how do cells function?: cellular structure and function Flashcards

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1
Q

definition of cells

A

the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism. The smallest, basic unit of life that is responsible for all of life’s processes.

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2
Q

recall the acronym for classifying living things and define what it means

A

M - ovement
R - espiration
S - Senstivity/ detecting changes in surroundings and responding to a stimuli
G - rowth
R - eproduction
E - xcretion
N - utrition

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3
Q

why are viruses not considered alive/ definition of a virus

A

A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Are not considered alive as they

do not respire, consume nutrients, maintain homeostasis or excrete waste.

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4
Q

define the four parts of the cell theory

A
  1. Cells are the most basic unit of life: all living things are composed of cells and cell products.
  2. all cells arise from pre-existing cells: new cells are formed only by the division of pre-existing cells.
  3. all living things are made-up of cells: the cell is the functioning unit of life; all the chemical reactions of life take place within the cell.
  4. the cell contains inherited information (genes) that are used as instructions for growth, functioning and development
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5
Q

fill in

A
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6
Q

eukaryotic cell definition

A

a single celled or multicellular organism or cell that contains a distinct membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

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7
Q

definition of animal cell + animal

A

an animal cell is a eukaryotic cell with a membrane-bound nucleus.
Animals are multicellular organisms madeup of many eukaryotic cells cooperating to form a functional organisms. Because of this, individual cells may differ greatly in structure and form. however share overall basic characteristics.

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8
Q

fill in the eukaryotic cell

A
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9
Q

fill in the animal cell

A
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10
Q

definition of plant cell

A

eukaryotic cells that vary in several fundamental factors from other eukaryotic organisms. May contain chloroplast and other plastids for photosynthesis. Contain a cell wall (made of cellulose) and thus have a rigid rectangular shape. Contains a large, central vacuole and do not have centrioles and do not have cholestrole in their cell membrane.

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11
Q

fill in the plant cell

A
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12
Q

definition of a prokaryotic cell

A

a type of cell lacking a membrane-enclosed nucleus or other cell organelles. Characterized by the absence of a nucleus.

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13
Q

definition of a virus

A

an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. A virus cannot replicate alone; instead, it must infect cells and use components of the host cell to make copies of itself.

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14
Q

definition of bacteria

A

single-celled microorganisms with the absence of the nucleus and other cell organelles; hence, they are classified as prokaryotic organisms.

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15
Q

define the structure of a bacteria cell

A

do not possess a nucleus (instead the DNA is found free in the cytoplasm in a region called the nucleoid), lack all membrane-bound organelles (only possess ribosomes). Covered by a peptidoglycan cell wall and MAY be surrounded by an additional slime capsule.

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16
Q

fill in the bacteria cell

A
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17
Q

define the 9 prokaryotic features

A
  1. Cell wall
  2. Cell/ Plasma Membrane
  3. Cytoplasm
  4. Nucleoid
  5. Plasmid
  6. Ribosomes
  7. Capsule
  8. Flagella (singular flagellum)
  9. Pili (singular pilus)
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18
Q

define the cell wall / prokaryotic features

A

a rigid outer layer made of peptidoglycan that maintains the shape and protects the cell from damage or bursting if internal pressure is applied.

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19
Q

define the cell/plasma membrane / prokaryotic features

A

semi-permeable barrier that controls the entry and exit of substances.

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20
Q

define cytoplasm / prokaryotic features

A

fluid component which contains the enzymes needed for all metabolic reactions.

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21
Q

define nucleoid / prokaryotic features

A

region of the cytoplasm which contains the prokaryotic DNA

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22
Q

define plasmid / prokaryotic features

A

additional DNA molecule that can exist and replicate independently of the genophore (DNA contained in the nucleoid). Carry genes for replicating their DNA, transferring themselves from one host cell to another, and for a variety of phenotypes.

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23
Q

what are the four features that all cells have in common

A
  1. Cell membrane
  2. Cytoplasm
  3. DNA/ genetic material –> arranged differently but all have it
  4. ribosomes
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24
Q

definition of ribosomes / prokaryotic features

A

complexes of RNA and protein that are responsible for polypeptide synthesis. (prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic)

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25
Q

definition of capsule / prokaryotic features

A

a thick polysaccharide layer used for protection against desiccation (drying out) and phagocytosis (the process by which certain living cells called phagocytes engulf other cells, particles and even pathogens.)

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26
Q

definition of flagella (singular flagellum) / prokaryotic features

A

longer, slender projection containing a motor protein which spins the flagella like a propeller, enabling movement.

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27
Q

definition of pili (singular pilus) / prokaryotic features

A

hair - like extensions found on the bacteria which can serve one of two roles, attachment or exchange of genetic material.

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28
Q

definition of binary fission

A

The process by which one prokaryotic cell asexually divides into two identical daughter cells, each having the potential to grow to the size of the original cell.

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29
Q

define the three steps of binary fission

A
  1. The circular DNA is copied in response to a replication signal.
  2. The two DNA loops attach to the membrane.
  3. the membrane elongates and pinches off (cytokenesis) and formulates two separate daughter cells.
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30
Q

definition of organelles

A

distinct, internal compartments of cells. A subcellular structure with one or more specific jobs to perform in a cell.

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31
Q

definition of the nucleus (structure + function)

A

a large spherical organelle, surrounded by a nucleur envelope comprised of two layers of membrane, perforated with nucleur pores. Contains most of the genetic material (DNA) of the cell, it’s the control centre of the cell and the repository of genetic information.

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32
Q

Definition of the endoplasmic reticulum (both with structure and function)

A

a network of membranous channels within a cell.
The rough E.R has ribosomes attached to it, whereas the smooth E.R does not have ribosomes. The endoplasmic reticulum has the general function of producing and transporting material within the cell. The rough E.R transports proteins made by ribosomes out of the cell. The smooth E.R produces lipids.

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33
Q

definition of ribosomes

A

a complex of rRNA and protein molecules that function as a site of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm. Ribosomes are not enclosed in a membrane but are solid and made from proteins and ribosomal RNA, found in cytosol and attached to the rough E.R.

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34
Q

definition of the golgi complex/ apparatus

A

an organelle that is a stack of flattened membrane-bound sacs that modify and package proteins and transports these molecules/enzymes from the endoplasmic reticulum to their destination/ the lysosomes and peroxisomes.

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35
Q

definition of lysosomes

A

a membrane-enclosed sac of enzymes found in the cytoplasm of cells and protists. The lysosomes destroy unwanted or damaged cell parts and is important for apoptosis (programmed cell death).

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36
Q

definition of the mitochondria/ drion

A

a eukaryotic organelle enclosed in a double membrane, with a highly folded inner membrane that contains its own DNA and ribosomes and acts as the site of cellular respiration for the cell. The mitochondrion is the source of chemical energy in the cell by producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), produced during cellular respiration , which occurs within its folds.

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37
Q

definition of chloroplast

A

membrane bound and contains fluid filled sacs that have their own DNA and ribosomes and contains chlorophyll. Is the site of photosynthesis by producing its own proteins.

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38
Q

definition of vacuole

A

a membrane bound vesicle whose function varies in different kinds of cells. In plant cells, the large vacuole provides physical support (turgor) to keep the cell stiff and store water or dissolved substances and wastes. In the animal cell, it mainly helps sequester waste products.

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39
Q

definition of the plasma membrane

A

the membrane at the boundary of every cell that acts as a selective barrier, regulating the cells chemical composition, made from a phospholipid bilayer. The plasma membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

40
Q

definition of the cell wall

A

the rigid outermost layer that provides strength and protection to the cell and separates the interior contents of the cell from the exterior environment.

41
Q

definition of cytosol

A

the fluid in which the organelles of the cytoplasm are suspended. It is a jelly-like intracellular fluid and water with many dissolved substances that contains dissolved nutrients and helps break down waste products and moves material around the cell.

42
Q

definition of cytoplasm

A

the watery solution within a cell including dissolved substances, enzymes, and cell organelles (excluding the nucleus) yhst holds the components of a cell and protects them from damage.

43
Q

definition of centrioles

A

a cylindrical cell structure made up of microtubes. They play the role of organizing microtubules that serve as the cell’s skeletal system.

44
Q

definition of cilia and flagella

A

protruding structures from a cell. Responsible for the locomotive of the cell, or for moving fluids across the cell surface in multicellular organisms.

45
Q

definition of nucleolus/ nuclei

A

a specialized spherical structure in the nucleus, consisting of chromosomal regions containing ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the site of RNA synthesis and ribosomal assembly.

46
Q

in what organelles is DNA found?

A

the nucleus, chloroplast, and mitochondrion.

47
Q

define surface area to volume ratio

A

the comparison of the surface area of an objects to its volume

48
Q

recall how to calculate surface area and then volume

A

surface area: 2 (lw + lh + wh)
volume: length x width x height

49
Q

recall the two influences on surface area to volume ratio

A
  • surface area to volume ratio decreases as size increases
  • surface area to volume ratio decreases as a shape becomes more spherical
50
Q

with reference to SA:V, explain why cells are the size and structure that they are

A
  • cells (and organelles) tend to be small and have flattened or elongated shapes to increase their surface area to volume ratio so they can absorb and secrete substances more easily, making processes involving those membranes more efficient.
51
Q

list and define the three functions of the plasma membrane

A
  1. Controls movement inside and outside of the cell: by having protein channels that act like funnels in some cases and pumps in other cases.
  2. Cell identification: the surface of the plasma membrane carriers markers which allow cells to recognise one another. Additionally, carbohydrates are attached to some of the proteins and lipids on the outward-facing surface of the membrane.
  3. Cell communication: cell surface receptors/ transmembrane receptors, are integral proteins that bind to external signaling molecules and span the plasma membrane, performing signal transduction in which an extracellular signal is converted into an intercellular signal.
52
Q

what is the overall significance of the plasma membrane

A

the membrane provides protection for the cell alongside seperating the extracellular space, outside of the cell, from the cytosol inside the cell - providing a boarder between the interior and exterior of a cell.

53
Q

surface area formula (cm²)

A

2 (LW) + 2 (WH) + 2 (LW)

54
Q

volume formula (cm³)

A

L x W x D

55
Q

definition of surface area to volume ratio

A

the comparison of the surface of an object to its volume

56
Q

define the three determining factors of SA:V

A
  • surface area to volume ratio decreases as size increases
  • surface area to volume ratio decreases as a shape becomes more spherical
  • cells (an organelles) tend to be small and have flattened or elongated shapes to increase their surface area to volume ratio.
57
Q

define the influence of SA:V

A

smalls cells mean they can absorb and secrete substances much more easily as they have a larger surface area, making their SA:V significantly greater than that of a larger organism, making processes involving those membranes much more efficient.

58
Q

define the three functions of the plasma membrane

A
  1. Controls movement: by having protein channels that act like funnels in some cases and pumps in other cases.
  2. Cell identification: the surface of the plasma membrane carriers markers which allow cells to recognize one another. Additionally, carbohydrates are attached to some of the proteins and lipids on the outward-facing surface membrane.
  3. Cell communication: cell surface receptors/transmembrane receptors are integral proteins that bind to external signaling molecules. These receptors span the plasma membrane and perform signal transduction, in which an extracellular signal is converted into an intercellular signal.
59
Q

what is the significance of the plasma membrane?

A

the membrane provides protection from the cell alongside separating the extracellular space, outside of the cell, from the cytosol inside the cell - providing a boarder between the interior and exterior of a cell.

60
Q

definition of peripheral protein

A

protein floating on the surface of the membrane

61
Q

definition of integral protein

A

protein deeply embedded in the fatty acid tail part of the membrane

62
Q

definition of transmembrane protein

A

a protein that goes all the way from one side of the membrane to the other vertically.

63
Q

definition of polar molecule

A

a molecule in which one end of the molecule is slightly positive while the other end is slightly negative.

64
Q

is the phosphate head of the phospholipid bilayer hydrophilic or hydrophobic? Is it polar or non-polar?

A

hydrophilic and polar

65
Q

is the fatty acid tails of the phospholipid bilayer hydrophilic or hydrophobic? Is it polar or non-polar?

A

hydrophobic and non-polar

66
Q

what is a glycoprotein

A

peripheral protein with carbohydrate attached

67
Q

what is a glycolipid

A

a phosphate head with a carbohydrate attached

68
Q

definition of extracellular fluid

A

body fluid that is not contained in cells.

69
Q

the plasma membrane is_____. Define this term.

A

semi permeable/selectively permeable: a membrane that only allows certain things in and out. The phospholipid bilayer acts like doors, letting the right substances in and out of the cell.

