Cell Structure and Function Flashcards
Nucleus
- control center of the cell
- contains DNA and mRNA
Nucleolus
region where ribosomal subunits (rRNA and proteins) are formed
Rough ER
- ribosomes on the surface
- package proteins for secretion, send transport vesicles to Golgi, make replacement membrane
Smooth ER
- no ribosomes on surface
- synthesize lipids, metabolize carbs, detox drugs and poisons, store calcium
Golgi Apparatus
- synthesize and packaging of materials for transport
- produce lysosomes
Cis face (Golgi)
receives vesicles
Trans face (Golgi)
ships vesicles
Lysosomes
- intercellular digestion
- recycles cell’s materials
- programmed cell death (apoptosis)
Vacuoles
- storage of materials (food, water, minerals, pigments, poisons)
Plants: Large Central Vacuole
- stores water, ions
- retains water for turgor pressure
Mitochondria
- source of cellular respiration
- generates ATP by utilizing the energy released during the oxidation of food we eat
Cristae
- folds of the inner membrane of the mitochondria
- contains enzymes for ATP production
Chloroplasts
- site if photosynthesis
- contains chlorophylls for capturing sunlight energy
Peroxisomes
- break down fatty acids
- detox alcohol
- involves production of hydrogen peroxide
Cytoskeleton
- network of protein fibers
- support, motility, regulate biochemical activities
What are the 3 types of cytoskeleton fibers?
- Microtubules
- Microfilaments
- Intermediate Filaments
Microtubules
- largest fibers
- shape/support the cell
- forms a spindle for mitosis/meiosis
Microfilaments
- smallest fibers
- support the cell on a smaller scale
- cell movement
Intermediate Filaments
- medium size
- permanent fixtures
- maintain shape of the cell
- fix position of organelles
Centrosomes
region from which microtubules grow
Centrioles
- barrel shaped
- organize microtubules
- determine the locations of the nucleus and other organelles within the cell
Flagella
- long a few
- enables movement
Cilia
- short and numerous
- move water relative to the cell in a regular movement
Plant: Cell wall
- protect the plant
- maintain the shape
- composed of cellulose
Plasmodesmata
channels between cells to allow the passage of molecules from cell to cell
Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
- outside the plasma membrane of animal cells
- composed of glycoproteins
- strengthens tissues
- transmits external signals to the cell
What junctions allow cells to adhere to each other?
- Tight Junctions
- Desmosomes
- Gap Junctions
Tight Junction
2 cells are fused to form a watertight seal
Desmosomes
“rivets” that fasten adjacent cells into strong sheets (like glue)
Gap Junctions
channels through which ions, sugar, and small molecules can pass
