell, maintaining its turgidity (shape)
What is a nucleoid
A circular strand of DNA or circular chromosome found loosely in a prokaryotic cell
What are the 5 kingdoms of life?
Animals
Plants
Protocists
Fungi
Bacteria
Which kingdom of life are eukaryotic?
Animals
Plants
Fungi
Protoctists
