Cell Structure Flashcards
What is catabolism?
Process whereby complex nutrients are broken down to simpler substances and energy is released. Cata- means down, bol means to cast, and -ism is a process.
Example: Catabolism is the process of breaking down carbohydrates into glucose for energy.
What is the cell membrane?
Structure surrounding and protecting the cell. It determines what enters and leaves the cell.
Additional information: Also known as the plasma membrane.
What are chromosomes?
Rod-shaped structures in the nucleus that contain regions of DNA called genes. There are 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) in every cell except for the egg and sperm cells, which contain only 23 individual, unpaired chromosomes.
Example sentence: The karyotype analysis revealed an extra chromosome in the patient’s cells.
What is cytoplasm?
All of the material that is outside the nucleus and yet contained within the cell
Cyt=cell plasm= structure
Additional information: Cytoplasm is where many cellular processes take place.
What is DNA?
Chemical found within each chromosome. Arranged like a sequence of recipes in code, it directs the activities of the cell.
Example sentence: DNA testing confirmed the genetic mutation in the patient.
What is endoplasmic reticulum?
Network of canals within the cytoplasm of the cell. Here, large proteins are made from smaller protein pieces.
Additional information: There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum - rough ER and smooth ER.
What are genes?
Regions of DNA within each chromosome.
Example sentence: Mutations in the BRCA genes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
What is a karyotype?
Picture (classification) of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. The chromosomes are arranged in numerical order to determine their number and structure.
Additional information: Karyotyping is often used in genetic testing.
What is metabolism?
Total of the chemical processes in a cell. It includes catabolism and anabolism. Meta- means change, bol means to cast, and -ism means a process.
Example sentence: Metabolism plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis in the body.
What are mitochondria?
Rod-shaped structures in the cytoplasm that provide the principal source of energy (miniature ‘power plants’) for the cell. Catabolism is the process that occurs in mitochondria. (From the Greek mitos meaning thread and chondrion meaning granule.) * HINT: Think of ‘mighty’ mitochondria!
Example sentence: The mitochondria produce ATP through cellular respiration.
nucleus
Control center of the cell.It contains chromosomes and directs the activities of the cell
