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BIOL 204 > Cell theory, components, structures, and function of cells > Flashcards

Cell theory, components, structures, and function of cells Flashcards

1
Q

What is the first key generalization of the cell theory?

A

All organisms are composed of one or more cells.

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2
Q

What is the second key generalization of the cell theory?

A

The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

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3
Q

What is the third key generalization of the cell theory?

A

Cells arise only from the division of pre-existing cells.

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4
Q

Why are the principles of cell theory foundational to biological science?

A

They established the understanding that all living organisms are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and new cells come from existing cells.

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5
Q

What do cells contain that carries hereditary information and directs the manufacture of cellular molecules?

A

DNA and RNA.

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6
Q

How do cells use energy sources?

A

Cells use chemical molecules or light as energy sources to carry out essential life processes.

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7
Q

What do cells do in response to changes in their external environment?

A

Cells alter their internal reactions to respond to changes in their external environment.

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8
Q

What happens to cells during reproduction?

A

They duplicate and pass on hereditary information.

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9
Q

Can most cells be seen with the naked eye?

A

No, most cells are invisible to the naked eye.

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10
Q

What types of organisms are typically unicellular?

A

Most bacteria, archaea, some protists (like amoebas), and some fungi (like yeasts).

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11
Q

How do multicellular organisms divide their life activities?

A

Life activities are divided among specialized cells.

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12
Q

Can individual cells from multicellular organisms survive independently?

A

Yes, in a suitable chemical medium, individual cells can potentially survive independently.

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13
Q

What happens if cells are broken open?

A

They lose the ability to grow, reproduce, or respond to stimuli in a coordinated manner.

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14
Q

What confirms that life does not exist in units simpler than individual cells?

A

The inability of broken-open cells to grow, reproduce, or respond to stimuli in a coordinated manner.

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15
Q

What does this chapter introduce that enhances our understanding of cell structure?

A

Modern microscopes.

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16
Q

What are the typical sizes of prokaryotic cells compared to human cells?

A

Prokaryotic cells are typically a few micrometres in length and less than a micrometre in diameter, whereas a typical human cell has about ten times the diameter and over 8000 times the volume of an average prokaryotic cell.

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17
Q

What are the common shapes of prokaryotic cells?

A

Spherical, rodlike, and spiral.

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18
Q

Where is the genetic material located in prokaryotic cells?

A

In a nucleoid, a highly folded mass of DNA not separated by a membrane.

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19
Q

What form does the DNA take in most prokaryotic species?

A

A single circular molecule forming the prokaryotic chromosom

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20
Q

How is genetic information used in prokaryotic cells to make proteins?

A

DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which ribosomes use to assemble amino acids into proteins.

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21
Q

What are prokaryotic ribosomes composed of?

A

A large and a small subunit, each made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.

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22
Q

What surrounds the plasma membrane of prokaryotic cells, providing structural support and protection?

A

A rigid cell wall.

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23
Q

What is the glycocalyx, and what are its functions?

A

An external polysaccharide coating that helps protect cells from damage and desiccation and aids in attachment to surfaces.

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24
Q

What vital functions does the plasma membrane perform in prokaryotic cells?

A

Transporting materials and metabolizing food molecules into ATP.

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25
Q

How do photosynthetic bacteria utilize light energy?

A

Molecules that absorb light energy are associated with the plasma membrane or internal membranes derived from it.

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26
Q

What internal structures do some photosynthetic bacteria have for photosynthesis?

A

Layers of internal membranes where photosynthesis occurs.

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27
Q

What cytoskeletal structures are found in prokaryotic cells, and what are their functions?

A

Filamentous structures that help maintain cell shape, facilitate cell division, and determine cell polarity.

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28
Q

How do many prokaryotes move?

A

Using flagella, long threadlike protein fibers that rotate to propel the cell.

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29
Q

What are pili, and what are their functions?

A

Hairlike protein structures that help attach the cell to surfaces or other cells. A special type, the sex pilus, facilitates the transfer of genetic material between bacteria during mating.

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30
Q

Into what four major groups is the domain Eukarya divided?

A

Protists, fungi, animals, and plants.

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31
Q

What characterizes eukaryotic cells?

A

Having a true nucleus enclosed by membranes and cytoplasmic organelles enclosed within a plasma membrane.

