Eukaryotic Cells (3.2) Flashcards
Describe the structure and function of a nucleus
The nucleus is a spherical-shaped organelle that is present in every eukaryotic cell. The nucleus is the control centre of eukaryotic cells. It is also responsible for the coordination of genes and gene expression.
Describe the structure and function of a nucleolus
the largest nuclear organelle and is the primary site of ribosome subunit biogenesis in eukaryotic cells. It is assembled around arrays of ribosomal DNA genes, forming specific chromosomal features known as nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) which are the sites of ribosomal DNA transcription.
Describe the structure and function of a ribosome
an intercellular structure made of both RNA and protein, and it is the site of protein synthesis in the cell. The ribosome reads the messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence and translates that genetic code into a specified string of amino acids, which grow into long chains that fold to form proteins.
Describe the structure and function of rough endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum can either be smooth or rough, and in general its function is to produce proteins for the rest of the cell to function. The rough endoplasmic reticulum has on it ribosomes, which are small, round organelles whose function it is to make those proteins.
Describe the function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
Tube-like structure located near the cell periphery. These tubules or tubes sometimes branch forming a network that is reticular in appearance. It synthesizes lipids, phospholipids as in plasma membranes, and steroids. Cells that secrete these products, such as cells of the testes, ovaries, and skin oil glands, have an excess of smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Describe the structure and function of the mitochondria
They generate most of the cells chemical energy needed to power the cell (aerobic respiration). It is also a double membraned, rod like structure.
Describe the structure and function of the centrioles
Centrioles are paired barrel-shaped organelles located in the cytoplasm of animal cells (or nine circulalry arranged triplet microtubules). These help organise microtubules of the body.
Describe the structure and the function of the lysosomes
Sphere shaped sacs that contain hydrolytic enzymes that help with intracellular digestion.
Describe the structure and function of the golgi apparatus
It helps prepare proteins and lipids for use in other places inside or outside the cell but also plays important role in the packaging of macromolecules. It is a single membrance bound organelle, that comprises of stacks of membrane bound vesicles.
