Functions of the nucleus, mitochondria and cell wall Flashcards
What is the nucleus?
The control centre of the cell
What does the nucleus contain?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) - the coded info needed for making proteins
What happens during cell division to the chromosomes?
The chromosomes carrying the long DNA molecules coil up, become shorter and thicker and visible with a light microscope
What do electron micrograph show?
That there’s a double membrane around the nucleus
What size are mitochondria?
About they size of bacteria
What can mitochondria be seen with?
What membranes do mitochondria have?
Each has a smooth outer membrane and a folded inner membrane
What is the job of the mitochondria?
To capture the energy in glucose in a form that the cell can use, to do this, aerobic respiration takes place inside the mitochondria
What is the equation for aerobic respiration?
What happens to the energy released by respiration?
Ends up in molecules of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
What is ATP used in?
Used in the cell to provide the energy for muscle contraction, active transport and building large molecules from small ones, as well as many other processes.
What is the shape and function of the cell wall?
It is relatively rigid and provides support for the cell
What does the cell wall consist of?
Mainly consists of bundles of long, straight cellulose molecules
What do the cellulose molecules do?
Lay side by side to form microfibrils