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32
Q

What are some functions of the membranous organelles in eukaryotic cells?

A

Energy metabolism, molecular synthesis, storage, and transport

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33
Q

What is the cytosol, and what are its functions?

A

The solution surrounding the organelles, participating in energy metabolism, molecular synthesis, and functions related to support and motility.

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34
Q

What are some functions of the eukaryotic plasma membrane?

A

Transporting substances into and out of the cell, binding signal molecules, and triggering internal responses

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35
Q

How do certain plasma membrane proteins in animal cells function in cell recognition?

A

They recognize and adhere to molecules on the surfaces of other cells and act as immune system markers identifying cells as “self.”

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36
Q

What is the purpose of the supportive cell wall in fungal, plant, and many protist cells?

A

To provide structural support and protection.

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37
Q

Do animal cells have cell walls?

A

No, but they produce extracellular material with supportive and other functions.

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38
Q

What are the four major groups into which the domain Eukarya is divided?

A

Protists, fungi, animals, and plants.

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39
Q

What characterizes eukaryotic cells?

A

A true nucleus enclosed by membranes and cytoplasmic organelles enclosed within a plasma membrane.

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40
Q

What functions do the eukaryotic plasma membrane proteins facilitate?

A

Transporting substances into and out of the cell, binding signal molecules, and triggering internal responses.

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41
Q

What is the role of the supportive cell wall in fungal, plant, and many protist cells?

A

Providing structural support and protection.

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42
Q

How does the nucleus of eukaryotic cells differ from the nucleoid of prokaryotic cells?

A

The nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm by the nuclear envelope, containing much more DNA than the prokaryotic nucleoid.

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43
Q

What are lamins?

A

A network of protein filaments reinforcing the inner surface of the nuclear envelope in animal cells.

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44
Q

What is the function of nuclear pore complexes?

A

Regulating the exchange of materials between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

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45
Q

What are chromatin and chromosomes?

A

Chromatin is a combination of DNA and proteins, while a chromosome is a single DNA molecule with its proteins.

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46
Q

What are nucleoli and their function?

A

Irregular masses of fibers and granules within the nucleus where rRNA genes are transcribed and ribosomal subunits are formed.

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47
Q

What are the two forms of eukaryotic ribosomes?

A

Free ribosomes suspended in the cytosol and membrane-bound ribosomes attached to the ER.

48
Q

What is the endomembrane system?

A

A collection of interrelated internal membranous sacs that divide the cell into functional and structural compartments

49
Q

What are the two forms of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and their functions?

A

Rough ER (involved in protein synthesis and modification) and smooth ER (involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification).

50
Q

What is the Golgi complex, and what is its role?

A

A stack of flattened membranous sacs that modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for transport.

51
Q

What are lysosomes and their function?

A

Small, membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic enzymes that digest complex molecules, organelles, and cellular debris

52
Q

How are lysosomes formed?

A

By budding from the Golgi complex.

53
Q

What are mitochondria, and what is their primary function?

A

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles where cellular respiration occurs, breaking down energy-rich molecules to produce ATP.

54
Q

What process occurs in mitochondria, and what are its products?

A

Cellular respiration occurs in mitochondria, resulting in the production of water, carbon dioxide, and ATP.

55
Q

Why is oxygen essential for mitochondrial reactions?

A

Oxygen is required for the breakdown of fuels in cellular respiration to produce ATP.

56
Q

Describe the structure of mitochondria.

A

Mitochondria have a smooth outer membrane and a highly folded inner membrane with infoldings called cristae that increase surface area for chemical reactions.

57
Q

What is the significance of cristae in mitochondria?

A

Cristae increase the surface area of the inner membrane, providing more space for the chemical reactions involved in cellular respiration.

58
Q

Do mitochondria contain their own genetic material?

A

Yes, mitochondria have their own DNA and ribosomes.

59
Q

What is the evolutionary origin of mitochondria?

A

Mitochondria are believed to have evolved from ancient bacteria that became permanent residents of the cytoplasm during the evolution of eukaryotic cells.

60
Q

What is the cytoskeleton?

A

The cytoskeleton is an interconnected system of protein fibers and tubes throughout the cytoplasm that maintains cell shape, internal organization, and movement.

