Module 2: Inside the Cell Flashcards
What is the structure of the cell membrane?
Two rows of molecules with glycerol heads (facing outwards and hydrophilic) and two glycerol tails (facing inwards and hydrophobic). The chain is also imbedded with proteins and changes depending on what must be transferred in and out of the cell
What is the function of DNA?
Forms inherited genetic material
What is the function of RNA?
Relays instructions from genes to guide synthesis of proteins from amino acids
What is DNA made of?
Nucleotides consisting of a nitrogenous base (ATCG), phosphate group and a pentose sugar.
What is the fluid mosaic model?
A model of the plasma membrane where the PM is a sea of fluid lipids with floating (iceberg) proteins.
What are the two classes of membrane protein?
Integral (extends into/through the membrane. Most are transmembrane)
Peripheral (not firmly embedded, attached to polar heads)
What are the stabilizing bonds in DNA?
Phosphodiester bonds (links sugar to phosphate) H bonds (links opposing nucleotides together)
What are the six different types of membrane proteins?
Ion channels, carriers, receptors, enzymes, linkers, cell identity markers
What are ion channels?
Form a pore which specific ions can cross. Most have several for different ions (integral)
What are carrier proteins?
Transport substances across membrane by changing shape. Requires ATP/ Allows polar substances through the membrane or against diffusion gradient. (integral)
What are receptors?
Serve as recognition sites. They relay information to cell interior, usually a ‘signal cascade’. They bind to a specific molecule called a ligand (integral)
What are enzymes?
Catalyse reactions in or outside cell. (integral and peripheral).
What are linkers?
Anchor filaments inside and outside the cell to gives stability and shape. Can also bond to proteins of PMs in neighbouring cells to link together. They bond to intermediate filaments in the extracellular matrix (integral and peripheral.
What are cell identity markers?
Also known as glycoproteins. They allow cells to recognize each other during tissue formation, or by recognizing foreign bodies. (This cell is ME, this cell is NOT ME)
What are the benefits of membrane fluidity?
Allow mobility and structure, self repair if punctured
What is an electrical gradient?
Difference in electrical charge between two areas. Across the membrane this is called membrane potential.
Describe prokaryotic cells
cytoplasm with PM, no nucleus or membrane bound organelles, have ribosomes, DNA is in circular chromosomes,
Describe eukaryotic cells
Cytoplasm with PM, nucleus and membrane bound organelles, ribosomes, Linear DNA
What is the structure of the nucleus?
Enclosed by a double lipid bilayer (nuclear envelope) and lined with nuclear lamina. Continuous with rough ER. Has nuclear pores for materials entry/exit. Dark centre is the nucleolus
What is the function of the nucleus?
House/protect DNA. RNA/ribosome production. Allow molecules to be separated where necessary- eg enzymes and substrates
What is the structure of the ribosmes?
Two subunits (large and small). Made of RNA and rRNA. They are made separately in the nucleolus and can be attached to ER or free.
What is the function of the ribosome?
On ER = make proteins for secretion, insertion into membrane or specific organelles.
Free = make proteins used in cytosol
What is the structure of rough Er?
Continuous with the nuclear membrane. Folded into flattened sacs. Studded with ribosomes
What is the function of Rough ER?
Site of protein synthesis
What is the structure of smooth Er?
Extends from the rough ER in a network of tubules. No ribosomes.
What is the function of smooth Er?
Synthesis of lipids and steroids. In the liver, enzymes of SER detox drugs etc. Houses tissue specific proteins and enzymes
What is the structure of the golgi complex?
Made of cisternae containing different enzymes for different functions. Entry (cis) cisternae receive proteins, medial modify them, and trans finish then package final proteins
What is the function of the golgi complex?
Protein modification, packaging and transport
What is the structure of the lysosome?
Surrounded by plasma membrane. Contains powerful digestive enzymes
What is the function of the lysosome?
Membrane actively pumps H+ for acidic medium (good for enzymes). Recycles worn out structures and entire cells. Also used in extracellular digestion (eg. sperm)
What is the structure of the mitochondria?
Outer and inner membrane, cristae (folds), and matrix. New mitochondrion are formed from existing ones
What is the function of the mitochondria?
Site of cellular respiration, production of ATP and apoptois.
What is the structure of microfilaments?
Thin, comprised of actin and myosin. They surround the inner edge of the cell.
What is the function of microfilaments?
Generate movement and provide mechanical support (eg for microvilli)
What is the structure of the intermediate filaments?
Thicker than micros, smaller than tubules. Made of proteins (eg keratin) so strong.
What is the function of intermediate filaments?
Stabilize and hold organelles in place. Used in cell junctions
What is the structure of microtubules?
Largest component of cytoskeleton. Long, unbranched and hollow
What is the function of microtubules?
Determine cell shape, convey secretory vesicles, move projections (eg flagella)
What is the structure of centrosomes?
Cylindrical and made of tubules
What is the function of centrosomes?
Cell division, production of tubules
What is the structure of cilia?
Thin, hair like projections
What is the function of cilia?
Move extracellular objects
What is the structure of flagella?
Long, hair like projection
What is the function of flagella?
Move entire cell
What are the three steps of protein synthesis?
Transcription, mRNA maturation, Translation
Why is protein synthesis important?
It allows a cell to function as proteins are the functional component of the cell. It also allows the cell to produce proteins needed for a specific purpose within or out of the cell. Finally, it is crucial for cellular communication.
What is the difference between mRNA and DNA?
mRNA is single stranded, with ribose sugars and the base Uracil instead of Thymine.
What are the three steps of transcription?
Initiation, elongation, termination.
How do cells initiate protein synthesis?
The promoter sequence consists of the TATA box and the start sequence. First, transcription factors bind to the promoter region. An enzyme (RNA polymerase) is able to bind to the transcription factors. This allows elongation to begin
What is elongation in transcription?
The RNA polymerase enzyme unwinds small portions of the DNA double helix at a time. This allows complimentary nucleotides from the nucleolus to move in and form an mRNA strand complementary to the DNA template.
What is termination in transcription?
The enzyme moves from the promoter region to the polyadenylation signal, where it slows and stops. The enzyme and transcription factors then detach, and the mRNA strand is free to move.
What is added to the mRNA strand during mRNA maturation?
Firstly, a 5’ cap is added to the 5’ untranslated region (UTR). This provides the strand stability and prevents enzymes from degrading the mRNA. A Poly-A tail is added to the 3-prime end, to slow the action of enzymes and allow the mRNA to be used multiple times. Note: The poly-a length is determined by the adenylation signal.