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IMAT Bio > Chapter 1: Cell Structure > Flashcards

Chapter 1: Cell Structure Flashcards

1
Q

What are the three core principles of the cell theory?

A

All organisms are composed of one or more cells; cells are the smallest units of life; all cells come from pre-existing cells.

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2
Q

Why do large organisms not have larger cells but instead more cells?

A

To maintain a high surface area-to-volume ratio for efficient material exchange.

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3
Q

What functions of life are carried out by all unicellular organisms?

A

Metabolism, growth, response, homeostasis, nutrition, reproduction, excretion.

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4
Q

How do multicellular organisms develop specialized tissues?

A

Through cell differentiation, where specific genes are expressed while others are silenced.

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5
Q

What are the two main groups of cells, and how do they differ?

A

Prokaryotic cells (no compartmentalization) and eukaryotic cells (compartmentalized).

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6
Q

What is the size range of prokaryotic cells?

A

1-10 μm in diameter.

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7
Q

Describe the structure and function of the prokaryotic cell wall.

A

Composed of peptidoglycan; provides protection and maintains shape.

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8
Q

How does binary fission occur in prokaryotic cells?

A

DNA replicates, and the cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

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9
Q

What is the composition and function of the prokaryotic plasma membrane?

A

Composed of a lipid bilayer; involved in material exchange and cell division.

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10
Q

What are plasmids, and why are they important?

A

Small, circular DNA molecules that replicate independently; they carry genes for survival in specific environments.

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11
Q

What roles do pili and flagella play in prokaryotic cells?

A

Pili help in DNA transfer; flagella are used for movement.

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12
Q

How do eukaryotic ribosomes differ from prokaryotic ribosomes?

A

Eukaryotic ribosomes (80S) are larger and denser than prokaryotic ribosomes (70S).

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13
Q

What is the structure and function of rough ER in eukaryotic cells?

A

Rough ER has ribosomes on its surface; synthesizes and transports proteins.

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14
Q

What are the key functions of smooth ER?

A

Lipid production, synthesis of sex hormones, storage of Ca²⁺ ions, detoxification.

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15
Q

How do lysosomes function in cellular digestion?

A

They use hydrolytic enzymes to break down old organelles and ingested materials.

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16
Q

Describe the structure and role of the Golgi apparatus.

A

Consists of cisternae; modifies, packages, and distributes proteins and lipids.

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17
Q

What is the primary function of chloroplasts, and where are they found?

A

Photosynthesis; found in algae and plant cells.

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18
Q

How do mitochondria contribute to energy production in cells?

A

They produce ATP through aerobic respiration.

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19
Q

What are centrioles, and what is their function?

A

Structures made of microtubule triplets; assist in cell division and movement.

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20
Q

Explain Louis Pasteur’s experiment disproving spontaneous generation.

A

He showed that sterile nutrient broth remained free of life unless exposed to pre-existing microorganisms.

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21
Q

What does the endosymbiotic theory propose about mitochondria and chloroplasts?

A

They evolved from free-living prokaryotes engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

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22
Q

What are the two main components of viruses?

A

Genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat (capsid).

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23
Q

How does HIV infect and damage the immune system?

A

It infects helper T cells, converting its RNA into DNA via reverse transcription, which integrates into the host genome.

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24
Q

Multicellular organisms develop specialized tissues through ____, which involves expressing some ____ and not others.

A

cell differentiation - genes

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25
Q

Prokaryotic cells are typically between ____ and ____ in diameter.

A

1 - 10 μm

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26
Q

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own ____ and ____, supporting the ____ theory.

A

DNA - ribosomes - endosymbyotic theory

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27
Q

____ is the method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, producing two ____ cells.

A

Binary fission - gntically identical

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28
Q

The ____ consists of flattened sacs called ____.

A

Golgi apparatus - cisternae

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29
Q

Which eukaryotic organelle is responsible for storing calcium ions and detoxification?

A

Smooth ER.

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30
Q

Which organelle in prokaryotes contains the genetic material?

A

The nucleoid region.

