Cells & cell organelles Flashcards
What are prokaryotes?
Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms, such as bacteria.
What are eukaryotes?
Eukaryotes are organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, such as plants, animals, and fungi.
What are viruses classified as?
Viruses are neither prokaryotic nor eukaryotic and are not considered alive.
What organelles are found in animal cells?
Animal cells contain the nucleus, nucleolus, nuclear membrane, centrioles, chromatin, cytoplasm, ribosomes, plasma membrane, mitochondria, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.
What additional structures are found in plant cells?
Plant cells have additional structures such as a cell wall, a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and plasmodesmata.
What is the structure and function of the nucleus?
The nucleus contains DNA and is surrounded by a double membrane with nuclear pores to allow the passage of molecules. It also contains chromatin, which is DNA coiled around histone proteins, and the nucleolus, which creates ribosomes.
What is the role of the mitochondrion?
The mitochondrion is the site of ATP production through aerobic respiration. It has a double membrane with inner folds called cristae that increase the surface area for the attachment of enzymes and proteins.
What is the structure and role of chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts have a double membrane with thylakoid membranes inside, which contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis. The stroma contains enzymes for photosynthesis, and chloroplasts are found in palisade mesophyll cells in leaves.
What is the function of ribosomes?
Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. They are made up of two subunits and can be found in the rough endoplasmic reticulum or freely in the cytoplasm.
What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?
The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) contains ribosomes and is involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is involved in the synthesis and storage of lipids and carbohydrates.
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?
The Golgi apparatus processes, modifies, and packages molecules, such as proteins, into vesicles.
What is the role of lysosomes?
Lysosomes break down unwanted structures within the cell and are involved in the breakdown of dead cells.
What are the key structures in prokaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells contain plasmids, which are small DNA fragments for antibiotic resistance; a slime capsule for cell protection; a nucleoid with circular strands of DNA not bound by a membrane; a cell wall to maintain cell shape; flagella for mobility; ribosomes that are smaller than in eukaryotic cells but have the same function; and pili, which allow bacteria to attach to other cells and transfer DNA.
What are the features of viruses?
Viruses are not cells and are not alive. They consist of a core of DNA or RNA, a protein coat called a capsid, and attachment proteins that allow them to bind to host cells.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of light microscopes?
Light microscopes have a poor resolution, limited by the wavelength of light, and limited magnification. However, they can be used to view living specimens.
