Cells Flashcards
What is the basic unit of life?
Cells
Cell Theory states that cells are the basic unit of life.
What are the three main principles of Cell Theory?
- Cells are the basic unit of life.
- All living things are made from cells.
- Cells only arise from pre-existing cells.
What does the nucleus contain?
Genetic material (DNA)
The nucleus is essential for protein synthesis.
What is the function of ribosomes?
Create proteins
Ribosomes can be free or bounded, serving different purposes.
What is the difference between free ribosomes and bounded ribosomes?
Free ribosomes create proteins for use inside the cell; bounded ribosomes create proteins for use outside the cell.
What is the function of the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum?
Contains bounded ribosomes used to create proteins.
What does the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum produce?
Phospholipids and cholesterol for membrane formation.
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?
Modifies polypeptides and packages them into vesicles.
What are lysosomes responsible for?
Digesting organelles and recycling them.
What is the primary function of mitochondria?
Produces ATP.
What is the function of centrioles?
Arrange mitotic spindles during cell division.
What are cilia and flagella used for?
Cilia helps with coordination; flagella supports movement of the cell.
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Where photosynthesis occurs.
What is the composition of the cell wall in plant cells?
Polysaccharide made out of cellulose.
Which type of cells do not require a cell wall?
Animal cells.
What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus.
What are the components of a prokaryotic cell?
- Free Flowing DNA
- Cytoplasm
- Plasmid
- Cell walls
- Pilli
- Capsule
- Flagellum
What is compartmentalization in cells?
When organelles have membranes that act as barriers.
What are the advantages of compartmentalization?
- Increases enzyme concentration
- Protects organelles from damaging substances
- Maintains optimum pH levels
What are the functions of life?
- Metabolism
- Reproduction
- Sensitivity
- Homeostasis
- Excretion
- Nutrition
- Growth
True or False: Red blood cells contain a nucleus.
False
What is the resolution of a microscope?
Smallest interval distinguishable by a microscope.
What are the limitations of a light microscope?
Low resolution and maximum magnification.
What is a characteristic of an electron microscope?
Very high magnification and resolution.
What is fluorescent staining used for?
To find proteins within a cell.
What defines a stem cell?
An undifferentiated cell that can divide or differentiate into specialized cells.
What are the three types of stem cells?
- Totipotent
- Pluripotent
- Multipotent
Fill in the blank: The phospholipid head is __________ and attracted to water.
hydrophilic
What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?
Reduces membrane fluidity.
What are integral proteins?
Proteins that span the width of the membrane.
What do protein pumps do?
Actively pump materials by performing active transport.
