Cells Flashcards
Cell structure & functions, plasma membrane, cellular transport and the study of cells
What are cells?
basic structure and functional unit of a living organism
What are tissues?
groups of cells with similar structures that work together to perform a function
What are organs?
a structure made up of different tissues within an animal that perform a specific function
What is a system?
a group of organs and tissues related by function e.g. nervous system
What are 6 functions of cells?
- provides support and structure
- aid in reproduction
- transportation of substances
- facilitate growth
- energy production
- specialised functions e.g. nervous system
How many cells are we estimated to have in our bodies?
37.2 billion
What are the two types of cells?
- Prokaryotic Cells
- Eukaryotic Cells
What are Prokaryotic Cells?
- Do not have a membrane-bound nucleus or organelles
- Surrounded by a capsule for protection
- All single-celled organisms
- Genetic material can be either DNA or RNA
- Reproduce by binary fission (asexual reproduction)
What are Eukaryotic Cells?
- Have a true membrane-bound nucleus and cell organelles
- Contain mitochondria
- Cell wall is the outermost layer
- Genetic material is DNA
- Cells divide via Mitosis (sexual reproduction)
What are the 5 roles of the Plasma Membrane (surround every cell)?
- Partially permeable, controlling the transport of molecules in and out
- Separates the contents of the cell from the outside
- Allows cells to signal each other
- A site for Biochemical reactions
- Allow cells to change shape
What do scientists refer to the Plasma Membrane as?
The Fluid Mosaic Model
Why is the Plasma Membrane also known as The Fluid Mosaic Model?
Fluid - individual phospholipid molecules can move relative to each other providing a flexible structure
Mosaic - Proteins and other components embedded within the bilayer vary in shape, size and pattern
What is the function of Phospholipids?
Allow lipid-soluble substances to enter/exit the cell, prevent water-soluble substances entering/exiting the cell and provide flexibility
What is the structure of Phospholipids?
- A bilayer (two layers of phospholipids facing opposite ways)
Hydrophilic head which is attracted to water (interact with water within the cytoplasm of the cell and external to the cell)
Hydrophobic tails which repel water (point into the centre - contain fatty acids)
What proteins are in the Plasma Membrane?
- The proteins are arranged more randomly
- They are embedded in the phospholipid bilayer in two main ways;
1. Extrinsic/Peripheral Proteins
2. Intrinsic/Integral Proteins
What are Extrinsic/Peripheral Proteins?
Free proteins on cell membrane surface or bound to an integral protein. Act as receptors, enzymes and facilitate movement.
What are intrinsic/Integral Proteins?
Act as carriers and channels of molecules that cannot diffuse through the membrane e.g. amino acids, sugars and ions
What are Glycoproteins?
Comprise of protein and carbohydrate chains. Play a role within cell recognition and help the cell attach to other cells
What are Glycolipids?
Lipids with a Carbohydrate attached. Provide energy and help to maintain stability of the membrane.
What is Cholesterol?
Controls membrane fluidity and keeps cells stable at body temperature (prevents bursting). More cholesterol = less fluidity.
What is the Concentration Gradient?
A difference between concentrations, usually the difference inside and outside the cell
What is Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP)?
Energy source produced by the mitochondria - catalyst of most reactions in cells
What are the 2 different methods of Cell Transport?
- Active Transport
- Passive Transport