Cell Structure Flashcards
What is a eukaryotic cell?
Cells with a nucleus and other membrane bound organelles, they make up multicellular organisms.
Define metabolism…
The synthesis and breaking down of molecules.
What is the purpose of compartmentalisation?
To provide distinct environments and conditions for cellular reactions.
What is a prokaryote?
Single celled organisms with a single undivided cytoplasm.
What is cytoplasm composed of?
Cytosol (water, salts and organic molecules)
What is an organelle?
Membrane-bound compartment.
Describe the membrane surrounding an organelle?
Membranes are selectively permeable and control the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Describe the components of the nucleus…
DNA is contained within a double membrane called the nuclear envelope, this protects it from damage in the cytoplasm.
The double membrane contains nuclear pores to allow movement in and out (RNA).
Nucleolus.
Describe how DNA forms chromosomes…
DNA associates with histones (proteins) to form chromatin which coils and condenses to form chromosomes.
What is the nucleolus?
An area within the nucleus responsible for producing ribosomes (rRNA), it is composed of RNA and proteins.
What is the function of mitochondria?
It is the site of the final stages of cellular respiration where ATP (adeninetriphosphate) is produced.
Describe the membrane structure of mitochondria…
Mitochondria has a double membrane structure, The inner membrane is highly folded to form cristae which contain the enzymes.
What is the fluid interior of mitochondria called?
The matrix.
What are cristae?
The highly folded inner membrane of mitochondria, it contains the enzymes for cellular respiration.
What is mt(DNA)?
Mitochondrial DNA found in mitochondria which means they can produce their own enzymes and reproduce themselves.
What are vesicles?
Membranous sacs with storage and transport roles inside the cell. They have a single membrane and an interior fluid.
What are lysosomes?
Specialised vesicles that contain hydrolytic enzymes responsible for breaking down waste material in the cells.
Give 3 examples of the uses of hydrolytic enzymes in lysosomes…
Breaking down old organelles. Immune system (pathogens ingested by phagocytic cells). Apoptosis.
Name the 3 components of the cytoskeleton…
Microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate fibres.
What is the general function of the cytoskeleton?
It is a network of fibres responsible for cell shape and stability. It controls cell movements and movement of organelles within cells.
What are microfilaments?
Contractile fibres made from actin, responsible for cell movement/contraction during cytokinesis.
What part of the cytoskeleton is made from actin?
Microfilaments.
What are microtubules and how are they formed?
They act as tracks for vesicles and form spindle fibres. They form when globular tubulin polymerises to form tubes.
What is the function of intermediate fibres?
To give the cell mechanical strength and maintain cell integrity.
Describe centrioles…
Centrioles are a component of the cytoskeleton, they are composed of microtubules. 2 associated centrioles form thr centrosome which is involved in the assembly snd organisation of spindle fibres.
Centrioles are not present in _____ ?
Flowering plants or fungi.
In simple terms, what are flagella and cilia?
Protruding extensions from cells.
What is the function of flagella?
To enable motility, it is also a sensory organelle.
How do cilia move objects?
They beat rhythmically creating a current causing adjacent objects to move
Give two examples of where cilia is present in the human body…
Trachea and fallopian tubes.
Explain the ‘9+2’ arrangement of mobile cilia…
Each cilium contains 2 central microtubules surround by 9 pairs of microtubules. Parallel pairs slide over each other causing the cilia to beat.
What is the function of smooth ER (endoplasmic reticulum)?
Lipid and carbohydrate synthesis and storage.
What is secretion?
Transport out of a cell.
What is the function of rough ER (endoplasmic reticulum)?
Protein synthesis and transport.
What is the difference between smooth ER and rough ER?
Rough ER has ribsomes bound to it’s surface.
What is ER?
Endoplasmic reticulum, a network of membranes enclosing flattened sacs called cisternae.