Cells B2.2 Flashcards
What distinguishes organelles from other cellular structures, and why aren’t cell walls, cytoskeleton, and cytoplasm considered organelles?
Organelles are membrane-bound structures with specific functions. Cell walls, the cytoskeleton, and cytoplasm are not organelles because they are not membrane-bound.
What is the function of the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell?
The nucleus houses the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and controls gene expression and cell division.
Explain the significance of the plasma membrane in a eukaryotic cell.
The plasma membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintaining a stable internal environment and facilitating cell signaling.
How did ultracentrifuges and cell fractionation contribute to our understanding of organelles?
These techniques allowed scientists to separate and study organelles in detail, leading to a deeper understanding of their individual functions.
What is the primary advantage of separating the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?
Separation allows for controlled gene transcription in the nucleus and protein translation in the cytoplasm, optimizing cellular processes.
How does the separation of gene transcription and translation in eukaryotic cells differ from prokaryotic cells?
In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm, while in prokaryotes, both occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm.
What would happen if mRNA immediately met ribosomes in eukaryotic cells, like in prokaryotic cells?
This would lead to unregulated protein synthesis, preventing essential mRNA modifications and reducing efficiency.
What benefits does compartmentalization provide to eukaryotic cells?
- Specialization of Functions
- Spatial Separation
- Efficient Energy Production
- Protein Sorting and Processing
- Waste Management
- Isolation of Harmful Substances
- Protection from Harmful Reactions
- Efficient Cellular Processes
- Enhanced Regulation
- Adaptability
How does compartmentalization enable specialization of functions in eukaryotic cells?
Organelles have specific roles (e.g., mitochondria produce ATP, the nucleus controls gene expression), allowing for efficient task division and focused cellular processes.
What is the benefit of spatial separation in eukaryotic cells?
Different biochemical reactions occur in separate compartments, preventing interference (e.g., transcription in the nucleus, translation in the cytoplasm), thus increasing cellular efficiency.
How does compartmentalization improve energy production in eukaryotic cells?
Mitochondria create a specialized environment for aerobic respiration, maximizing ATP production by concentrating the necessary enzymes and reactions.
What role does compartmentalization play in protein sorting and processing?
The Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum compartmentalize protein modification, sorting, and transport, ensuring proteins are delivered to their correct locations.
How does compartmentalization assist in waste management within eukaryotic cells?
Lysosomes isolate digestive enzymes, breaking down cellular waste safely without damaging the rest of the cell, preventing harmful buildup.
What is the advantage of isolating harmful substances in eukaryotic cells?
Organelles like peroxisomes compartmentalize harmful substances (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) to neutralize them, preventing damage to other cellular components.
How does compartmentalization protect cells from harmful reactions?
Incompatible reactions, such as those requiring different pH levels or enzymes, are separated into different organelles, ensuring they do not interfere with each other.
