Cell Structure Flashcards
Function of cell surface membrane
Regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell. Has receptor molecules allowing response to chemicals like hormones
Function of cell wall
Supports plant cells
Description of cell surface membrane
The membrane found on the surface of animal cells and just inside the cell wall of plant cells and prokaryotic cells. Its made mainly of lipids and protein
Description of cell wall
A rigid structure that surrounds plant cells. Its made mainly of the carbohydrate cellulose
Nucleus description
A large organelle surrounded by a nuclear envelope (double membrane) containing many pores. The nucleus contains chromatin (made from DNA and proteins) and a structure called the nucleolus
Function of a nucleus
It controls the cell’s activities (controlling transcription of DNA). DNA contains instructions to make proteins. The pores allow substances to move between the nucleus and cytoplasm. The nucleolus makes ribosomes
Description of a lysosome
Round organelle surrounded by a membrane, with no clear internal structure
Functions of a lysosome
Contains digestive enzymes which are kept separate from the cytoplasm by the surrounding membrane
Description of a ribosome
A very small organelle that either floats free in the cytoplasm or is attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. It is made from proteins not RNA and not surrounded by a membrane
Function of a ribosome
Site of protein synthesis
Description of the rough endoplasmic reticulum
A system of membranes enclosing a fluid-filled space. The surface is covered with ribosomes.
Function of rough endoplasmic reticulum
Folds and processes proteins that have been made at the ribosomes
Description of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
A system of membranes enclosing a fluid-filled space. The surface is not covered with ribosomes.
Function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Synthesizes and processes lipids
Description of a vesicle
A small fluid-filled sac in the cytoplasm, surrounded by a membrane
Function of a vesicle
Transports substances in and out of the cell and between organelles. Some are formed by the Golgi apparatus or the endoplasmic reticulum, while others are formed at the cell surface
Description of the Golgi Apparatus
A group of fluid-filled membrane-bound, flattened sacs. Vesicles are often seen at the edges of the sacs
Functions of the Golgi Apparatus
It processes and packages new lipids and proteins. It also makes new lysosomes
Description of mitochondrion
Oval shaped with double membrane. The inner one is folded forming cristae. Inside in the matrix containing enzymes for respiration
Function of a mitochondrion
The site of aerobic respiration where ATP is produced. Found in large numbers in cells that are very active and require lots of energy
Description of a chloroplast
Small, flattened structure found in plant cells. Surrounded by double membrane and has membranes inside called thylakoid membranes. These are stacked up in some parts of the chloroplast to form grana. Grana are linked together by lamellae = thin, flat pieces of thylakoid membrane.
Function of a chloroplast
The site where photosynthesis takes place. Some parts of photosynthesis happen in the grana, and other parts happen in the stroma (a thick fluid found in chloroplasts)