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31
Q

What is the size difference between ribosomes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S; eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.

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32
Q

In a diagram of a mitochondrion, what is the name of the folds in the inner membrane?

A

Cristae.

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33
Q

Which prokaryotic structure aids in DNA exchange between cells?

A

Pili.

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34
Q

What are the three main principles of cell theory?

A

All organisms are composed of one or more cells; cells are the smallest units of life; cells arise from pre-existing cells.

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35
Q

Why is the surface area-to-volume ratio important in limiting cell size?

A

It determines efficiency in material exchange.

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36
Q

What are emergent properties in multicellular organisms?

A

Properties arising from the interaction of cellular components.

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37
Q

What is cell differentiation?

A

The process of expressing some genes and not others to develop specialized cells.

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38
Q

What are stem cells?

A

Cells that can divide and differentiate into various types.

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39
Q

What is the composition of the prokaryotic cell wall?

A

Peptidoglycan.

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40
Q

How does binary fission work in prokaryotic cells?

A

The DNA replicates, and the cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

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41
Q

What are plasmids in prokaryotic cells?

A

Small, circular DNA molecules that replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

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42
Q

What is the function of pili in prokaryotes?

A

DNA transfer and attachment to surfaces.

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43
Q

What is the function of flagella in prokaryotes?

A

Movement.

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44
Q

Where is the genetic material found in a prokaryotic cell?

A

In the nucleoid region.

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45
Q

What are the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotes lack compartmentalization, while eukaryotes have compartmentalized structures.

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46
Q

What is the function of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

A

Protein synthesis.

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47
Q

How do ribosomes in eukaryotic cells differ from those in prokaryotes?

A

Eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S, larger than the 70S ribosomes of prokaryotes.

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48
Q

What is the function of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A

Protein synthesis and transport.

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49
Q

What does smooth ER produce?

A

Lipids and sex hormones; it also stores calcium ions and detoxifies chemicals.

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50
Q

What are lysosomes, and what do they do?

A

Sacs containing hydrolytic enzymes for digesting old organelles and ingested materials.

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51
Q

What is the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus?

A

Flattened sacs (cisternae) that modify, package, and distribute cellular materials.

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52
Q

What are the main features of mitochondria?

A

Rod-shaped, double membrane, own DNA, produce ATP.

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53
Q

What is the primary function of chloroplasts?

A

Carry out photosynthesis.

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54
Q

What is the function of centrosomes?

A

Assembly of microtubules for cell division and movement.

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55
Q

What is the structure of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

A

Double membrane, contains nucleolus, and stores DNA in the form of chromosomes.

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56
Q

What are the two main components of a virus?

A

Genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat (capsid).

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57
Q

How do viruses reproduce?

A

By hijacking a host cell’s machinery to replicate themselves.

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58
Q

What is reverse transcription in HIV?

A

Converting RNA into DNA, which is then integrated into the host genome.

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59
Q

What is the role of helper T cells, and how does HIV affect them?

A

Helper T cells control immune responses; HIV infects and destroys them.

60
Q

What did Louis Pasteur’s experiment prove?

A

Cells arise only from pre-existing cells, disproving spontaneous generation.

61
Q

What does the endosymbiotic theory suggest about mitochondria and chloroplasts?

A

They evolved from free-living prokaryotes engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

62
Q

What are the structural similarities between mitochondria and chloroplasts?

A

Both have a double membrane, their own DNA, and ribosomes.

63
Q

Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells?

A

Ribosomes.

64
Q

Which eukaryotic organelle stores calcium ions and detoxifies harmful substances?

A

Smooth ER.

65
Q

What is the size range of eukaryotic cells?

A

10-100 μm in diameter.

66
Q

What is the function of the thylakoids in chloroplasts?

A

Absorb light for photosynthesis.

67
Q

What structure in mitochondria increases its surface area for ATP production?

A

Cristae.

68
Q

What structure in prokaryotes aids in movement?

A

Flagella.

69
Q

Which structure in prokaryotes facilitates the exchange of genetic material?

A

Pili.

70
Q

What is the shape of DNA in prokaryotic cells?

