Chapter 3- Cellular Anatomy Flashcards
What is the cell theory?
The belief that the fundamental unit of all living things is the cell and that all modern cells come from previously existing cells
List the 3 basic cellular components.
Plasma membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Define plasma membrane and its functions.
A bilayer of cells that are the “outer skin” of the cell that separates the interior of the cell from its outside environment. It provides structure and protection, transports nutrients and waste, communicates with other cells and identifies the cell to the immune system.
What is cytoplasm?
It’s the jelly like substance that suspends the organelles in cytosol (the jelly)
List the membranous structures of the cell
Nucleus Endoplasmic reticulum Golgi apparatus Proteasome Mitochondria Vesicles Lysosomes Peroxisomes
List the non-membranous structures of a cell
Ribosomes Proteasomes Cytoskeleton Centrosome Microvilli Cilia Flagella Nucleolus
Define rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and its function.
Endoplasmic reticulum that have ribosomes attached to the walls, giving them a tough appearance and is located closest to the nucleus.
It is where most of the proteins are formed in the cell and is responsible for folding the proteins and transporting them to the Golgi apparatus.
Define and Describe the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
An organelle that is a network of canals and sacs made of cell membrane that is attached to the outer nucleus memebrane and through out the cytoplasm.
There 2 types of ER: rough and smooth
Define and Describe the function:
smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)
An organelle that synthesizes membrane lipids, steroid hormones and some carbohydrates used to form glycoproteins.
-SER does not contain ribosomes
Define and Describe the function:
Golgi apparatus
The “processing plant”- A complex of folded membranes and vesicles that are involved in secretion and intracellular transportation. Located closer to the plasma membrane.
The main functions are:
Modifying, sorting and packaging proteins
Transporting lipid around the cell
Creation of lysosomes
Define and Describe the function:
Ribosomes
A minute particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins.
They bind mRNA and tRNA to create polypeptides and proteins
Define and Describe the function:
Vesicles
Membrane sacs that temporarily contain molecules to transport around the cell
Define and Describe:
Mitochondria
The organelle in which the process of cellular respiration and energy production (ATP synthesis) occurs. It’s a “sac within a sac”. The inner sac being a bunch of folded membrane to form cristae.
*contains DNA
Define and Describe the function:
Lysosomes
A membranous organelle that contains degradative enzymes.
They are the “cellular garbage disposal” or “digestive bags”
It attaches to vesicles to breakdown their contents, including defective cell parts, into either food or waste.
Define and Describe the function:
Peroxisome
Membranous organelle that contains enzymes detoxify harmful substances
-only site that breaks down long chain fatty acids, cellular lipids and hydrogen peroxide
Define and Describe the function:
Proteasome
A hollow drum- like, non-membranous cell component that contain protease, an enzyme that breakdowns unneeded or abnormal proteins
Most commonly found in the nucleus or near the ER.
Define and Describe the structures:
Nucleus
The brain of the cell and site of DNA replication and RNA transcription Contains: Nuclear envelope Nucleoplasm Chromosomes Chromatin Nucleolus
Describe the function:
Centrosomes
Constructs the spindles of microtubules of the cytoskeleton
Define and Describe the content:
Cytoskeleton
The skeleton of the cell; a non-membranous cellular component that is made up of long-chain molecular fibers of different thicknesses that provides structural support. Contains: Microfilaments Intermediate filaments Microtubules
Define and Describe the function:
Centrioles
Bundles of 27 microtubules (9 sets of 3)
Performs an essential role in the formation of cellular extensions of the plasma membrane.
What are the 3 primary cellular extensions and their purpose.
Microvilli are finger-like folds that are designed to increase the surface area of a cell and can be found in the intestinal tract.
Cilia are hair like extensions that help move contamination towards an exit and can be found on airway cells.
Flagella are single tail-like structures that design for movement; found on bacteria and the sperm cell.
Define and Describe the function:
Microfilaments
The smallest of the cytoskeleton components; Twisted strands of protein molecules that are often laying parallel to on another
-produces the contraction of a cell
Define and Describe the function:
Intermediate filament
Similar to the microfilament but thicker
-primarily for structure
Define and Describe the function:
Microtubules
Made of many protein subunits, oriented in a spiral fashion.
-primarily for transporting things around the cell or moving the cell itself.