70
Q

describe the structure of the plasma membrane

A

contains a phospholipid bilayer embedded with proteins and carbohydrates (and cholesterol in animal cells). Hydrophilic tail regions of the phospholipid bilayer face inwards and are shielded from the surrounding polar fluid while the two hydrophilic head regions associate with the cytosol and extracellular environments respectively.

71
Q

define the fluid mosaic model

A

describes the structure of the cell membrane as a dynamic, flexible structure made up of different components. Called the fluid mosaic model because the bilayer can shift position (fluid) and is embedded with other molecules (mosaic).

72
Q

polar molecule definition

A

a molecule in which one end of the molecule is slightly positive while the other is slightly negative.

73
Q

what does the arrangement of the bilayer prevent?

A

prevents polar solutes from diffusing across the membrane but allows for passive diffusion of hydrophobic non-polar molecules

74
Q

what molecules can pass through the phospholipid bilayer

A

Gases, hydrophobic molecules, lipid soluble molecules, and small polar uncharged molecules can diffuse through phospholipid bilayers.

75
Q

what molecules cannot pass through the phospholipid bilayer

A

larger polar molecules (such as glucose and amino acids) and ions/ charged molecules.

76
Q

what does cholesterol do in the phospholipid bilayer?

A

gives the membrane its fluidity and stability. It stops the membrane from being rigid when temperatures are low and from falling apart when temperatures are too high by reducing the permeability of small water soluble molecules.

77
Q

definition of diffusion

A

the passive movement of particles from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration (movement occurs down a concentration gradient) that continues until equilibrium is reached after which there will be no net movement.

78
Q

what are the four ways in which a substance can cross a membrane

A
  1. Simple diffusion (or osmosis for water)
  2. Facilitated diffusion
  3. Active transport
  4. Bulk transport (includes exocytosis and endocytosis)
79
Q

definition of facilitated diffusion

A

the passive movement/diffusion of molecules down a concentration gradient through an integral protein. <– transport occurs through either channel proteins or carrier proteins.

80
Q

definition of osmosis

A

the passive movement/diffusion of water molecules across a a partially permeable membrane from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration (up the concentration gradient). Occurs until equilibrium is reached where there will be no further NET movement.

81
Q

definition of simple diffusion

A

the process in which a substance moves through a semi-permeable membrane or in a solution without any help from transport proteins.

82
Q

active transport definition

A

energy driven diffusion by which membrane proteins transport molecules across cells, which always requires the expenditure of energy in the form of ATP.

83
Q

Definition of bulk transport

A

active transport of large quantities of materials and food particles across the membrane. It occurs both inward and outward and is achieved with the help of carrier molecules.

84
Q

hypotonic solution definition

A

the solution has a lower concentration of solutes and a higher concentration of water than inside the cell (LOW SOLUTE; HIGH WATER)

85
Q

hypertonic solution definition

A

the solution has a higher concentration of solutes and a lower concentration of water than inside the cell (HIGH SOLUTE; LOW WATER)

86
Q

isotonic solution definition

A

the concentration of solutes in the solution is equal to the concentration of solutes inside the cell.

87
Q

what does bulk transport involve?

A

active transport involving the transport of large molecules through the utilization of vesicles.

88
Q

definition of endocytosis

A

a process by which cells absorb external material IN TO THE CELL by engulfing/ invaginating it with the cell membrane.

89
Q

definition of exocytosis

A

a process of bulk transport by which large molecules, such as proteins, are SECRETED from a cell by the fusion of a vesicle whit the plasma membrane.

90
Q

types of endocytosis (2)

A

phagocytosis, pinocytosis

91
Q

definition of phagocytosis

A

endocytosis of solid material

92
Q

definition of pinocytosis

A

endocytosis of fluid material.

93
Q

fill in/ identify

A

Top glycolipid is meant to be labelled glycoprotein

94
Q

fill in/identify

A
95
Q

fill in/identify

A
96
Q

fill in/identify

A
97
Q

explain the endosymbiotic theory

A

The endosymbiotic theory proposes that eukaryotic cells evolved through the symbiotic relationship between ancestral cells and engulfed prokaryotic organisms. Mitochondria and chloroplasts, once free-living bacteria, became integrated within host cells, providing benefits such as energy production. This theory explains the origin of these organelles and supports the complexity of eukaryotic cells.