L2: Cell Types & Subcellular Structures Flashcards
• Explain the concept of ‘the cell’ • Classify different types of cells: prokaryotes, eukaryotes, bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants, animals Outline the basic organisation of eukaryotic cells and give a brief description of the major features and organelles, and the specialised cellular processes that take place in them: plasma membrane, nucleus, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes and peroxisomes, mitochondria and chloroplasts, cytosol, cytoskeleton
What are the 3 cell theories?
- All living organisms are made up of 1 or more cells
- The cell is the basic unit of life
- Cells arise from existing cells by division
What are prokaryotes?
Single-cellular without nucleus
What are eukaryotes?
Single/multi-cellular with nucleus
What is the cell (plasma) membrane?
Bilayer of phospholipids, cholesterol & embedded transmembrane proteins
What is a amphipathic molecule?
Have BOTH hydrophobic & hydrophilic parts
4 main roles of the cell (plasma) membrane
- Barrier
- Communication
- Import & Export
- Electrical capacitor
What is the cytoskeleton?
Network of protein fibres
Main roles of the cytoskeleton
- Maintenance of shape
- Cell division
- Movement of particles
What is cytosol?
Fluid portion of the cytoplasm exclusive of organelles & membranes
What does the cytoplasm contain?
- High concentration of proteins
- tRNAs
- Free ribosomes
- Inclusion bodies
Role of the nuclear envelope
Separate contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm
Function of the nucleus
Site of RNA synthesis & processing
What does the nucleus contain?
Nucleoplasm, chromosomal DNA + histones
Role of the nucleolus
Site of ribosome synthesis
What is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?
Network of interconnected membrane vesicles