61
Q

Which cells have a highly developed cytoskeleton?

A

Animal cells have a highly developed cytoskeleton.

62
Q

What are the three major types of structural elements in the cytoskeleton?

A

The three major types of structural elements in the cytoskeleton are microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments.

63
Q

What are microtubules made of and what is their role?

A

Microtubules are made of tubulin dimers and they anchor various organelles, provide tracks for vesicle movement, and play roles in cell division, chromosome movement, and maintaining cell shape.

64
Q

What do motor proteins like dyneins and kinesins do?

A

Dyneins and kinesins are motor proteins that facilitate movement along microtubules, powered by ATP.

65
Q

What are intermediate filaments and their function?

A

Intermediate filaments have diameters between microtubules and microfilaments and provide structural support in cells and tissues, holding the nucleus in place in epithelial cells.

66
Q

What are microfilaments made of and what processes do they assist with?

A

Microfilaments are composed of actin subunits and are involved in cytoplasmic streaming, cell division, and muscle contraction

67
Q

What is the role of the motor protein myosin?

A

Myosin facilitates movement along microfilaments during processes like cytoplasmic streaming and muscle contraction.

68
Q

What is the arrangement of microtubules in flagella and cilia?

A

Flagella and cilia have a 9 + 2 arrangement of microtubules.

69
Q

Where do flagella and cilia originate from?

A

Flagella and cilia originate from centrioles, which migrate to positions just beneath the plasma membrane, forming the basal body of these structures.

70
Q

What is the difference between flagella and cilia?

A

Flagella are typically longer and fewer in number, while cilia are shorter and more numerous.

71
Q

What are some examples of cells with flagella?

A

Examples include sperm cells and reproductive cells of some plants.

72
Q

Where can cilia be found and what are their functions?

A

Cilia can be found on cell surfaces lining cavities or tubes in the body, like in brain ventricles for fluid circulation and in the oviducts for egg transport.

73
Q

Do eukaryotic flagella and prokaryotic flagella share the same evolutionary origin?

A

No, the genes encoding their components differ, indicating independent evolutionary origins.

74
Q

Are lysosomes present in all eukaryotic cells?

A

No, lysosomes are restricted to animal cells.

75
Q

What are the specialized structures found in plant cells?

A

Plant cells have chloroplasts, central vacuoles, and cell walls.

76
Q

What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

A

Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis.

77
Q

What family of organelles do chloroplasts belong to?

A

Chloroplasts belong to a family of organelles known as plastids.

78
Q

What do amyloplasts and chromoplasts do?

A

Amyloplasts store starch, while chromoplasts contain pigments responsible for fruit and leaf colors

79
Q

Describe the structure of chloroplasts.

A

Chloroplasts are lens or disc-shaped, with smooth outer and inner membranes, enclosing the stroma and thylakoids stacked to form grana.

80
Q

What do thylakoid membranes contain?

A

Thylakoid membranes contain light-absorbing molecules like chlorophyll.

81
Q

What is the role of enzymes in the stroma of chloroplasts?

A

Enzymes in the stroma produce carbohydrates and other organic molecules using energy from photosynthesis.

82
Q

How do chloroplasts suggest an ancient bacterial origin?

A

Chloroplasts have DNA and ribosomes similar to those found in certain photosynthetic bacteria.

83
Q

What are central vacuoles and their role in plant cells?

A

Central vacuoles are large vesicles that store substances, provide structural support, and help cell growth.

84
Q

What percentage of a mature plant cell’s volume can be occupied by central vacuoles?

A

Up to 90% of the cell’s volume can be occupied by central vacuoles.

85
Q

What is the tonoplast membrane?

A

The tonoplast membrane surrounds central vacuoles and contains transport proteins.

86
Q

What functions do central vacuoles serve?

A

They store salts, organic acids, sugars, proteins, pigments, waste products, and contain enzymes for digestion.

87
Q

What are cell walls composed of?

A

Cell walls are composed of cellulose fibers embedded in a network of highly branched carbohydrates.

88
Q

What are plasmodesmata?

A

Plasmodesmata are cytosol-filled channels in cell walls that allow ions and small molecules to move between plant cells.

89
Q

How do cell walls in fungi differ from those in plant cells?