A

A single circular chromosome.

71
Q

Living organisms are composed of ____, which are the smallest units of ____.

A

cells - life

72
Q

The cell wall of prokaryotic cells is composed of ____.

A

peptidoglycan

73
Q

What are the three main principles of cell theory?

A

All organisms are composed of one or more cells; cells are the smallest units of life; all cells come from pre-existing cells.

74
Q

Why is the surface area-to-volume ratio important in cells?

A

It determines efficiency in material exchange.

75
Q

What functions of life do unicellular organisms perform?

A

Metabolism, growth, response, homeostasis, nutrition, reproduction, excretion.

76
Q

How do multicellular organisms develop specialized tissues?

A

Through cell differentiation, involving selective gene expression.

77
Q

What are stem cells, and why are they important?

A

Cells that can divide and differentiate into various types; essential for growth and repair.

78
Q

What is the function of the prokaryotic cell wall?

A

Protects and maintains the shape of the cell; composed of peptidoglycan.

79
Q

How do prokaryotic cells divide?

A

Binary fission, producing two genetically identical daughter cells.

80
Q

What is the function of the nucleoid region in prokaryotes?

A

Contains the bacterial chromosome for cell control and reproduction.

81
Q

What are plasmids in prokaryotic cells?

A

Small, circular DNA molecules that replicate independently.

82
Q

What is the role of pili and flagella in prokaryotic cells?

A

Pili assist in DNA transfer; flagella enable movement.

83
Q

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotes lack compartmentalization; eukaryotes are compartmentalized.

84
Q

What is the function of the rough ER?

A

Protein synthesis and transport.

85
Q

What does the smooth ER produce?

A

Lipids and sex hormones; also stores calcium ions and detoxifies chemicals.

86
Q

What is the function of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

A

Protein synthesis; eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.

87
Q

What is the role of lysosomes?

A

Break down old organelles and ingested materials using hydrolytic enzymes.

88
Q

What are the main functions of the Golgi apparatus?

A

Collection, packaging, modification, and distribution of cellular materials.

89
Q

What is the structure of mitochondria, and what is their function?

A

Double membrane, own DNA, and ribosomes; produce ATP.

90
Q

What is the function of chloroplasts?

A

Carry out photosynthesis; found in algae and plant cells.

91
Q

What is the role of the centrosome in animal cells?

A

Microtubule assembly for cell movement and division.

92
Q

What is the purpose of the nuclear pores in the nucleus?

A

Exchange materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

93
Q

What are the two main structural components of a virus?

A

Genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat (capsid).

94
Q

How does HIV reproduce inside a host cell?

A

It uses reverse transcription to convert RNA into DNA and integrates it into the host genome.

95
Q

What is the main function of the capsid in a virus?

A

Protects the genetic material.

96
Q

How do viruses reproduce?

A

By hijacking the host cell’s machinery to produce new virus particles.

97
Q

What did Louis Pasteur’s experiment demonstrate?

A

Cells arise only from pre-existing cells, disproving spontaneous generation.

98
Q

What does the endosymbiotic theory propose?

A

Mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from free-living prokaryotes.

99
Q

What evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory?

A

Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA, ribosomes, and double membranes.

100
Q

What is the size of ribosomes in prokaryotic cells?

A

70S.

101
Q

What is the typical size range of eukaryotic cells?

A

10-100 μm in diameter.

102
Q

What is the function of thylakoids in chloroplasts?

A

Absorb light for photosynthesis.

103
Q

What is the function of cristae in mitochondria?

A

Increase surface area for ATP production.

104
Q

What is the primary role of the plasma membrane in cells?

A

Controls material exchange and communication.

105
Q

What is the purpose of cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?

A

Holds organelles and facilitates intracellular processes.

106
Q

Why is the surface area-to-volume ratio important for cell size?

A

A higher ratio allows efficient material exchange.

107
Q

Why do large organisms have more cells instead of larger cells?

A

To maintain a high surface area-to-volume ratio for efficiency.

108
Q

What are emergent properties in multicellular organisms?

