Cell Biology Flashcards
What is a eukaryotic cell?
A cell that contains a nucleus
What is a prokaryotic cell?
A cell that doesn’t contain a nucleus
Name 2 sub-cellular structures that only prokaryotes have.
Plasmids, DNA free in cytoplasm
What do bacteria have instead of a nucleus?
Small rings of DNA (plasmids)
Name 2 differences between a light and electron microscope.
Light: uses light to form images, living samples can be viewed, cheaper, low magnification and resolution
Electron: uses a beam of electrons to form images, living samples cannot be viewed, more expensive, higher magnification and resolution
What is the equation for magnification?
Magnification = image/actual
Name 2 ways a sperm cell is specialised.
- Tail to swim
- Lots of mitochondria to release energy via respiration -> enabling sperm to swim to ovum
Name 2 ways red blood cells are specialised.
- No nucleus so more room to carry oxygen
- Contains hemoglobin (red pigment) that binds to oxygen molecules
- Flat bi-concave disc to increase surface area:vol ratio
Name 2 ways nerve cells are specialised.
- Dendrites (branched endings) -> can contract to make cells shorter
- Myelin sheath insulates axon to increase transmission speed of electrical impulses
Name 2 ways muscle cells are specialised.
- Contains protein fibres -> contract to make cells shorter
- Contain lots of mitochondria to release energy via respiration -> allows muscle contraction
Name 2 ways root hair cells are specialised.
- Long projection -> increased surface area so speeds up absorption of water, mineral ions
- Lots of mitochondria to release energy for active transport (of mineral ions from soil)
Name 2 ways palisade cells are specialised.
- Lots of chloroplasts containing chlorophyll to absorb light energy
- Located at top surface of leaf where it can absorb the most light energy
What is the function of the cell membrane?
Forms a barrier around the cells -> controls what enters and leaves a cell
What is the function of the ribosome?
Site of protein synthesis
What is the function of the nucleus?
Contains DNA information
What is the function of the mitochondria?
Site of energy release via respiration
What is the function of the cytoplasm?
Site of chemical reactions
Name 3 sub-cellular structures only contained in plant cells.
Permanent vacuole, cell wall, chloroplasts
What is the function of a permanent vacuole?
Contains cell sap
What is the function of the chloroplast?
Contains chlorophyll to absorb light energy via photosynthesis.
What is the function of the cellulose cell wall?
Strengthens/holds up the cell
