Cell Biology 🧬 Flashcards
Define cells.
The smallest units of life which provide structure and function for all living things
What are the 2 main types of cells?
Prokaryotes and eukaryotes
What is the function of the plasma membrane?
Holds the cell together and controls what goes in and out
What is the nucleus?
The part of the cell which contains the DNA and produced ribosomes
What are ribosomes?
Small organelles made up of protein and RNA - they are responsible for the second stage of protein synthesis
What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Network of connected membrane bound sacs
What is the function of the soft endoplasmic reticulum?
Metabolises carbohydrates and steroids
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
Processes and packs protein and lipids to be secreted from the cell
What are the functions of mitochondrion?
- Where cellular respiration occurs
- Generates energy (adenosine triphosphate)
What are the characteristics of red blood cells?
- Biconcave shape for a larger surface area for gas diffusion
- No nucleus to provide more space for haemoglobin for oxygen transport
- Small so it can transit through small blood vessels
What process does plasma cells undergo and what does the process do?
Somatic hypermutation - rapid mutations in regions of genes that encode for antibodies
What is the function of nerve cells?
To receive and send messages from the body and the brain
What do goblet cells produce and why?
Mucus - to prevent damage from digestive acid
What is the function of microvilli?
To increase the surface area in goblet cells for mucus production
What are the 4 categories of tissue?
Epithelial, muscle, nervous and connective
