Cells Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the size of a cell?
~10 micrometers across
Why is a cell so small?
Limited by the reliance on diffusion
What function does the size of a cell serve?
Smaller SA:V ratio causes efficiency
What shape can cells be?
Long and narrow
Plasma Membrane
Phospholipid bilayer surrounding rest of cell, which provides protection and includes proteins
What does the protein do in the plasma membrane?
Proteins in membrane control what enters and exits the cell
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is made up of cytosol (jelly) and holds organelles
What are the five cytoplasmic organelles?
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
- Vesicle
- Golgi apparatus
- Lysosomes
- Mitochondria
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function
Makes products
Vesicle
Transports materials (vehicle)
Golgi apparatus
Packages products from the ER and sends them to destination
Lysosomes
Breaks down material (Lysol wipes)
Mitochondria
The powerhouse of the cell
Cytoskeleton
rod-like proteins in the cell providing support and movement (Like a skeleton)
What are the structures of the cytoskeleton?
- Microtubules
- Intermediate Filaments
- Microfilaments
(MIM)
What are the functions of the cytoskeleton structures?
- Microtubules = Trackway for transport of materials to and from the center of the cell (micro-train)
- Intermediate Filaments = prevent a cell from being torn apart by tension (pulling) forces (Medium pain from guy tied to two horses RIP)
- Microfilaments = mainly consists of actin, which interacts with myosin to produce changes in cell shape
Nucleus
The control center of the cell
Is the nucleus an organelle?
No
What are the three Specialized cell contacts (cell junctions)?
- Tight Junctions
- Desmosomes
- Gap Junctions
What are the functions of the cell junctions?
- Tight Junctions = Prevent diffusion across tissue through extracellular space (Keeps it together)
- Desmosomes = Anchors adjacent cells together (Bolts)
- Gap Junctions = Passageway from one cell to another (ZuZu pets)
