Ch 4-2 Introduction To Cells Flashcards
How are cells diverse?
they have different shapes, sizes, and internal organiztion
What does a cell’s shape reflect?
its function
What is cell size limited by?
its surface area-to-volume ratio
What happens as a cell grows?
its volume increases much faster than its surface area
What happens is a cell is too large?
it won’t be able to transport enough resources (water, oxygen, nutrients) across the membrane to support the cell’s large internal environment
What happens to the surface area to the volume ratio as the cell gets larger?
the ratio gets smaller
What happens when there is not enough surface area left for the cell?
the cell must divide into smaller cells with favorable surface area/volume ratios or cease to function
Why are cells so small?
they have to divide into smaller cells in order to have a favorable surface area/volume ratio
What are the three common parts of all cells?
the plasma membrane, the cytoplasm, and the DNA
What is the function of the plasma membrane?
it covers a cell’s surface and acts as a barrier between the inside and the outside of a cell; all resources must enter and exist through the plasma membrane
What is a plasma membrane made of?
phospholipid with embedded proteins
What is the cytoplasm of a cell?
the region of the cell that is surrounded by the plasma membrane and includes the fluid, the cytoskeleton, and all of the organelles except the nucleus.
What is the fluid of the cytoplasm called?
cytosol
What is the cytoskeleton
the internal structure of the cell
What is the DNA of the cell?
it’s what cells carry as coded information for regulating their functions and reproducing themselves
