Cells Flashcards
Cells
- smallest unit that can live on its own
- makes up all living organism
- made of preexisting cells (containing DNA)
Organelle
a structure in eukaryotic cell surrounded by a membrane that performs a specific function
Prokaryotes
single celled organism, doesn’t have nucleus
Eukaryotes
organism consisting of a cell or cells, genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus.
What are the major characteristics that differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic don’t and have free-floating genetic material
Why do we not find single cells that are the size of a house (think loading docks…)?
(why cells small)
surface area : area (5:1, 1:1 small cell)
- as cells gets larger, volume increases faster than surface area
Mitochondria
produces chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions converts food to ATP through cellular respiration
Nucleus
synthesize and stores DNA (used to make protein)
Nucleolus
the region of DNA coding for ribosomal RNA (synthesize)
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
helps in processing protein in eukaryotic cells.
like quality control destroying non-functional proteins
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
produces lipids, specialized cells need specific lipids; breaks down potentially toxic molecules to non-toxic products
Golgi Apparatus
further processes proteins to add chemical “tags” that will determine the proteins final destination
Cytosol
fluid around the cell, helps move material around the cell
Ribosomes
site of protein synthesis freestanding or bound to another organelle (do not have membranes)
Cytoskeleton
skeleton of cell made of protein filaments which help give structure and mechanical support
Lysosome
sacs of enzymes (break down material into constituent (recycle) or waste material (expelled from cell))
What is the endomembrane system? What are the organelles that make up this system?
the transport system that carries proteins from one organelle to another or to plasma membrane
- transport vesicles, RER, SER, Golgi Apparatus, lysosomes
Describe the major structural differences between plant and animal cells. Which structures are unique to plant cells? Which are unique to animal cells?
- plants have cell wall and chloroplasts;
- animals have lysosomes
Describe the different types of cytoskeletal components and be able to give an example of a function or process that each component participates in.
- microfilaments: helps with movement around cell
- intermediate filaments: stabilizes positions of organelles and nucleus (mechanical help)
- microtubules: serve as “railway” for transport vehicles
