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Biology 120 > Definitions for cell midterm > Flashcards

Definitions for cell midterm Flashcards

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1
Q

Cell

A

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

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2
Q

Nucelic acid

A

Molecules that store and transmit genetic information; includes DNA and RNA

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3
Q

DNA

A

A type of nucleic acid that carries the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

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4
Q

RNA

A

A type of nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and the regulation of gene expression.

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5
Q

Types of microscopy

A

Light Microscopy: Uses visible light to magnify specimens.
Electron Microscopy: Uses electrons for higher magnification and resolution.
Fluorescence Microscopy: Uses fluorescent stains to visualize specific structures.

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6
Q

illlumination

A

The method of lighting a specimen in microscopy.

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7
Q

magnification

A

The increase in size of an object viewed through a microscope.

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8
Q

resolution

A

The ability to distinguish two closely spaced objects as separate entities.

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9
Q

Plasma membrane

A

A lipid bilayer that surrounds and protects the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

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10
Q

bilayer

A

A structure consisting of two layers, such as the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane.

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11
Q

hydrophobic

A

Referring to molecules or parts of molecules that do not interact with water.

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12
Q

Cell wall

A

A rigid outer layer that provides support and protection to plant cells and some prokaryotes.

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13
Q

glycocalx

A

A carbohydrate-rich layer on the surface of some cells, involved in protection and cell recognition.

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14
Q

pilus

A

A hair-like structure on the surface of prokaryotic cells used for attachment and genetic exchange.

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15
Q

gene

A

A segment of DNA that encodes a specific protein or function.

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16
Q

cytosol

A

The fluid component of the cytoplasm, where cellular processes occur.

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17
Q

cytoplasm

A

he gel-like substance within the plasma membrane, excluding the nucleus, containing organelles and cytosol.

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18
Q

Organelle

A

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).

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19
Q

Cytoskeleton(microfilaments, intermediate filaments,
microtubules

A

A network of fibers in the cytoplasm that provides structural support and aids in cell movement.

Microfilaments: involved in cell shape and movement.
Intermediate Filaments: Fibrous proteins that provide mechanical support.
Microtubules: help maintain cell shape and are involved in cell division.

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20
Q

prokayote

A

A unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).

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21
Q

eukaryote

A

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals, fungi).

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22
Q

nucleus

A

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell’s genetic material and controls its activities.

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23
Q

nucleoid

A

The region in prokaryotic cells where DNA is located, without a membrane.

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24
Q

messenger mRNA

A

A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

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25
Q

ribosomal rRNA

A

A type of RNA that forms the structural and functional core of ribosomes.

26
Q

Ribosome

A

The cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs.

27
Q

ATP

A

The main energy currency of the cell, used to power various cellular processes.

28
Q

flagellum

A

A long, whip-like structure used for locomotion in some cells.

29
Q

cilium

A

A short, hair-like structure that can move fluid across the cell surface or help in cell movement.

30
Q

cell junction (anchoring,
tight, and gap junctions),

A

Structures that connect cells to each other, facilitating communication and adhesion.
Anchoring Junctions: Provide mechanical stability by linking cells to each other and the extracellular matrix.
Tight Junctions: Prevent the passage of materials between cells, creating a barrier.
Gap Junctions: Allow for direct communication between adjacent cells through small channels.

31
Q

Plasmodesmata

A

Channels that connect plant cells, allowing for communication and transport of substances between them.

32
Q

Describe the cell theory.

A

All living organisms are composed of cells.
The cell is the basic unit of life.
All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

33
Q

Identify how cell theory underlies topics in biology.

A

Cell theory underpins all biological concepts, including genetics, evolution, and physiology, emphasizing that all life forms share cellular structures and functions.

34
Q

What basic features of cell structure and function are shared by all living cells?

A

Plasma Membrane
Cytoplasm
Genetic Material: DNA or RNA
Ribosomes
Metabolism:

35
Q

Compare and contrast light microscopy and electron microscopy.

A

Light Microscopy:
Uses visible light to illuminate specimens.
Lower magnification (up to 1,000x).
Limited resolution (about 200 nm).
Allows for live cell observation.
Electron Microscopy:
Uses beams of electrons for illumination.
Higher magnification (up to 2 million x).
Higher resolution (up to 1 nm).
Cannot observe live cells due to sample preparation.

36
Q

Explain why most cells are very small.

A

Smaller cells have a higher ratio, allowing for more efficient transport of materials in and out. As cells grow larger, their volume increases faster than their surface area, making it difficult to exchange materials efficiently.

37
Q

Describe the basic structure and function of the plasma membrane

A

Structure:
Composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.
Function:
Acts as a selective barrier, regulating the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell. It also facilitates communication and signaling.

38
Q

Describe structures and activities that typically occur in a cell’s cytoplasm

A

Cytosol: The liquid component where metabolic reactions occur.
Organelles: Structures like mitochondria (energy production), endoplasmic reticulum (protein and lipid synthesis), and Golgi apparatus (modifying and packaging proteins).
Cytoskeleton: Provides structural support and facilitates cell movement.
Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.

