Eukaryotic Cell Structures Flashcards
what is the ultrastructure of a cell?
- each cell can be regarded as a metabolic compartment where the chemical processes of that cell occur
- cells are often adapted to preform a particular function
- the cells internal structure suites its job which is the ultra structure
what is an eukaryotic cell?
-it has a distinct nucleus and possesses membrane found organelle which an be seen using electron microscopes
what is the nucleus?
- the nucleus is the most prominent feature of a eukaryotic cell
- the nucleus contains the organisms hereditary material and controls the cells activities
- it’s usually spherical and between 10 and 20um in diameter
what is the nuclear envelope?
- it’s a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus
- the outer membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum of the cell and often has ribosomes on its surface controlling the entry and exit of materials in and out of the nucleus and contains the reactions taking place within it
what are nuclear pores?
- allows the passage of large molecules such as messenger RNA out of the nucleus
- there are typically around 1000 pores in each nucleus each 40-100nm in diameter
what is the nucleoplasm?
-the granular, jelly like material that makes up the bulk of the nucleus
what are chromosomes?
-consist of protein bound linear DNA
what are the features of the nucleus?
- nuclear envelope
- nuclear pores
- nucleoplasm
- chromosomes
- nucleolus
what are the functions of the nucleus?
- it acts as the control centre of the cell through the production of mRNA and tRNA and hence protein synthesis
- it retains the genetic material of the cell in the form of DNA and chromosomes
- it manufactures RNA and ribosomes
what are mitochondrion?
- mitochondria are usually rod-shaped and 1-10um in length
- made up from double membranes, cristae and the matrix
what is the double membrane?
-the organelle controls the entry and exit of material, the inner of the two membranes is folded to form extensions known as cristae
what is the matrix?
- makes up the remainder of the mitochondrion
- it contains protein, lipids, ribosomes and DNA that allows the mitochondria to control the production of their own proteins
- many enzymes involved in respiration are found in the matrix
what is the crista?
- extensions of the inner membrane which in some species extend across the whole width of the mitochondrion
- they provide a large surface area for the attachment of enzymes and other proteins involved in respiration
what do mitochondria do?
- they are the sites of aerobic stages of respiration
- they are responsible for the production of the energy carrier molecule ATP from respiratory substances like glucose this means that the number and size of mitochondria, cristae are high in cells that have a high level of metabolic activity so require lots of ATP
what are chloroplasts?
- chloroplasts are organelles that carry out photosynthesis
- they vary in shape and size but are typically disc shaped
- 2-10um long in diameter
- made up of chloroplast envelope, grana and the stroma
what is the chloroplast envelope?
-a double plasma membrane that surrounds the organelle, it is highly selective in what it allows to enter and leave the chloroplast
what are grana?
- stacks of up to 100 disc like structure called thylakoids which contain the pigment chlorophyll
- thylakoids have tubular extensions that join up with thylakoids in adjacent grana
- the grana are where the first stage of photosynthesis takes place
what is the stroma?
-a fluid filled matrix where the second stage of photosynthesis takes place