cells1 Flashcards
Structure of Nucleus.
- Nuclear envelope: double membrane surrounding nucleus, outer membrane continuous with the (R)ER of the cell.
- Nuclear pores: allow the passage of larger molecules, such as mRNA, out of the nucleus.
- Nucleoplasm: granular, jelly-like material making up the bulk of the nucleus.
- Chromosomes: protein-bound, linear DNA.
- Nucleolus: small spherical region(s) in nucleoplasm. Manufactures ribosomal RNA and assembles ribosomes.
Function of Nucleus.
- Controls cell’s activities - produces mRNA and tRNA - protein synthesis. Controls entry and exit of materials, and contains nuclear reactions.
- Retains genetic material in the form of DNA and chromosomes.
- Manufactures ribosomal RNA and ribosomes.
Structure of Mitochondria.
- Double membrane surrounding organelle - controls entry and exit of material.
- Cristae - extensions of the inner membrane, providing a large surface area for the attachment of enzymes and other proteins during respiration.
- Matrix - makes up the remainder - contains proteins, lipids, ribosomes and DNA (allows mitochondria to produce own proteins) and some respiratory enzymes.
Functions of Mitochondria.
- Sites of Krebs Cycle and oxidative phosphorylation pathway in aerobic respiration - responsible for ATP production.
NB = found in high numbers in metabolically active cells which require much ATP.
Structure of Chloroplasts.
Found in plants and algae.
- Chloroplast envelope - double plasma membrane, highly selective, surrounds the organelle.
- Grana - stacks of disc-shaped thylakoid membrane.
- Thylakoids - contain chlorophyll used in photosynthesis, can be linked by lamellae to other grana.
- Stroma - fluid-filled matrix where Calvin Cycle takes place. Also contains starch grains.
Functions of Chloroplasts.
Site of Photosynthesis:
LDR in thylakoid membranes.
LIR in stroma.
- Granal membranes provide a large SA for LDR - photosystems, e- carriers and enzymes etc.
- Chloroplasts contain DNA and ribosomes - can quickly and easily manufacture some of the proteins needed for photosynthesis.
Structure of Endoplasmic Reticulum.
- 3D system of sheet-like membranes - continuous with the outer membrane of the nuclear double membrane.
- Membrane contains a network of tubules and flattened sacs called cisternae.
- RER - ribosomes on the outer surface of the membranes.
- SER - lacks ribosomes on its surface and is often more tubular in its appearance.
Function of Endoplasmic Reticulum.
RER
- Large SA for protein/glycoprotein synthesis.
- Provides a pathway for material transport throughout the cell, especially for proteins.
SER
- Synthesises, stores and transports lipids and carbohydrates.
NB = cells that manufacture and store lots of lipids, carbs and proteins have extensive ER - such as liver and secretory cells, such as the intestine epithelial cells.
Structure of Golgi Apparatus.
- Compact system of flattened sacs and stacked membranes (cisternae).
- Vesicles - modified proteins and lipids transported to cell membrane where they fuse with it, and then egest contents to the outside.
Functions of Golgi Apparatus.
- Form glycoproteins by adding carbs to proteins.
- Produce secretory enzymes, such as those secreted by the pancreas - apparatus is developed in secretory cells, especially those in the small intestine.
- Secrete carbs, such as cellulose for plant cell walls.
- Transports, modifies and stores lipids.
- Forms lysosomes.
NB = Golgi Vesicles are ‘pinched off’ from golgi cisternae.
Structure of Lysosomes.
Golgi vesicles with proteases, lipase and lysozymes.
Functions of Lysosomes.
- Hydrolyse foreign material ingested by phagocytes.
- Exocytosis of enzymes to destroy extra-cellular material.
- Apoptosis - programmed cell death.
Autolysis - breaking down cells after death. - Digest worn out organelles - can recycle chemicals.
NB = very abundant in secretory cells and phagocytes.
Structure of Ribosomes.
- Small cytoplasmic granules found in all cells, free-floating or associated with RER.
- 80S - found in eukaryotic cells, slightly larger.
- 70S - in prokaryotic cells, slightly smaller.
- 2 Subunits - large and small - contain ribosomal RNA and proteins.
Functions of Ribosomes.
Carry out translation stage of protein synthesis to produce polypeptides.
Structure of Cell Wall.
Found in plants, algae and fungi.
- Cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix - contribute to overall cell wall strength are considerably strong.
and other polysaccharides. - Middle lamella - marks the boundary between adjacent cell walls and cements adjacent cells together.
NB= made of nitrogen-containing chitin in fungi, and made of the glycoprotein murein in bacteria.
Functions of Cell Wall.
- (Cellulose) - to provide mechanical strength to prevent cell wall bursting under pressure created by osmotic entry of water.
- To provide mechanical strength to the cell as a whole.
- Allows water to pass along it - contributes to the movement of water through the plant.
Structure of Vacuoles.
- Fluid-filled sac bounded by a single membrane.
- Single membrane around it called tonoplast.
- Solution of mineral salts, sugars, amino acids, wastes and sometimes pigments such as anthocyanins.
Functions of Vacuoles.
- Support herbaceous plants and herbaceous parts of woody plants by making cells turgid.
- The sugars and amino acids can act as a temporary food source.
- Pigments - may attract pollinating insects due to colour.
What are microscopes?
Instruments that produce a magnified image of an object.
Conversions:
km to m m to m mm to m micrometre to m nanometre to m
km to m - x1000 m to m - x1 mm to m - /1000 micrometre - /1000000 nanometre - /1000000000