Cell Biology - Cell Structure Flashcards
What are the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells are plant and animal cells and contain membrane bound-organelles and a nucleus containing genetic material.
Prokaryotic cells are bacterial cells and are much smaller and contain free floating DNA. They don’t contain mitochondria or chloroplasts.
What is the prokaryotic cell wall composed of ?
Peptidoglycan
How is genetic information stored in a prokaryotic cell ?
Found free within the cytoplasm as chromosomal DNA (single large loop of circular DNA) and plasmid DNA
What are plasmids
- Small circular loops of DNA that are
found free in the cytoplasm separate
from the main DNA - carry genes that provide genetic advantages eg antibiotic resistance
- can be transferred from one cell to another
What are the organelles only found in plants?
Chloroplasts
Permanent vacuole
Cell wall
What is the function of the nucleus?
Controls activities in the cells
Stores genetic information
What is the function of the cytoplasm?
-Liquid substance where chemical reactions occur
-Contains organelles, enzymes and dissolved ions and nutrients
-transport medium
What is the function of the cell membrane?
Controls movement of substances in and out of the cell
What is the function of mitochondria?
Site of aerobic respiration, providing energy
What is the function of ribosomes?
-Where protein synthesis occurs
-joins amino acids in a specific order during translation for the synthesis of proteins
What is the plant cell wall made of ?
Cellulose
What is the function of plant cell wall ?
Provides strength to cell
Prevents the cell from bursting when water enters by osmosis
What is the function of the permanent vacuole ?
Contains cell sap to support the cell, maintaining its turgidity (keeps it rigid)
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Where photosynthesis occurs as it contains chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight
What is cell differentiation?
The process by which cells become specialised to carry out a particular function
Why is cell differentiation important?
Allows production of different tissues and organs that perform vital functions in human body
Describe how sperm cells in animals are adapted to their function
- specialised to carry the male’s DNA to egg cell for successful reproduction
- many mitochondria which supply energy to allow cell to move
-the acrosome (top of head) has digestive enzymes which break down outer layers of membrane of egg cell - streamlined head and long tail to aid swimming
Describe how nerve cells are adapted to their function
- specialised to transmit electrical signals quickly from one place in body to another
- long axon allowing impulses to be carried along long distances and all over the body from cns
-dendrites (extensions from the cell body) means branched connections can form with other nerve cells
-nerve endings have many mitochondria which supply the energy to make special transmitter chemicals (neurotransmitters). These allow impulses to be passed form one cell to another
Describe how muscle cells are adapted to their function
- specialised to contract quickly to move bones causing movement
- lots of mitochondria to provide energy for muscle contraction
-arrangement of protein filaments (myosin and actin) allows them to slide over each other causing muscle to contract - can store a chemical ( glycogen) that is used in respiration by mitochondria