cells: the living untis Flashcards
Define cytoplasm
all cellular material that is located between the plasma membrane and the nucleus
list the 3 main components found in the cytoplasm
cytosol - gel like solution made up of water and soluble molecules (proteins, salts, sugars)
inclusions - insoluble molecules that vary with cell type (pigments, lipid droplets, vacuoles)
organelles - metabolic machinery structures of cell, each with specialized function
why are membranes around organelles cruical to cell function?
membranes allow compartmentalization
why is the mitochondria called “the power house of the cell”?
because it produces most of the cell’s energy molecules (ATP)
describe the structure of mitochondria and how this structure facilitates cellular respiration
the mitochondria is enclosed by double membranes, the inner membrane contains cristae (many folds), the cristae facilitates cellular respiration by being embedded with membrane proteins + increased surface area
describe the structure of mitochondria and how this structure facilitates cellular respiration
the mitochondria is enclosed by double membranes, the inner membrane contains cristae (many folds), the cristae facilitates cellular respiration by being embedded with membrane proteins + increased surface area
what is the main function of ribosomes?
site of protein synthesis, by reading and translating RNA
describe the location and function of 2 forms of ribosomes
free ribosomes - free floating and are the site of synthesis for soluble proteins
Membrane-bound ribosomes - attached to ER, site of synthesis of proteins to be used in membranes/lysosomes
differentiate the structure and function of rough ER vs. smooth ER
rough ER - rough membrane, site of synthesis for proteins (including plasma membrane proteins) and phospholipids
Smooth ER- smooth membrane, lipid metabolism (cholesterol + steroid-based hormone synthesis), absorption, synthesis, transport (of fats), detoxification, conversion of glycogen molecules, storage and release of calcium
differentiate the structure and function of rough ER vs. smooth ER
rough ER - rough membrane, site of synthesis for proteins (including plasma membrane proteins) and phospholipids
Smooth ER- smooth membrane, lipid metabolism (cholesterol + steroid-based hormone synthesis), absorption, synthesis, transport (of fats), detoxification, conversion of glycogen molecules, storage and release of calcium
Why is the golgi apparatus called the “post office of the cell”?
Because it transports, packages, and sends out proteins
Describe the pathway of a protein as it leaves the ER and moves into and through the golgi apparatus
The protein leaves the ER in an enclosed vesicle, it then is sent to the Golgi apparatus where the proteins/lipids are modified, tagged, sorted and specialized, it then will be packaged back into a vesicle as a final product and will be send into 1 of 3 pathways
Define the function of peroxisome and lysosome
Peroxisome - neutralizes toxins, breakdown and synthesis of fatty acids
Lysosome - break down and release glycogen, digest ingested bacteria, viruses, and toxins, autolysis, breakdown and release of calcium
What are the 3 main structures of the nucleus?
nuclear envelope, nucleoli, chromatin
Define nucleoplasm, nuclear lamina, and nuclear pores
Nucleoplasm - double-membrane barrier that encloses the jelly-like fluid
nuclear lamina - inner layer of nuclear envelope, network mesh of proteins that maintain nuclear shape and DNA
Nuclear pores - allows substances to pas into and out of nucleus
