Eukaryotes Flashcards
Why is cell size limited in eukaryotes
SA/vol ratio
Diffusion rates of molecules (partly determined by particle size)
The need for high concentrations of compounds and enzymes for reactions
What is the use of compartmentalisation of eukaryotic cells
Compartmentalisation = processes localised and concentrated
Subdivide into membrane bound compartments (organelles)
Need for active and organised transport system (cell signalling, cytoskeleton etc)
Use of differentiated eukaryotic cells
Compartmentalisation = specialisation of specific tasks
Important for multicellular organisms
May have random mutation during development
stem cells in eukaryotes
Can become anything
Regulated by intra/extracellular signals (biotic and abiotic)
In both plants and animals
What are the 3 ways to study organelles
- drawings
- fluorescence microscopy (tag organelle with fluorescent protein)
- electron microscopy (fix cell and cut slices then stain with OsO4
Describe transport/secretory vesicles
Membrane bound
Contains proteins for transport/export
Only secretory if actually being secreted
Trafficked along cytoskeleton
Describe lysosomes
Storage for enzymes that break up cellular components
Contain at least 50 hydrologic enzymes
Can break down almost any biological molecule so must remain separated
Degradation of organelles via autophagy = organelles delivered to lysosomes for degradation
A lot of diseases related to misfunction of lysosomes
Describe peroxisomes
Assist lysosomes in cell clean up
Generate and degrade hydrogen peroxide
Breakdown fatty acids/lipid components of membranes
Detoxify harmful compounds
Describe centrosome
Very different between plants and animals
Important in cell division
Taxol (form of trees) important in cancer treatment: Causes binding of centrosomes and microtubules
Describe cytoskeleton
Frame work: shape and structure Forms basis of internal transport Cellular movement Contraction of skeletal muscle Made of microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments and Actin
Describe microtubules
Monomers that polymerise
Very hard to see in electron microscope - if used fluorescence whole cell glows
Organised in bundles
Constantly built (polymerisation end) and broken down (depolymerisation end)
Describe actin
Influence locomotion and movement
Major cytoskeleton component of muscle cells
Describe nuclear pores
30 different proteins used to make a pore
- proteins made in cytosol
Outer diameter 120nm
Fusion of inner and outer membrane
Small particles injected into the cell can directly enter the nucleus: channels freely permeable to ions and small molecules
Describe proteins used for nucleus pores
Made in the cytosol
Contains NLS: nuclear localisation signal (specific amino acids sequence)
NLS recognised by receptor protein called importin they bind and regulate transport through pore
She’s ATP delivered by RAN-GTPase
Describe how RNA leaves the nucleus
Transported through a nuclear pore into cytosol
Binds to protein containing nuclear export signal (NES)
NES recognised by exportin receptor protein
Exportin transports them through the pore
Describe the nuclear matrix
Genetic information located there
Each chromosome has its own discrete location
Maintains shape of nucleus: made of insoluble network fibrous proteins Called Latins
- line the inner membrane
-provides mechanical strength
Newly synthesised nucleic acids associate with the matrix
Describe the nucleolus
Dedicated for ribosome production
1+ spherical structures, several micrometers in diameter
Number and size corresponds to level of protein synthesis
What are the functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Drug detoxification Carbohydrate metabolism -hepatocytes break down stored glycogen Calcium storage - sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells -released in response to extracellular signalling fr muscle contraction Steroid biosynthesis - adrenal glands, testes, ovaries - cholesterol and steroid based hormones
