Cells Flashcards
What is the nuclear envelope ?
Double membrane that surrounds nucleus, often has ribosomes on the surface.Controls entry and exit of materials in and out of nucleus and contains reactions taking place within nucleus.
What do nuclear pores do ?
Allow the passage of large molecules such as MRNA out of nucleus. typically about 3000 pores in a nucleus each 40-100 nm in diameter
What do chromosomes consist of ?
Protein bound linear DNA
What is the nucleolus ?
Small spherical region within nucleoplasm. Manufactures ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosomes.
What are the functions of the nucleus ?
- protein synthesis, production of MRNA and TRNA
- hold genetic material of the cell in the form of DNA
- manufacture ribosomal RNA and ribosomes.
What is the structure and function of mitochondria ?
rod shaped organelles, 1 -10 micrometres in length. cc
What is the structure and function of chloroplasts?
Typically disc shaped, 2-10 micrometres long and 1 micrometre in diameter. They are the site of photosynthesis. Contain both dNA and ribosomes so can quickly manufacture proteins involved in photosynthesis
What is the chloroplast envelope ?
Double plasma membrane that surrounds the chloroplasts. Very selective on what can enter and leave chloroplasts.
What are the grana ?
Stacks of 100 disc like structures called thylakoids. Within the thylakoids there is the green pigment chlorophyll. The grana are where the light absorption stage of photosynthesis takes place.
What is the stroma ?
fluid filled matrix where the second stage of photosynthesis takes place ( sugar synthesis) within the stroma you can also find starch grains.
What is the structure and function of rough endoplasmic reticulum ?
Has ribosomes present on the outer surface of the membranes. Provide a large SA for synthesis of proteins and glycoproteins. Provide a pathway for the transport of materials throughout cell.
What is the structure and function of smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
Doesn’t have ribosomes on the surface. Synthesise store and transport lipids and carbs
What is the structure and function of golgi apparatus ?
- consists of a stack of membranes which make up flattened sacs called cisternae, with small rounded hollow structures called vesicles. Forms glycoproteins, produce secretory enzymes, secrete carbs, transport, store and modify lipids and form lysosomes.
What are lysosomes and their structure ?
- formed when the vesicles contained by the golgi apparatus contains enzymes such as proteases, and also contain lysosymes - enzymes that hydrolyse cell walls of certain bacteria. Up to 1 micrometre in diameter.
What are the function of lysosomes ?
- break down material ingested by phagocytic cells
- release enzymes to destroy material around a cell
- digest worn organelles so the materials they were made from can be recycled
- completely break down cells after they have died.
What is the structure of ribosomes and function ?
- have two subunits, one large and one small, each of which contains ribosomal RNA and proteins
Are the site of protein synthesis
What are the two types of ribosomes ?
80S, found in eukaryotic cells and around 25 nm in diameter
70S found in prokaryotic cells, mitochondria and chloroplasts slightly smaller in diameter.
What is the structure of the cell wall ?
- consists of microfibrils of cellulose which have considerable strength
- thin layer called the middle lamella which marks boundary between adjacent cell walls and sticks adj cells together.
What is the function of the cell wall ?
- to provide mechanical strength to prevent cell from bursting due to osmosis.
- to give strength to plant as a whole
- to allow water to pass along it to contribute to movement of water throughout plant.
What do the cell walls of fungi contain ?
chitin, glycan and glycoproteins
What is the structure and function of a vacuole ?
A vacuole is a fluid filled sac bounded by a single membrane which contains a solution of mineral ions, sugars, amino acids, wastes and pigments
- Support herbaceous plants by making cells turgid
- sugars and amino acids can act as temp food store
- pigments may colour petals to attract pollinating insects
what does herbaceous mean ?
herbaceous plants have green stems not hard, woody stems
What are some key features of prokaryotic cells ?
No true nucleus, DNA not associated with proteins, DNA can be found in plasmids, no membrane bound organelles, no chloroplasts, smaller ribosomes, cell wall made of murein, may have a capsule ( outer mucilaginous ( sticky, viscous) layer)
What are some key features of eukaryotic cells ?
Distinct nucleus, DNA associated with histones ( proteins found in chromosomes) , no plasmids, membrane bound organelles, chloroplasts in plant and algae cells, larger ribosomes, cell wall made of cellulose and no capsule
What are some adaptations of chlroplasts for their function ?
- contain DNA and ribosomes so proteins needed for photosynthesis can quickly be made
- contain thylakoids with chlorophyll, chlorophyll captures light for photosynthesis
- thylakoid stacks create large SA for light absorption
- fluid of stroma has all enzymes needed to make sugars in second stage of photosynthesis
What are the negative aspects of an electron microscope ?
views non living specimens only, very expensive and has to be stored in specific conditions.
Which electron microscope has a higher resolution ?
TEM has a higher resolution than SEM
How does TEM work ?
- beam of electrons focused onto specimen using condenser magnet
- beam passes through thin section of specimen
- parts that absorb electrons appear dark
- parts that allow electrons to pass through appear bright
What are limitations of TEM
- can’t study living organisms, complex staining process, specimen has to be very thin, image may contain artefacts ( structures that appear to be real but aren’t part of natural specimen) and 2D black and white image
How does SEM work ?
-electron beam directed onto surface of specimen from above ( specimen doesn’t have to be cut as thin)
-electrons bounce off surface, area scattered by specimen
- scatter pattern of the electrons produces 3D image ( image is in colour)
What is eyepiece graticule ?
glass disc with scale etched in placed in eyepiece lens
How to calibrate the eyepiece graticule?
- line up graticule with stage micrometer
- figure out how many divisions on EG correspond to length of stage micrometer ie 90 division = 0.24mm
- now work out what one division on EG represents
- calibration must be repeated at every new magnification
What is the total length of stage micrometer ?
1mm
What is the definition of resolution ?
Ability to distinguish between two points which are very close together