Cell Structure & Transport Flashcards
What is the function of the nucleus?
- Contains the organisms hereditary material called chromatin
- Controls cell activities through production of mRNA
What is the function of the mitochondrion?
To carry out aerobic respiration
-also can produce its own proteins
Describe structural features of a chloroplast.
- The chloroplast envelope: (membranes) allows substances to enter and leave.
- Thylakoids: disks containing chlorophyll, arranged in stacks called Grana.
- Stroma: the fluid filled matrix.
What is the structure of a nucleus?
- Nuclear envelope: a double membrane with lots of nuclear pores allowing molecules out, e.g RNA.
- Nucleoplasm: granular jelly like material.
- Nucleolus: manufactures RNA.
- Membrane can be continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum.
What are the structural features of the mitochondrion?
- Double membrane: entry and exit of substances.
- The inner membrane is folded as Cristae, providing a larger SA for enzymes and proteins during respiration.
- Matrix: rest of the space, containing proteins, ribosomes, enzymes, lipids, and DNA so it can produce its own proteins.
- Rod like shape.
What is the function of chloroplasts?
To carry out photosynthesis.
- also contain DNA and ribosomes.
What is the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
Involved in the production, processing, and storage of carbohydrates, steroids, and mainly lipids.
What is the structure of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
It has no ribosomes on its surface.
What are lysosomes?
Vesicles which contain hydrolytic enzymes that break biological molecules down.
What is the function of lysosomes?
Used to break down waste material e.g worn out organelles.
Lysosome structure?
- Membrane
- Hydrolytic enzymes
- Transport proteins on the surface
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Processes proteins and glycoproteins made by ribosomes.
Describe the structure of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
- Covered in ribosomes.
- In places it’s continuous with the nuclear envelope.
What is the structure of the Golgi Apparatus?
- Made up of flattened sacs of membrane called Cisternae.
- Similar to smooth ER but more compact.
Describe the process of the Golgi Apparatus?
- Receives proteins (made in the rough ER) and other molecules in vesicles.
- Molecules become modified, make their way up through the Golgi and eventually packaged up into vesicles.
- The vesicles take the molecules to where they need to go e.g other membrane bound organelles.
Where are ribosomes formed, found, and made up of?
- Found freely in the cytoplasm, or on the surface of the rough ER.
- Formed in the nucleolus.
- Composed of almost equal amounts of RNA and proteins.
What is the function of ribosomes?
The site of protein synthesis
How many subunits of ribosomes do Eukaryotic cells have?
80s ribosomes: made up of 60s and 40s subunits.
How many subunits of ribosomes do Prokaryotic cells, mitochondria, and chloroplasts have?
70s ribosomes: made up of 50s and 30s subunits.
What is the function of cell walls?
To give structural support to the cell as it is made up of a strong polysaccharide called cellulose, or chitin in fungi.
Describe the structural features of the cell wall (cellulose)
- Cellulose forms larger molecules called microfibrils, which form a mesh like structure.
- In between plant cell walls is the middle lamella made of mineral ions and polysaccharides, acts as a glue.
- Plasmodesmata are small channels in the cell wall used for exchange of substances with other cells.
What is the structure of the cell membrane?
-A partially permeable surface that allows substances to enter and leave the cell.
- Has receptor molecules to respond to hormones.
- Formed from a phospholipid bilayer.
Structure of the vacuole
- Fluid filled sac bound by a single membrane called tonoplast.
- In mature plant cells, there may be a large central vacuole containing a solution of mineral salts, sugars, amino acids, wastes and pigments.
What is the function of the vacuole?
- Act as a temporary food source
- Supports plants by making cells turgid
- Pigments may colour petals to attract pollinators.
What is the function of microtubules?
Part of the cytoskeleton of a cell, providing support and cellular locomotion, determines shape.
Describe the structure of microtubules.
Made up of alpha and beta tubulin dimers which join to form protofilaments.
What is pinocytosis?
The ingestion of extracellular fluids (fluid surrounding the cell)
How do pinocytotic vesicles work?
- The cell membrane will pinch inwards, trapping some extracellular fluid and forming a pinocytotic vesicle.
- The pouch is pinched off at the membrane and can then travel into the cytosol of the cell.
What does Eukaryotic mean?
The cell has a nucleus
What does prokaryotic mean?
The cell does NOT have a nucleus e.g a bacterial cell
What is Pili and why do bacterial cells have them?
Hair like projections on the surface of the cell that can attach to other surfaces and transfer genetic material
What is function of the Slime Capsule in a bacterial cell and where is it?
It is the outer most layer that protects the bacteria and is capable of producing toxins (makes us feel sick)
What type of ribosomes are in prokaryotic cells like bacteria?
70s ribosomes that are free in the cytoplasm
What is the smaller cell: Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic?
Prokaryotic
What does the cell wall do and where is it found in a bacterial cell?
The cell wall, made of murein, is between the slime capsule and cell membrane. Gives structure and prevents damage against osmotic lysis.
Where is the genetic material in a prokaryotic cell?
In the nucleoid, which is a circular loop
What are plasmids?
Small rings of DNA that aid the survival of the bacteria e.g producing enzymes that beak down antibiotics
Why do some bacterial cells have flagella?
In order to move
How do prokaryotic cells respire if they don’t have mitochondria?
They have infolds of the cell membrane called mesosomes which provide large surface are for enzymes to attach for respiration.
How do some prokaryotic cells photosynthesise?
A chlorophyll pigment attached to the cell surface membrane.