Functions Flashcards
Proteins
Structural, regulatory, contractile, storage, protective, transport, catalytic, toxic
Nucleic acids
Carry genetic instructions for all cellular processes, protein synthesis, gene regulation, genome for some viruses
Complex carbohydrates
Structural, energy, recognition
Lipids
Structural, regulatory, energy
Cells
Make cellular materials, obtain raw materials, remove waste, generate energy, control all this
Organelles
Provide specialised conditions, keep incompatible substances apart, form concentration gradients, package things for transport/export
Membrane proteins
Signal transduction, cell recognition, intercellular joining, linking cytoskeleton and ECM, membrane transport
sER
Metabolise carbs, synthesise lipids, detoxification, store calcium
rER
Protein synthesis
Golgi apparatus
Glycosylation, make polysaccharides, sort proteins, tag vesicles
Vesicles
transport, secretory, vacuoles, artificial
Lysosomes
Degrade macromolecules, digest and recycle unwanted cellular materials, important in programmed cell death
Vacuoles
Lysosome like functions, enable plant cell turgidity
Protein extensin
Control extensibility of cell by cross linking pectin and cellulose
Cell wall
Regulating cell shape (orientation of microfibrils influences cell morphology), structural support, prevents excessive water uptake
Plasmodesmata
Free exchange of small molecules, communication
Microtubules
Resist compression, motility
Microfilaments
Resist tension, cortical network reduces fluidity, muscle contraction, amoeboid movement, cytoplasmic streaming
Intermediate filaments
Maintain cell shape, anchor organelles
Tight junction
Prevent fluid movement between cells (force molecules to enter cell)
Gap junction
Quick intercellular communication
Desmosome
Rivet, anchor
Nuclear lamina
Helps in organisation of packing of DNA
Nucleolus
Synthesise ribosomal RNA and subunits
