Cells and Cell Speacilisation Flashcards
What Do all Cells Have
cell membrane, genetic material, cytoplasm, ribosomes, metabolism.
Prokaryotic Cells
simple cells that lack a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. Exist as single cells and have a single, circular chromosome of DNA.
Eukaryotic Cells
Complex cells with membrane bound organelles and a nucleus. Larger than prokaryotic.
Organelles
specialized structures with a specific function that allow the cell to survive and do its job
Compare Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
PRO has no membrane bound organelles whereas EU does. EU has multiple, linear chromosomes inside a nucleus whereas PRO has a single, circular chromosome. Both have ribosomes. EU is larger in size. PRO has a cell wall that isn’t made of cellulose. EU has cell walls present in plants and fungi.
Nucleus
the control centre of the cell which contains DNA (genetic material) of the cell.
Mitochondria
small, rod-shaped organelles scattered throughout the cytosol of the cell. The site of aerobic cellular respiration which generates energy for the cell. Contain their own DNA.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
system of membrane channels. The site of processing, modification and transport of many different substances required by cells. There are two types rough and smooth ER.
Rough ER
covered in ribosomes and is a site of protein synthesis.
Smooth ER
does not have ribosomes and is a site of synthesis of lipids.
Ribosomes
tiny bodies of DNA found free in the cytosol or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Site of protein synthesis
Golgi Apparatus
a series of flattened, stacked pouches that are responsible for transporting, modifying and packaging proteins and lipids into vesicles for delivery throughout the cell.
Lysosomes
specialized vesicles produced by the Golgi that contain enzymes that breakdown waste and damaged parts in a cell.
Vacuoles
membrane sacs that act as a storage site. Usually large in plant cells and may be small or absent in animal cells.
Chloroplasts
contain a green pigment called chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll
absorbs light energy from the sun which is used for photosynthesis inside the chloroplasts.
Cytoplasm
the contents of the cells inside the plasma membrane (except the nucleus)
Cytosol
the liquid medium that supports the organelles within the cell, it is mostly water and dissolved substances.
Vesicles
small membrane bound sacs that contain various substances made by the ER’s and the Golgi. There are two main types: transport and secretory vesicles.
Difference between Smooth and Rough ER
Smooth ER has no ribosomes and is the site of lipid synthesis whereas rough ER is covered in ribosomes and synthesizes proteins.
What is the Main Limitation of not Having Membrane Bound Organelles
There is a lack of compartmentalization which reduces efficiency in cellular processes.
Difference between Chlorophyll and Chloroplast
chlorophyll is contained inside the chloroplast and absorbs the sunlight so that the chloroplasts can conduct photosynthesis.
Why do Plant Cells need both chloroplast and mitochondria
the chloroplasts in plant cells turn sunlight into chemical energy which the mitochondria then use to create ATP which is used to fuel the cell.
Stem Cells
unspecified cells that are capable of self-renewal-replicating themselves indefinitely. They can differentiate into distinct cell types. Two types of stem cells are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells.