39
Q

Describe what is meant by the term “organelle,” and the purpose and significance of such
structures in eukaryotic cells.

A

Definition: Organelles are specialized structures within eukaryotic cells that perform distinct functions.

Purpose and Significance:

Organelles compartmentalize cellular processes, increasing efficiency and allowing for complex functions within the cell. Examples include the nucleus (genetic information storage), mitochondria (energy production), and lysosomes (digestion and waste processing).

40
Q

Basic Structure of a Ribosome

A

Composition: Ribosomes are made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. They consist of two subunits: a large subunit and a small subunit.
Structure:
The large subunit contains sites for peptide bond formation.
The small subunit binds to mRNA and is involved in decoding the genetic information.

41
Q

Nucleus:

Structure and function

A

Structure: Surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope; contains nucleoplasm and chromatin.
Function: Houses genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities by regulating gene expression.

42
Q

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER):

Structure and function

A

Structure: Network of membranes studded with ribosomes.
Function: Synthesizes and processes proteins destined for secretion or for use in membranes.

43
Q

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER):

Structure and functin

A

Structure: A network of membranes without ribosomes.
Function: Synthesizes lipids, detoxifies drugs and poisons, and stores calcium ions.

44
Q

Golgi Complex:
structure and function

A

Structure: Stacked, flattened membrane-bound sacs.
Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

45
Q

lysosomes structure and function

A

Structure: Membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes.
Function: Breaks down waste materials and cellular debris; involved in recycling cellular components.

46
Q

Vacuoles: structures and functions

A

Structure: Large membrane-bound sacs.
Function: Storage of substances (e.g., nutrients, waste) and helps maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.

47
Q

mitochondria structure and function

A

Structure: Double-membraned organelles with inner folds called cristae.
Function: Sites of cellular respiration; produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

48
Q

Chloroplasts: structure and function

A

Structure: Double-membraned organelles containing thylakoids stacked into grana.
Function: Site of photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose).

49
Q

Relationship between Plasma Membrane, Endoplasmic Reticulum, and Golgi Complex

A

Endomembrane System: The plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum (both rough and smooth), Golgi complex, lysosomes, and vacuoles are interconnected.
Functionality:
The RER synthesizes proteins, which are then transported to the Golgi complex for modification and sorting.
The Golgi complex packages proteins into vesicles that can fuse with the plasma membrane for secretion or deliver them to other organelles.
The smooth ER plays a role in lipid synthesis and detoxification, contributing to the overall function of the cell.

50
Q

Anchoring Junctions:

A

Structure: Strong connections that hold cells together; often involve cadherins and intermediate filaments.
Function: Provide mechanical stability and support, allowing tissues to withstand stress.

51
Q

Tight Junctions:

A

Structure: Close connections between adjacent cells that seal the space between them.
Function: Prevent the passage of molecules and ions through the space between cells, maintaining selective permeability.

52
Q

Gap Junctions:

A

Structure: Channels that connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, formed by connexins.
Function: Allow for direct communication between cells, enabling the transfer of ions and small molecules.

53
Q

Plasmodesmata (in plants)

A

Structure: Channels that traverse the cell wall, connecting adjacent plant cells.
Function: Facilitate communication and transport of substances between plant cells.

54
Q

Major Eukaryotic Cytoskeletal Elements

A

Microfilaments (Actin Filaments):
Intermediate Filaments:
Microtubules:

55
Q

Microtubules:

A

Structure: Hollow tubes made of tubulin protein dimers (alpha and beta tubulin).
Location: Extend from the centrosome throughout the cytoplasm.
Role: Provide structural support and shape to the cell.
Involved in cell division (mitotic spindle formation).
Serve as tracks for the movement of organelles and vesicles via motor proteins.

56
Q

Intermediate Filaments:

A

Structure: Composed of various proteins (e.g., keratins, vimentin); thicker than microfilaments but more stable.
Location: Distributed throughout the cytoplasm, often around the nucleus and in the cell periphery.
Role: Provide mechanical strength and structural stability to the cell.
Help anchor organelles in place.
Resist tensile forces and maintain cell integrity.

57
Q

Microfilaments (Actin Filaments)

A

Structure: Composed of actin protein subunits; thin and flexible.
Location: Found throughout the cytoplasm, especially near the plasma membrane.
Role:
Provide structural support and shape to the cell.
Involved in cell movement (e.g., amoeboid movement).
Play a key role in muscle contraction and cytokinesis (cell division).

58
Q

Explain why cytoskeletal elements associate with motor proteins for certain cellular
processes, providing examples of two different processes

A

Cytoskeletal elements associate with motor proteins to facilitate movement and transport within the cell.
Example: Vesicle Transport, Muscle Contraction

59
Q

differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

A

prokaryotic cells; No true nucleus; DNA in nucleoid region, Lack membrane-bound organelles, Circular, single chromosome, sexual reproduction (binary fission)
eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, linear multiple chromosomes, asexual and sexual reproduction

60
Q

Similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

A

Both cell types have plasma membranes, ribosomes, and genetic material (DNA).
Both carry out essential life processes such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

Biology 120 (11 decks)

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