CH 1: Cell Structure and Organisation Flashcards
Describe the functions of a light microscope.
- magnifies up to 1000x
- image produced is coloured
- image produced is 2D
Describe the functions of an electron microscope.
- magnifies up to 200 000x and ultrastructure of cells can be seen.
- image produced is black-and-white and can be artificially coloured
- image produced is 3D
What is the magnification equation?
Image size = actual size x magnification
What is a cell?
A cell is a fundamental building block and a basic structural unit of life
What are cells made of?
Biological molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids.
What are the 2 type of cells?
prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Describe the characteristics of prokaryotes.
- smaller
- simpler internal structure without compartments
- lack true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles -> instead contains a singular circular DNA and multiple plasmids
- Contain cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes and flagellum
- All bacteria are Prokaryotes
Describe the characteristics of eukaryotes.
- larger
- compartmentalised internal cell structure and membrane-bound organelles
- contain PLASMA MEMBRANE, CYTOPLASM, MITOCHONDRIA, RIBOSOMES and a distinct NUCLEUS
- genetic material in the form of multiple strands of CHROMATIN
- algae, protozoa, fungi, plants and animals
Compare the similarities of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Both have a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, genetic material and ribosomes
What is a plasma membrane + its function
- a SELECTIVELY permeable phospholipid bilayer membrane
- separates the organelles in the cytoplasm from its external aqueous environment
- controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Distinguish between a ‘partially permeable membrane’ and a ‘selectively permeable membrane’.
partially permeable: only allows smaller molecules to pass through and excludes larger molecules.
selectively permeable: able to regulate the movement of substances according to the needs of the cell.
What is the function of the cell wall?
- Gives cell fixed shape
- Resist expansion when water enters through osmosis, preventing cell lysis
- protect from mechanical damage
What is the cell wall made of?
Cellulose > makes cell wall inelastic
What is the cytoplasm
- an aqueous medium
- contains dissolved substances and enzymes
- is a site where cellular reactions occur
Define what an organelle is.
A cellular structure that performs a specific function within a cell.
How do organelles in a cell work together?
Various organelles work together to perform cellular activities such as cellular respiration.
List the parts of a nucleus.
- nuclear envelope
- nucleolus
- chromatin
The nuclear envelope is __layered
Bilayered
Functions of the nucleus.
- CONTROLS activities such as cell growth and repair
- contains genetic information (DNA) in the form of chromatin > essential for cell division
Function of nucleolus
Synthesises ribosomes
Describe the structure of chromatin
- Long thread-like
- made of proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
What is the function of DNA?
- stores genetic material
- carries instructions that cells need for carrying out its activities.
When does chromatin form chromosomes?
During CELL DIVISION, chromatin will shorten and condense into tightly coiled structures.
Structure of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)
A NETWORK of FLATTENED membrane-bound sacs lined with ribosomes.