Life processes at a the cellular level Flashcards
What is a Cell Wall?
Rigid structure which provides support to cells, composed of cellulose in plant cells
The cell wall is crucial for maintaining cell shape and protecting against mechanical stress.
What is a Chloroplast?
Organelle found in the cytoplasm of photosynthetic organisms which is the site of photosynthesis
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which captures sunlight for photosynthesis.
What is Cytoplasm?
A jelly-like substance found in cells which contains all the organelles in the cell suspended in a liquid called the Cytosol
Cytoplasm plays a role in cellular processes and provides a medium for organelles to function.
What does it mean to Denature a protein?
To alter the shape of a protein (enzyme) by breaking the bonds holding it together, rendering it unable to carry out its function
Denaturation can be caused by factors such as temperature and pH changes.
What is the Endoplasmic Reticulum?
Network of membranes found throughout the cytoplasm of cells involved in processing proteins (Rough ER) and lipids (Smooth ER)
The Rough ER is studded with ribosomes, while the Smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis.
What is the function of the Golgi Body?
Network of folded/flattened membranes involved in packaging molecules like proteins for secretion
The Golgi body modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.
What is a Limiting Factor?
An environmental factor which is found in low supply, causing a reduction in the reaction rate of a life process
Examples include light intensity, temperature, and nutrient availability.
What is a Lysosome?
Sac-like organelles which contain digestive enzymes, involved with the digestion of cellular invaders (e.g. Bacteria) and waste molecules
Lysosomes are known as the ‘clean-up crew’ of the cell.
What are Mitochondria?
Organelles found in the cell’s cytoplasm which are the site of cellular respiration
Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell.
What is an Organelle?
An organised and specialised structure found within cells
Organelles perform specific functions essential for cell survival and function.
What is Photosynthesis?
Enzyme-controlled process occurring in plants that uses energy from sunlight to fix carbon dioxide and water in the production of glucose
The overall equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
What is the Plasma Membrane?
The cell’s outer membrane which forms a double layer (bilayer) composed of phospholipids and proteins
The plasma membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell.
What is a Ribosome?
Small organelles found in the cytoplasm or on the surface of endoplasmic reticulum which are the site of protein synthesis
Ribosomes can be free-floating or bound to the rough ER.
What is aerobic respiration?
Enzyme controlled process which requires oxygen to produce energy from the breakdown of glucose.
Aerobic respiration is essential for the energy metabolism in many organisms.
What does ATP stand for?
Adenosine triphosphate
ATP is known as the energy carrier molecule in all living cells.
Define a cell.
Basic building block/unit of life. The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, which is typically microscopic.
Cells are the fundamental units of life and can exist as independent organisms (like bacteria) or as part of multicellular organisms.
