Cell Organelles Flashcards
What is the function of the nucleus?
It contains DNA and therefore controls protein synthesis.
It also controls the cell’s metabolic rate.
What is the nucleolus responsible for producing?
The nucleolus is responsible for producing ribosomes.
What is the nucleolus composed of?
The nucleolus is composed of proteins and RNA. The RNA is combined with proteins to form ribosomes.
What is the role of the nuclear envelope and what is it composed of?
The nuclear envelopes function is to protect the DNA in the nucleus from damage in the cytoplasm.
The nuclear envelope is made of a double membrane.
What is the role of the mitochondria in the cell?
The mitochondria carries out aerobic respiration, releasing energy for the cell to use.
The mitochondria can also self-reproduce and produce their own enzymes.
What is the mitochondria made of?
The mitochondria is 2.5ųm long and is made up of a double membrane which is highly folded to form cristae.
What are ribosomes?
Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis in the cell.
What are the structural features of the ribosome?
It has a 20nm diameter
Found attached to Rough ER or floating in cytoplasm
Constructed of RNA molecules from the nucleolus
What is the cell surface membrane?
The cell surface membrane is the boundary of all cells. It controls everything that enters and exits the cell
What is the cell surface membrane made of?
The cell surface membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer which is partially permeable
What is the Golgi apparatus?
The Golgi apparatus stores, modifies and packages proteins into vesicles (transport cells)
What makes up the Golgi apparatus?
The Golgi apparatus has a similar structure to the smooth ER
It has a compact structure formed of folded cisternae
What is the Rough Endoplasmic reticulum (Rough ER)?
The Rough ER is a network of membranes enclosing flattened sacs called cisternae. It is connected to the outer nuclear membrane.
What do vesicles do?
Vesicles are singles membranes with fluid inside that are used to transport materials into the cell.
What do lysosomes do?
Lysosomes are a specialised type of vesicle that contains hydrolysis enzymes. Lysosomes are used to break down waste material in the cell and play an important role in programmed cell death.
What are microtubules (cilia)?
Microtubules make up 1 of 3 parts of the cytoskeleton. Microtubules are made are made up of dimers (small spheres) each 5nm in length.
What can microtubules form?
Microtubules form:
Cilia
Undolipodia
Centrioles
What are microtubules (undulipodia/flagella)?
They are whip like extensions found in sperm cells. Sometimes used as a sensory organelle to detect chemical changes in the cell’s environment.
What are centrioles?
Centrioles are usually only found in animal cells. They are hollow fibres made up on microtubules.
What do centrioles do?
Centrioles aid in cell division by migrating to opposite ends of cells.
What do chloroplasts do?
The chloroplast absorbs light which then acts as a catalyst in photosynthesis.
