From big to small - 3rd form Flashcards
what is the function of the nucleus
-controls the activity of the cell
-contains the chromosomes which carry the genes
what is the function of the cell membrane
-boundary between the cytoplasm and the cell’s surroundings
-controls what substances enter and leave the cell (selectively permeable)
what is the function of the cytoplasm
jelly-like liquid where chemical reactions occur
what is the function of the mitochondria
-carries out some reactions of aerobic respiration, producing ATP
what is the function of the ribosomes
-synthesise proteins from amino acids
what is the function of the chloroplasts
-absorb light energy and use it to carry out the chemical reactions of photosynthesis, making biological molecules for plant cells
what is the function of the cell wall
- made of cellulose in plants
- helps to keep plant cells in a fixed shape
what is the function of the vacuole
- filled with a watery liquid called cell sap
- stores dissolved sugars, mineral ions, and other substances
symbol for millimetres
mm
symbol for micrometres
um
symbol for nanometres
nm
how many millimetres in a metre
1x10^3 (1 thousand)mm in 1m
how many micrometres in a metre
1x10^6 (1 million)mm in 1m
how many nanometres in a metre
1x10^9 (1 billion)mm in 1m
how do you calculate magnification
size of image/actual size of object
size of image/magnification
actual size of object x magnification
what are cells
the smallest functional unit of life and contain a number of organelles, structures that carry out specific processes the cells need to survive
what are the different types of cells that have specific jobs called
specialised cells
what are tissues
groups of similar cells, which work together to carry out the same function
what are organs
made up of several different tissues working together to carry out a more complex function
what are organ systems
made up of several different organs working together to carry out a complex function essential to life
what is the function of red blood cells
transport oxygen in the blood
what are the features of red blood cells
- contains the protein haemoglobin which binds to and transports oxygen
- no nucleus which means there is more space for haemoglobin
- biconcave shaped which means there is a larger surface area meaning oxygen can enter and leave the cell more rapidly
what is the function of a sperm cell
to transport male genetic material to the egg cell
what are the features of a sperm cell
- the flagellum (tail) allows the sperm to swim
- many mitochondria provide the energy needed for swimming
- the acrosome (package of enzymes) to digest the jelly layer surrounding the egg cell
what is the function of a palisade (leaf) cell
to carry out photosynthesis
what are the features of a palisade (leaf) cell
- many chloroplasts which trap light energy for photosynthesis
- tall and thin meaning cells can pack tightly together so more of the light reaching the leaf is absorbed
what elements are carbohydrates made from
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
what is the function of carbohydrates
used as fuel for respiration
what chemical reaction are carbohydrates broken down in
respiration
what are the smallest units of carbohydrates
simple sugars (glucose and fructose)
examples of complex carbohydrates
starch and glycogen
what is the function of starch
used to store glucose in plants
what is the function of glycogen
used to store glucose in animals and fungi
why are starch and glycogen better storage molecules
they are less soluble that simple sugars and so have less effect on water movement in and out of cells
what elements are lipids (fats) made from
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
what are the smaller units of lipids
3 fatty acids and a glycerol molecule
what are the many functions of lipids (fats)
-energy storage (can also be used in respiration)
- part of cell membranes
- thermal insulation
-electrical insulation (around nerve cells)
- buoyancy (helps marine animals like whales to float)
what elements are proteins made from
carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
what are the smaller units of proteins
amino acids
what are the main functions of protein in the body
- structural molecules
- controlling chemical reactions
- messenger molecules such as hormones
- combating disease with antibodies
- transport