Module 1: Cells as the basis of life Flashcards
What does the cell theory state?
- Cells are the basic unit of life
- All life is made of cells
- All cells are made from pre-existing cells
- All cells maintain homeostasis (what is homeostasis?)
All cells have:
- a cell membrane
- cytoplasm:
- genetic material (usually DNA)
- genes:
- ribosomes:
- proteins
How do ribosomes and genetic material contribute to cells making proteins?
The genetic material (usually DNA) provides instructions for cellular activity. The genes send instructions to ribosomes where the ribosomes use the genes code to make the various proteins that are required for the organism to function .
What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not. These organelles have specialised roles go help the cells function.
Prokaryotes are small ( 0.1-5.0 amu) where as eukaryotic cells are large (10-100 amu)
Prokaryotes can be unicellular. Eukaryotes can be multi and uni.
Pro are less complex, Eu are more complex.
components of prokaryotic cells:
pro=no=no nucleus
- no membrane bound organelles
- dna found within the cytoplasm
- unicellular
- very small (0.1-5.0 um)
- less complex
- Large surface area
- Genetic material is stored in a singular DNA chromosome, which is contained in the nucleoid .
- This is attached to cell membrane by the origin of the chromosome.
- The cell membrane is surrounded by the cell wall.
- bacteria have a capsule outside the cell wall
- They can move around using the flagellum
- The pili also helps transfer DNA between organisms and for movement
- bacteria and archaea
what are the 6 kingdoms
bacteria and archaea (Prokaryotes)
Prostita, Funghi, Plantae and Animalia (Eukaryotes)
components of eukaryotic cells
Eu-=do have a nucleus
- Much larger and more complex than prokaryotes.
- They are unicellular and multicellular
- have membrane bound organelles.
- Divided into four kingdoms: prostita, funghi, plantae and animalia
- 10-100um
- developed from prokaryotic cells (endosymbiosis)
What is the theory of evolution of eukaryotic cells called
endosymbiosis
Plant cells
have cell walls to provide structure and support.
-Large vacuole
Plant cells have chloroplasts which are the site of photosynthesis.
-flagella only in gametes
animal cells
- no cell wall
- Small or no vacuole
- no chloroplasts
- flagella
Define organelle:
An organelle is a tiny cellular structure that performs specific functions within a cell.
Nucleus
plant and animal ?
holds DNA, coordinates growth,protein synthesis and reproduction
animal and plant
Mitochondria
plant and animal ?
produces the cells energy through respiration (power plant)
animal and plant
Chloroplasts:
plant and animal ?
plant
contain chlorophyll, which enables photosynthesis
Rough endoplasmic reticulum:
plant and animal ?
plant and animal
covered in ribosomes/ assists in transport of proteins after production
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum:
plant and animal ?
plant and animal function depends on cell: can produce lipids and steroid hormones
golgi body
plant and animal ?
plant and animal
stack of membrane bound vesicles that package proteins and molecules for transport
lysosomes
plant and animal ?
contains enzymes to aid digestion/ immune responses to destroy foreign bodies
plant and animal
Vacuole
plant and animal ?
stores nutrients and wastes
in plant cells collect water to provide rigidity
plant and animal
Cell wall:
plant and animal ?
plant cells
provides and maintains the shape of cells/ serves as protective barrier
Cell membrane:
plant and animal ?
plant and animal
protect the cell from its surroundings
ribosomes
plant and animal ?
make proteins- repairing damage or directing chemical processes
plant and animal
centriole:
plant and animal ?
plant and animal
help with cell division in animal cells
rare in plant cells
plastid
plant and animal ?
Synthesises and stores inorganic molecules
plant cells
flagellum
plant and animal ?
plant and animal
Helps with movement of substances across cell surfaces
What is a light microscope
A beam of light passes through the thin specimen on a slide. Produces images up to 1500X magnification (size) Maximum resolution of 200 nm (clarity)
how is a light microscope useful
Light microscopes are used to study living cells and for regular use when relatively low magnification and resolution is enough.
What is a Sem
Structures beyond the limit of resolution of the light microscope can be viewed. Sample to be viewed is labeled with fluorescent substances that will attach to the structures that the scientist wants to observe. The sample is illuminated with high-intensity light that causes the fluorescent substance to emit light.
how is a sem useful
It provides detailed images of the surfaces of cells (3D) and whole organisms that are not possible by TEM. It can also be used for particle counting and size determination, and for process control.
what is a tem
Uses an electron beam instead of light (photons) and gives a much greater magnification and resolution than light microscopes.
how is a tem useful
The transmission electron microscope is used to view thin specimens (tissue sections, molecules, etc) through which electrons can pass generating a projection image. (2d)
how can light microscopes observations be imporved?
digital image manipulation
tagging structures with fluorescent dyes
enhancing contrast using phase-contrast
Define permeability:
(a measure of the ability of a substance to pass through the membrane)
What affects permeability?
a) Size
b) electrical charge
c) lipid solubility
Small molecules and membrane:
Small molecules move across membranes fast.
Water-soluble (hydrophilic) molecules and membrane:
Water-soluble (hydrophilic) molecules have difficulty penetrating a membrane.
Lipid-soluble molecules and membrane:
Lipid-soluble molecules do not have trouble penetrating the membrane ; for example, urea and ethanol have high permeability.
Electrically charged molecule and membrane:
Electrically-charged molecules are not very soluble in lipids and therefore have low membrane permeability
Neutral molecules and membrane:
Neutral molecules (e.g. gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen) have a high permeability.
Water molecules and mebrane:
Although water is a charged molecule, membranes are highly permeable to it. Water moves through special tiny hydrophilic pores in the membrane by the process of osmosis.
What do low permeability molecules need?
Molecules that have low permeability rely on carrier proteins to transport them across membrane in cells. This is known as active transport.
What is active transport?
the movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.
define endosymbiosis
a phenomenon whereby a single-celled organism resides within another cell as part of a mutually beneficial relationship
how do you calculate magnification?
The ocular lens is 10X magnification, so if the objective lens is 40X the total
magnification = 10*40 = 400X
what is passive transport?
Passive transport describes the movement of particles from an area where they are in high concentration to an area where they are in low concentration. It does not require energy
what are two examples of passive transport?
diffusion and osmosis
what is osmosis?
Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane