How do cells do what they do? Flashcards
What is the Cell?
Structural & functional unit of all living things.
What are the functional characteristics of cells?
- Cell metabolism & energy use.
- Synthesis of molecules.
- Communication.
- Reproduction & inheritance.
What is the function of the Plasma Membrane-Cell Membrane?
- Encloses & supports cellular contents.
- Controls what goes into and out of the cell.
- Role in inter-cellular (cell-cell) communication.
What is the structure of the Plasma Membrane-Cell Membrane?
-Lipid bilayer (phospholipid bilayer & cholesterol) make up 45-50%. →Provide flexibility to cell. -Carbohydrates (4-8%) -Proteins (45-50%) -Glycocalyx (outer surface of cell membrane) →Glycoproteins (Carbs + Proteins) →Glycolipids (Carbs + Lipids) →Carbohydrates
What is the Cytoplasm?
- Cellular fluid material outside nucleus but within boundaries of plasma membrane.
- Contains organelles + cytosol
What is the Cytosol?
-Fluid portion of cytoplasm (ions + proteins in water).
→Cytoplasmic inclusions- Aggregates of chemicals.
What is the Cytoskeleton?
-Supports cell & its organelles. →Responsible for changes to shape of cell & movement of its organelles. -Microtubules -Microfilaments -Intermediate filaments
What is the function of the Nucleus?
- Control centre of cell.
- DNA in nucleus carries code for structural & functional characteristics of cell.
What is the structure of the Nucleus?
- Nuclear envelope- A bilayer membrane surrounding nucleus. Porous.
- Nucleoplasm.
- Nucleolus- Primarily produces ribosomes.
What is the function of Ribosomes?
-Site of protein synthesis.
→Nucleolus, nucleus & cytoplasm.
What is the structure of Ribosomes?
- Composed of two subunits: large & small.
- Free ribosomes & membrane bound ribosomes.
What is the function of Rough & Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum?
-Rough ER
→Synthesis & modifications of proteins.
-Smooth ER
→Site of lipid, steroid & carbs synthesis.
→Detoxification of harmful substances.
→Breakdown of glycogen to glucose.
What is the structure of the Endoplasmic Reticulum?
- Flattened, interconnecting sacs & tubules.
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum- with ribosomes.
- Smooth endoplasmic reticulum-without ribosomes.
What is the function of Golgi Apparatus?
Modifies, packages & distributes proteins & lipids that are made in rough endoplasmic reticulum.
What is the structure of Golgi Apparatus?
- Flattened membranous sacs, with cisternae.
- Secretory vesicles.
What is the function of Lysosomes?
- Cells demolition crew.
- Digestions of molecules that are no longer needed by the cell.
What is the structure of Lysosomes?
- Membrane-bound vesicles that form at Golgi apparatus.
- Contains enzymes within them.
What is the function of the Mitochondria?
-Powerplants of a cell.
-ATP production & supply.
→Currency unit for energy
What is the structure of the Mitochondria?
- Outer membrane
- Intermembrane space
- Inner membrane
- Matrix
- Change shape continuously
-Has its own genetic material→reproduce itself.
What is the function of Centrioles?
Cell division
What is the structure of Centrioles?
- Barrel-shaped organelle orientated at right angles to each other.
- Wall of centrioles composed of microtubules.
- Two centrioles can be found in centrosome (cells centre).
What is the function of Cilia?
Movement of substances across the surface of cells.
What is the structure of Cilia?
Whip-like, motile cellular extensions which project from outer surfaces of certain cells.
What is the function of Flagella?
Motility
What is the structure of Flagella?
- Longer than cilia.
- Found on sperm cells only.
- Move the actual cell itself.
What is the function of Microvilli?
Increases cells surface area.
What is the structure of Microvilli?
- Extensions of plasma membrane.
- Non-motile.
What is Histology & its aims?
- The study of tissue.
- Aims to understand micro-anatomy of cells, tissues & organs.