A

New properties that arise from the interaction of cellular components.

109
Q

How do unicellular organisms carry out all life functions?

A

All life functions occur within one cell.

110
Q

What is cell differentiation?

A

The process where specific genes are expressed, and others are silenced, creating specialized cells.

111
Q

What are stem cells, and why are they important?

A

Cells that can divide and differentiate; crucial for growth and repair.

112
Q

What are the size and complexity of prokaryotic cells?

A

1-10 μm in size; simpler than eukaryotic cells.

113
Q

What is the composition and function of the prokaryotic cell wall?

A

Composed of peptidoglycan; provides protection and maintains cell shape.

114
Q

What are the roles of the plasma membrane in prokaryotes?

A

Material exchange and involvement in binary fission.

115
Q

What is the nucleoid region in prokaryotic cells?

A

A non-compartmentalized region containing circular DNA.

116
Q

What is binary fission in prokaryotic cells?

A

Asexual reproduction where the cell divides into two identical cells.

117
Q

How do pili and flagella function in prokaryotic cells?

A

Pili facilitate DNA transfer; flagella enable movement.

118
Q

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotes lack compartmentalization; eukaryotes have organelles.

119
Q

What is the role of the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells?

A

Holds organelles and facilitates intracellular processes.

120
Q

What are the main features of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

A

Composed of rRNA and protein; perform protein synthesis; size 80S.

121
Q

What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A

Synthesizes and transports proteins.

122
Q

What is the function of the smooth ER?

A

Produces lipids, synthesizes sex hormones, stores calcium, and detoxifies.

123
Q

How do lysosomes maintain cellular health?

A

They digest old organelles and materials brought into the cell via hydrolytic enzymes.

124
Q

What is the Golgi apparatus, and what are its functions?

A

Flattened sacs (cisternae) that modify, package, and distribute proteins and lipids.

125
Q

How do mitochondria produce energy for the cell?

A

Through ATP production; contain a double membrane, DNA, and ribosomes.

126
Q

What are thylakoids, and what role do they play in chloroplasts?

A

Flattened sacs responsible for absorbing light during photosynthesis.

127
Q

What is the function of centrosomes in animal cells?

A

Microtubule assembly for cell division and movement.

128
Q

What is the structure and role of the nucleus?

A

A double membrane structure containing DNA and the nucleolus; manages cell activities.

129
Q

What is the nucleolus, and what is its role?

A

A region in the nucleus responsible for ribosome production.

130
Q

What are viruses composed of?

A

Genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat (capsid).

131
Q

How does HIV infect a host cell?

A

Uses reverse transcription to convert RNA to DNA, integrating into the host genome.

132
Q

Why are viruses considered parasitic?

A

They can only reproduce by taking over a living host cell.

133
Q

What is the structure of a viral capsid?

A

A protein coat made of capsomeres.

134
Q

How do viruses reproduce?

A

By hijacking the host cell’s machinery to create new viral particles.

135
Q

What did Louis Pasteur’s experiment prove?

A

That cells arise only from pre-existing cells, disproving spontaneous generation.

136
Q

What is the endosymbiotic theory?

A

Proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from free-living prokaryotes.

137
Q

What evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory?

A

Both organelles have double membranes, their own DNA, and ribosomes.

138
Q

What structure in prokaryotic cells facilitates genetic exchange?

A

Pili.

139
Q

Which eukaryotic organelle contains cisternae?

A

The Golgi apparatus.

140
Q

What is the function of the nuclear pores?

A

To exchange materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

141
Q

What is the size of prokaryotic ribosomes?

A

70S.

142
Q

What is the size of eukaryotic ribosomes?

A

80S.

143
Q

Multicellular organisms develop specialized tissues through ____, which involves the selective expression of____.

A

cell differentiation - genes

144
Q

The endosymbiotic theory suggests that ____ and ____ originated from free-living prokaryotes.

A

mitochondria - chloroplasts

145
Q

Viruses reproduce by hijacking the host cell’s ____ to produce new viral particles.

A

machinery

IMAT Bio (10 decks)

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