CELL COMPONENTS Flashcards
Made of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) in a 1:2:1 ratio.
Carbohydrates
TRUE OR FALSE: Carbohydrates are for energy and sustain structural support
TRUE
What are the functions of carbohydrates?
Primary source of energy.
Structural components in plants (cellulose) and animals (chitin).
This is used in cellular respiration to produce ATP (energy).
Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
This is made out of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
Proteins
What is the function of proteins?
Structural roles (e.g., collagen in connective tissues).
Enzymatic activity (speeding up chemical reactions).
Cell signaling (hormones like insulin).
Give an example of proteins and define it
Found in red blood cells; transports oxygen in the blood.
It is composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen, making it hydrophobic (water-insoluble).
Lipids
What is the function of lipids?
Long-term energy storage.
Major component of cell membranes (phospholipids).
Hormone production (steroids like testosterone and estrogen).
Give an example of lipids and define it
Phospholipids
Form the bilayer of the cell membrane, providing structure and selective permeability.
What can lipids do?
Energy Storage, Cell Membranes, and Signaling
what type of biomolecules do Genetic Information & Protein Synthesis
Nucleic acid
It is composed of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous base).
Nucleic Acids
The function of nucleic acid
Functions:
Store and transmit genetic information.
Direct protein synthesis via transcription and translation.
Encodes genetic instructions for building proteins.
DNA
are specialized structures inside the cell that perform distinct biological functions. They are classified into nonmembranous and membranous organelles.
Organelles
Lack a Surrounding Membrane
Nonmembranous Organelles
Network of protein filaments (microfilaments & microtubules).
Cytoskeleton
Cell Shape & Transport
Cytoskeleton
What is the function of the cytoskeleton?
Provides structural support.
Aids in intracellular transport (e.g., moving organelles).
Paired cylindrical structures made of microtubules.
Centrioles
What is the function of Centrioles
Play a role in mitosis (cell division) and meiosis.
Organize the mitotic spindle that separates chromosomes.
The difference between meiosis and mitosis
Mitosis → Creates 2 identical cells (for growth & repair).
Meiosis → Creates 4 unique sex cells (for reproduction).
Mitosis = Cloning 👯♂️, Meiosis = Genetic Mixing
composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
Ribosomes
What is the function of ribosomes
Synthesizes proteins from amino acids.
Found free-floating in cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.
Barrel-shaped protein complexes.
Proteasomes
The function of Proteasomes
Degrade and recycle damaged or misfolded proteins.
Maintain proper protein function within cells.
Protein Quality Control
Proteasomes
Tiny finger-like projections on the cell surface.
Microvilli
Function of Microvilli
Functions:
Increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
Found in the intestinal lining.
Move Fluids & Particles
Cilia
Hair-like structures on the cell surface.
Cilia
Move mucus and debris out of the airways.
Cilia
TRUE OR FALSE: Cilia in the respiratory tract helps clear dust & pathogens.
TRUE
Long, whip-like structures for motility.
Flagella
Cell Movement
Flagella
TRUE OR FALSE: The sperm cell uses its flagellum to move.
TRUE
These organelles are enclosed by membranes, allowing compartmentalization of cellular functions.
Membranous Organelles
Interconnected membranes extend from the nucleus.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) (Synthesis & Transport)
What are the types of ER
Types:
Rough ER (covered with ribosomes) → Protein synthesis & modification.
Smooth ER (lacks ribosomes) → Lipid synthesis & detoxification.
Flattened, membrane-bound sacs.
Golgi Apparatus (Protein Packaging & Distribution)
What is the function of Golgi Apparatus
Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins & lipids for transport.
Membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes
Lysosomes(Waste Disposal & Digestion)
What is the function of lysosomes
Break down waste, cellular debris, and pathogens.
Play a role in autophagy (self-digestion of old cell components).
Membrane-bound organelles containing oxidative enzymes.
Peroxisomes (Detoxification & Fat Metabolism)
Function of Peroxisomes
Functions:
Detoxify harmful substances like hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).
Involved in fatty acid metabolism.
Double-membraned organelles, often called the “powerhouse of the cell.”
Mitochondria(Energy Production)
