Cellular Organization Flashcards
Lesson 1
What are the signs of life?
- Ability to grow and develop
- Made up of cells
- Able to respond to stimulus
- Able to maintain homeostasis
- Ability to reproduce
What are the levels of organization?
- Atom
- Molecule
- Organelle
- Cell
- Tissue
- Organ
- Organ System
What is the smallest structure that is considered a living thing?
Cell
What are the biomolecules found in living things?
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
- Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
- Protein
- Carbohydrate
- Lipids
What are the inorganic molecules found in non-living things?
- Ions
- Water
Difference between DNA and RNA
Based on functional roles
DNA:
- stores genetic information in the nucleus
- double stranded
- permanent storage form of genetic material
- passed on to offspring
RNA:
- transfer genetic information from within to outside of the nucleus
- single stranded
- temporary storage form of genetic information
- not passed on to offspring
Other than genetic information, what other information does the DNA store?
DNA contains instructions for the direct synthesis of specific proteins
- synthesis of various biomolecules occur in different locations within the cell
Describe the nucleus
- Command center of the cell
- Stores DNA in the form of chromatin
- Contains nucleolus
- Ribosomes are produced in the nucleolus
Describe ribosomes
- Comprises of RNA molecules and proteins
- Organized into a large subunit
- Ribosomes attached to the RER, will make proteins that are going to be secreted out of the cell
- Ribosomes that are floating freely in the cytoplasm, will make proteins tat are going to be used within the cell
Describe the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
- RNA transported out of the nucleus will meet the ribosomes on the RER
- The genetic information in RNA directs protein synthesis
- RER will gather proteins made by the ribosomes on its surface, process and distributes the proteins to other locations
- Produces secreted proteins and membrane proteins
Describe the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
- Synthesizes and store lipids
- Does not have ribosomes attached to it
- In endocrine glands, it synthesizes steroid hormones
- In liver cells, detoxification of drugs, metabolic waste and chemicals would be carried out
Describe the golgi complex
- Receives incoming proteins in vesicles from RER, for modification, sorting and packaging
- Secretory vesicles will form, transport both proteins and lipids outside the cell
- Vesicles containing digestive enzymes are released from the golgi apparatus
Describe vesicles
- Transport molecules made by cells for secretion outside of cells (secretory vesicles)
- Transport molecules within cells (Transport vesicles)
Describe lysosomes
- Take in damaged/worn out cells
- Contains digestive enzymes
- Fuses with other structures to break down macromolecules
- Material taken form outside of the cell and obsolete cell component within the cells can be broken down
Describe peroxisomes
- Contains enzymes that degrade fatty acids and amino acids
- This reaction produces hydrogen peroxide
- Hydorgen peroxide will be converted to water and oxygen as it is harmful because it will react with biomolecules
Describe mitochondria
During cellular respiration, it will make more ATP molecules which provides energy for cell activities
Describe centrioles and centromeres
Form spindle fibers that attach to chromosomes, aiding in chromosomal separation, during cell division
Describe plasma membrane
- Control the movement of substances travelling to and fro the extracellular fluid and cytoplasm
- Maintains cellular homeostasis
What is the importance of the membrane for separation?
Specialization:
- allow formation of different environments within the cell
- necessary for the different function of different organelles
Isolation:
- keep wastes, toxic and digestive molecules away from the rest of the cell
Efficiency:
- different activities/functions can take place simultaneously with no disruptions
What is the flow of genetic information
- Nucleus
- RER and ribosomes
- Transport vesicle
- Golgi apparatus
- Vesicle
Difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic (List 3)
Eukaryotic:
- multicellular organisms
- membrane-bound organelles present
- DNA is double-stranded
Prokaryotic:
- unicellular organisms
- membrane-bound organelles absent
- DNA is a single circular loop
Any other 3 is accepted
