Chapter 1: The Cell Flashcards
What was Robert Hooke’s contribution to the cell theory? In what year?
- Assembled a crude compound microscope
- Observed nonliving cells (did not see nuclei, organelles, or cell membranes)
- In 1665
What was Anton van Leeuwenhoek’s contribution to the cell theory? In what year?
- First to view a living cell under a microscope
- 1674
What was Rudolph Virchow’s contribution to the cell theory? In what year?
- Demonstrated that diseased cells could arise from normal cells in normal tissues
What are the four fundamental tenets of the cell theory? Which three are part of the original form?
1) All living things are composed of cells (original)
2) The cell is the basic functional unit of life (original)
3) Cells arise only from preexisting cells (original)
4) Cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA. This genetic information is passed on from parent to daughter cell
What are viruses?
Small structures that contain genetic material, but are unable to reproduce on their own
Why aren’t viruses considered to be living organisms? (2)
- Violation of the 3rd and 4th tenet of the cell theory
- Because virions can only replicate by invading other organisms
- Because they contain RNA as their genetic information
What are the three differentiating characteristics of eukaryotes?
- Have membrane-bound organelles
- Have a nucleus
- May form multicellular organisms
What fluid suspends the organelles in the eukaryotic cell and allows diffusion of molecules out of the cell?
Cytosol
Which lipid do cell membranes and membranes of organelles contain? How are they organized?
- Phospholipids
- Organize to form hydrophilic interior and exterior surfaces with a hydrophobic core
In Eukaryotic cells, the genetic material is encoded in ____, which is organized into _____ and held in the _____.
DNA, chromosomes, nucleus
How do Eukaryotic cells reproduce? What does that allow for?
- By mitosis
- Allowing for the formation of two identical daughter cells
What is the nucleus surrounded by? How many membranes does it contain?
- Nuclear membrane or envelope
- Double membrane
What do nuclear pores in the nuclear membrane allow for?
Selective two-way exchange of material between the cytoplasm and the nucleus
What are the coding regions in DNA called?
Genes
Linear DNA is wound around organizing proteins known as _____, and is then further wound into linear strands called ________.
- histones
- chromosomes
The location of DNA in the nucleus allows for the compartmentalization of __________ separate from ___________.
DNA transcription, RNA translation
Where is the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesized in Eukaryotic cells? What % volume does that section take up within the nucleus?
- In the nucleolus, within the nucleus
- 25% volume of the nucleus
What is the power plant of the cell?
Mitochondria, in reference to their important metabolic functions
What are the two layers of the mitochondria?
Inner and outer layer
What is the function of the outer layer of the mitochondria?
Serves as a barrier between the cytosol and the inner environment of the mitochondrion
What are the foldings of the inner membrane of the mitochondria called? What does the inner membrane contain?
- Cristae
- Contains molecules and enzymes necessary for the electron transport chain
What is the space between the inner and outer membrane of the mitochondria called? What is the space inside the inner membrane of the mitochondria called?
- Intermembrane space
- Matrix
How is ATP generated through oxidative phosphorylation?
- Pumping of protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space establishes the proton-motive force
- These protons flow through ATP synthase to generate ATP
How are mitochondria semi-autonomous?
They contain some of their own genes and replicate independently of the nucleus via binary fusion
