Cells Flashcards
What is a cell?
The smallest functional unit of all living organisms.
What are the two main types of organisms based on the structures of their cells?
Eukaryotic cells and Prokaryotic cells.
What are cells that contain a nuclear classified as?
Eukaryotic cells.
What are cells without a nuclear classified as?
Prokaryotic cells.
What’s an example of an organism with prokaryotic cells?
Bacteria.
We can say that your cells are …….. to perform a specific function.
Specialised.
What are some common structures all cells have? (3)
- A cell membrane.
- Cytoplasm
- A nucleus (in most Eukaryotic cells.)
What is an organelle?
A specialised structure within the cell that performs a function for the cell.
Name two examples of organelles in cells?
Vacuoles and mitochondria.
What is the cell membrane?
A thin layer that encloses the cells contents and separates the cell from its environment.
What does the cell membrane control?
It controls which substances are allowed to enter and leave the cell. (Selectively permeable)
What is the cytoplasm?
It include all living parts of the cell within the membrane, excluding the nucleus.
What is the cytoplasm made up of?
The cytoplasm is made up of the cytosol and the cell organelles.
What is the cytosol?
A watery, jelly-like medium made of 70%-90% water and is usually colourless.
What also takes place in the cytosol?
Many chemical reactions.
Which cell organelles make up the cytoplasm?
Mitochondria, chloroplasts and vacuoles?
What does the nucleus do?
It controls all the processes and chemical reactions that take place inside the cell.
What does the nucleus also contain?
The cell’s genetic material which is arranged into long DNA molecules.
Describe the nucleus structure.
- A double membrane called the nuclear membrane encloses the DNA. Nuclear membrane contains pores.
- A nucleolus inside the nucleus.
- The DNA which contains information about inherited characteristics (hereditary).
What is the difference in DNA that occurs between individuals called?
Variation.
What process takes place in the mitochondria?
Cellular respiration.
What’s the difference between the shape of plant and animal cells?
Animal cells often have a more irregular shape.
Plant cells have a more regular rigid shape.
What is the cell wall?
The additional layer in plant cells surrounding the cell on the outside of the cell membrane.
What is the main compound that the cell wall is formed from?
Cellulose.
What does cellulose help do?
Helps maintain the shape of the plant cell allowing the plant to remain rigid and upright even if it grows really tall.
What are chloroplasts?
The only cell organelles that can produce food from the sun’s energy.(plant cells)
Why are chloroplasts able to photosynthesise?
They contain chlorophyll.
What are vacuoles in plant cells?
Usually quite large organelles that occupy as much as 90% of the cell’s volume.
What does a full vacuole result in?
A Turgid cell and therefor plant.
What is the function of epithelial cells?
They cover the surface of the body for protection.
What is the function of muscle cells?
They can contract and relax allowing for movement within your body.
What is the function of nerve cells?
Nerve cells are specialised to carry messages that coordinate the functions of the body.
What is the function of red blood cells?
Carry oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.
What are stem cells?
Unspecialised cells which can divide and develop into many different types of specialised cells.
What are organisms that are made of one cell?
Unicellular.
What are organisms made of many cells?
Multicellular.
What are microscopic organisms?
One cell organisms that can only be seen with the help of a microscope.
What are macroscopic organisms?
They consist of many cells and are visible to the naked eye.
Name the levels of organisation.
Atoms Molecules Cells Tissues Organs Systems
