Lecture 2: The Cell Flashcards
What is the cell theory
• All cells come from preexisting cells [currently being proven wrong in a lab, so we can say in nature]
- all organisms are composed of cells
- cells are the smallest structural and basic unit of life
therefore a mitochondria itself is not life unless within a cell
DNA in prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
Prokaryotic – one circular double strand DNA
Eukaryotic – many linear double stranded DNA
- one strand per chromosome
Why are eukaryotic cells larger than prokaryotic cells??
Surface to Volume Ratios its volume grows faster than its surface area, leading to a lower SA:V ratio.
This determines the efficiency of nutrient uptake, waste removal, and overall cellular function.
Eukaryotes also have membrane-bound organelles
Important components of prokaryotes
Cell wall: provides structural support especially from external environment
Made up of carbohydrate: peptidoglycan
Capsule: defence mechanism secretes slimy liquid to remove toxins and provide support
The ‘stickiness’ of the capsule promotes cell adhesion to surfaces, a survival advantage. In addition, the capsule protects the cell from phagocytosis.
No nucleus or membrane-bound organelles
• Plasma membrane for respiration and
photosynthesis because they lack other organelles
• Flagella for movement and pili that transfer DNA and are used for cell signaling
Ribosome function
Synthesize proteins, via translation
Where is most of the DNA stored in prokaryotes?
No nuclear membrane, hence no nucleus
They have a nucleoid where circular DNA is stored
Diversity of Prokaryotes how do they survive in extreme environments?
Use variety of substances as energy and carbon sources and to synthesize almost all required organic molecules
Vastly outnumber all other types of organisms
Versatile
Types of Eukaryotic cells
1) protists: like algae are similar to plants
2) fungi: like plant cells but have chitin to compose cell wall
3) animal
4) plant
The function and structure of the Nucleus
The nucleus contains most genes
• The nuclear envelope encloses the nucleus
• Nuclear pore complex
• DNA and proteins form genetic material called chromatin
• Chromatin condenses to form discrete chromosomes
• The nucleolus is located within the nucleus and is the site of ribosomal RNA synthesis
Nuclear pore complex
Pores allow certain molecules (proteins and RNAs) to come in and out
Highly regulated
Chromatin: what is it?
DNA and proteins form genetic material called chromatin
• Chromatin condenses to form discrete chromosomes
Where and what is the nucleolus
- located within the nucleus
- site of ribosomal RNA synthesis
Nuclear envelope
- double membrane: outer and inner membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer
Function of ribosomes
- ribosomes are used to build nuclear proteins and transport them into the nucleus
- main function: protein synthesis via translation
What are ribosomes made up
rRNA and protein
Where are free ribosomes
- in cytosol with no attachment to membrane
- bound ribosomes are on the outer surface of ER or nuclear envelope
Endomembrane system
a group of membranes and organelles in eukaryotic cells that works together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.
Why can eukaryotes grow larger than prokaryotes
endomembrane system
- by allowing for compartmentalization of cellular functions it allows for biochemical
processes such as protein synthesis and transportation
what is the endomembrane system made up of
- nuclear envelope
- endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi apparatus
- lysosomes
- vesicles
- plasma membrane
- These internal membranes is how we transport nutrients and waste in and out
- allow eukaryotes to grow larger
endoplasmic reticulum (RER vs SER)
Rough ER: ribosome-studded
- makes proteins that become part of the cell
- membranes or are secreted from the cell
Smooth ER:
- synthesize lipids and breaks down toxic substances
No ribosomes attached
Rough vs Smooth ER (based on their anatomy)
the RER is directly connected to nuclear envelope
What is the Golgi complex
- flattened membranous sacs
are indirectly connected to each other and the ER
Function of the Golgi complex
- chemically modifies proteins made in the RER
- by adding chemical groups to accessorize proteins that affect if it goes to different places
- sorts finished proteins into TRANSPORT VESICLES to be secreted from cell or embedded in plasma membrane or lysosomes
where are the four places the Golgi could send the proteins
1) membrane
2) lysosome
3) golgi
4) just leaves the cell