A

Some fungi incorporate chitin into their cell walls instead of cellulose.

90
Q

Do animal cells have cell walls?

A

No, animal cells lack rigid cell walls but have extracellular material and surface structures for support.

91
Q

What are Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs)?

A

CAMs are integral glycoproteins in the plasma membrane that maintain tissue and organ structural integrity by selectively binding to specific molecules on neighboring cells.

92
Q

What role do CAMs play during embryonic development?

A

CAMs facilitate initial cell connections that undergo dynamic rearrangements as cells and tissues change positions, eventually becoming permanent and reinforced by more complex cell junctions

93
Q

What happens when CAM function is disrupted in cancer cells?

A

Cancer cells often lose their adhesion properties, enabling them to detach, migrate, and form secondary tumors.

94
Q

How do CAMs contribute to the immune system?

A

CAMs help the immune system distinguish between self and non-self, playing a role in organ transplant rejection by triggering an immune response to foreign cell surface molecules.

95
Q

What are the three main types of cell junctions in animal cells?

A

The three main types are anchoring junctions, tight junctions, and gap junctions.

96
Q

What is the function of anchoring junctions?

A

Anchoring junctions “weld” adjacent cells together, providing stability in tissues subjected to mechanical forces like stretching or shearing.

97
Q

What do tight junctions do?

A

Tight junctions create tight connections between adjacent cell membranes, sealing the intercellular space and preventing leakage of particles.

98
Q

How do gap junctions facilitate cell communication?

A

Gap junctions provide direct channels between the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, allowing ions and small molecules to pass freely for rapid communication.

99
Q

What is the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)?

A

The ECM is a network of proteins and polysaccharides secreted by cells, providing protection, structural support, and influencing cellular processes.

100
Q

What are the primary components of the ECM?

A

The primary components are glycoproteins like collagen, which provides tensile strength and elasticity, and proteoglycans, which form a network around collagen fibers.

101
Q

What is the role of fibronectins in the ECM?

A

Fibronectins help organize the ECM and attach cells to it by binding to integrin receptor proteins, which link to the cell’s cytoskeleton

102
Q

How does the ECM influence tissue development and responses to injuries?

A

The ECM supports tissue architecture, sustains cellular functions, and modulates responses to physiological cues and pathological insults.

103
Q

Into which three domains are all forms of life classified?

A

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

104
Q

Why are bacteria and archaea no longer grouped together as Prokaryota?

A

Recent research has shown they are not evolutionarily related.

105
Q

What are the two common types of microscopes used to view cells?

A

Light microscopes and electron microscopes.

106
Q

Why do electron microscopes provide higher resolution than light microscopes?

A

Because electrons have a shorter wavelength compared to light

107
Q

How does the surface area-to-volume ratio affect cell function?

A

As cell diameter increases, the volume grows faster than the surface area, affecting the cell’s ability to exchange nutrients and waste.

108
Q

What adaptations do some cells have to enhance nutrient and waste exchange?

A

Surface folds or extensions, such as fingerlike extensions in human intestinal cells.

109
Q

What is the plasma membrane, and what is its function?

A

A bilayer of lipids with embedded proteins that acts as a hydrophobic barrier to water-soluble substances, allowing selective passage through transport proteins.

110
Q

What is contained in the central region of all cells?

A

DNA, which stores hereditary information, proteins that maintain DNA structure, and enzymes for DNA replication and RNA transcription.

111
Q

What is the cytoplasm, and what does it contain?

A

The area between the plasma membrane and the central region, containing organelles, cytosol, and the cytoskeleton.

112
Q

What are the functions of the cytoskeleton in the cytoplasm?

A

It helps maintain cell shape and is crucial in cell division and chromosome segregation.

113
Q

What are the two types of cells, and how are they different?

A

Prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus, with a nucleoid) and eukaryotic (having a membrane-bound nucleus).

114
Q

What defines eukaryotic cells?

A

The presence of a membrane-bound nucleus containing the cell’s DNA and extensive membrane systems forming organelles.

115
Q

What is a key feature of prokaryotic cells?

A

They lack a nucleus, with a DNA-containing central region called the nucleoid not separated from the cytoplasm by a membrane.

BIOL 204 (6 decks)

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