eukaryotic cells structure and functions Flashcards
what are the functions of the nucleus?
-acts as the control centre of the cell through the production of mRNA and tRNA and hence protein synthesis
-retain genetic material of the cell in the form of DNA and chromosomes
-manufacture ribosomal RNA and ribosomes
what are the parts of the nucleus?
-nuclear envelope
-nuclear pores
-nucleoplasm
-chromosomes
-nucleolus
what is the nuclear envelope?
a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus
its outer membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum of the cell and often has ribosomes on its surface
what is the function of the nuclear envelope?
controls the entry and exit of materials in and out of the nucleus and contains the reactions taking place within it
what do nuclear pores do?
allow passage of large molecules, such as messenger RNA, out of the nucleus
how many nuclear pores are there typically in each nucleus?
3000, each 40-100nm in diameter
what is the nucleoplasm?
granular, jelly like material that makes up the bulk of the nucleus
what do chromosomes consist of?
protein bound, linear DNA
what is the nucleolus and what does it do?
small spherical region within the nucleoplasm- it manufactures ribosomal RNA and assembles the ribosomes.
There may be more than one nucleolus in a nucleus
what shape and size are mitochondria usually?
rod-shaped
1-10 micrometers in diameter
what surrounds the mitochondria?
a double membrane that controls the entry and exit of material
what happens to the inner membrane of mitochondria?
it is folded to form extensions known as cristae
what do cristae do in mitochondria?
they provide a large surface area for for the attachment of enzymes and other proteins involved in respiration eg ATP synthase
what is the matrix in mitochondria?
what 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
what else can be found in the matrix?
many enzymes involved in respiration