how do cells function?: cellular structure and function Flashcards
definition of cells
the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism. The smallest, basic unit of life that is responsible for all of life’s processes.
recall the acronym for classifying living things and define what it means
M - ovement
R - espiration
S - Senstivity/ detecting changes in surroundings and responding to a stimuli
G - rowth
R - eproduction
E - xcretion
N - utrition
why are viruses not considered alive/ definition of a virus
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.
define the four parts of the cell theory
- Cells are the most basic unit of life: all living things are composed of cells and cell products.
- all cells arise from pre-existing cells: new cells are formed only by the division of pre-existing cells.
- 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.
- the cell contains inherited information (genes) that are used as instructions for growth, functioning and development
fill in
eukaryotic cell definition
a single celled or multicellular organism or cell that contains a distinct membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.
definition of animal cell + animal
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.
fill in the eukaryotic cell
fill in the animal cell
definition of plant cell
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.
fill in the plant cell
definition of a prokaryotic cell
a type of cell lacking a membrane-enclosed nucleus or other cell organelles. Characterized by the absence of a nucleus.
definition of a virus
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.
definition of bacteria
single-celled microorganisms with the absence of the nucleus and other cell organelles; hence, they are classified as prokaryotic organisms.
define the structure of a bacteria cell
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.
fill in the bacteria cell
define the 9 prokaryotic features
- Cell wall
- Cell/ Plasma Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleoid
- Plasmid
- Ribosomes
- Capsule
- Flagella (singular flagellum)
- Pili (singular pilus)
define the cell wall / prokaryotic features
a rigid outer layer made of peptidoglycan that maintains the shape and protects the cell from damage or bursting if internal pressure is applied.
define the cell/plasma membrane / prokaryotic features
semi-permeable barrier that controls the entry and exit of substances.
define cytoplasm / prokaryotic features
fluid component which contains the enzymes needed for all metabolic reactions.
define nucleoid / prokaryotic features
region of the cytoplasm which contains the prokaryotic DNA
define plasmid / prokaryotic features
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.
what are the four features that all cells have in common
- Cell membrane
- Cytoplasm
- DNA/ genetic material –> arranged differently but all have it
- ribosomes
definition of ribosomes / prokaryotic features
complexes of RNA and protein that are responsible for polypeptide synthesis. (prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic)
definition of capsule / prokaryotic features
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.)
definition of flagella (singular flagellum) / prokaryotic features
longer, slender projection containing a motor protein which spins the flagella like a propeller, enabling movement.
definition of pili (singular pilus) / prokaryotic features
hair - like extensions found on the bacteria which can serve one of two roles, attachment or exchange of genetic material.
definition of binary fission
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.
define the three steps of binary fission
- The circular DNA is copied in response to a replication signal.
- The two DNA loops attach to the membrane.
- the membrane elongates and pinches off (cytokenesis) and formulates two separate daughter cells.
definition of organelles
distinct, internal compartments of cells. A subcellular structure with one or more specific jobs to perform in a cell.
definition of the nucleus (structure + function)
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.
Definition of the endoplasmic reticulum (both with structure and function)
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.
definition of ribosomes
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.
definition of the golgi complex/ apparatus
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.
definition of lysosomes
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).
definition of the mitochondria/ drion
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.
definition of chloroplast
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.
definition of vacuole
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.