Cell Ultrastructure Flashcards
How many amino acids are there?
20
What is cytosol?
A semi-fluid with cytoskeletal fibres
What are organelles?
Subcellular units that are suspended in cytoplasm.
What does the cell membrane do? (5)
Defines the compartment of the cell; allows inter cell communication; endocytosis (importing); exocytosis (exporting); allowing molecules in and out of the cell
What is a cytoskeleton?
A 3D array of interlaced proteinaceous structures.
What does the cytoskeleton allow? (4)
Internal framework of the cell; dynamic matrix for organelle/cell movement; permits cell division; influences H2O distribution (70% cell volume)
What does the nucleus contain?
Chromosomes; pores that allow the transfer of molecules in and out; nucleolous
What is the mitochondria’s function? (3)
Cristae generate ATP for energy; aerobic respiration; electron transport.
What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum? (2)
Lipid steroid synthesis and protein synthesis
What is the function of the golgi complex? (3)
Forms vesicles, synthesises complex polysaccharides and vesicles can fuse with plasma membrane to export contents out of the cell
What is the function of lysosome? (3)
Destroys/lyses material in vesicles; recycles cel contents; stores enzymes
What is the function of the peroxisome? (2)
Packages and destroys hydrogen peroxide safely; protects the cell from damaging reactive oxygen species.
What is the function of ribosomes? (3)
Protein synthesis; RNA translation into protein; ribosomes walk along mRNA
What is the function of a chloroplast? (3)
It is the site of photosynthesis; light driven process and enzymes and light absorbing pigments make sugars and other organic compounds
What is the function of the vacuole? (4)
Temporary storage, transport, maintains pressure and prevents wilting, phagocytosis
