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Parts of a Cell Flashcards

1
Q

What is a mitochondrion?

A

A mitochondrion is a membranous, bean-shaped organelle that acts as the “energy transformer” of the cell.

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2
Q

What are the two types of membranes found in a mitochondrion?

A

The mitochondrion has an outer lipid bilayer membrane and an inner lipid bilayer membrane.

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3
Q

What are the highly folded structures in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion called?

A

The highly folded structures are called cristae.

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4
Q

What process occurs along the inner membrane of the mitochondrion?

A

Cellular respiration occurs along the inner membrane, where biochemical reactions convert energy stored in nutrients (like glucose) into ATP.

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5
Q

What is the role of ATP in cells?

A

ATP provides usable energy for cellular processes, and cells use ATP constantly to perform tasks such as muscle contraction and maintaining ion gradients.

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6
Q

Why do muscle cells have a large number of mitochondria?

A

To sustain muscle contraction.

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7
Q

Why do nerve cells need many mitochondria?

A

To power their sodium-potassium pumps, which maintain proper ion balance for nerve function.

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8
Q

Why do bone cells have fewer mitochondria compared to muscle and nerve cells?

A

Bone cells are less metabolically active than muscle and nerve cells, so they require fewer mitochondria.

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9
Q

What types of protein products are packaged by the Golgi?

A

Digestive enzymes, which may remain inside the cell to break down materials.

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10
Q

What is the role of the Golgi in producing lysosomes?

A

The Golgi releases enzyme-containing vesicles that can form new lysosomes or fuse with existing lysosomes.

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11
Q

What is a lysosome?

A

A lysosome is an organelle that contains enzymes responsible for breaking down and digesting unneeded or damaged cellular components.

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12
Q

What is the process of autophagy?

A

(Self- eating) process where a cell digests its own structures, such as damaged organelles.

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13
Q

How do lysosomes help in breaking down foreign material?

A

By digesting it after it is engulfed by immune cells (like white blood cells) through phagocytosis.

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14
Q

Why do phagocytic defense cells contain large numbers of lysosomes?

A

Phagocytic defense cells (e.g., white blood cells) contain large numbers of lysosomes because they need to digest bacteria and other foreign materials they engulf.

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15
Q

What is autolysis?

A

Lysosomes release their digestive enzymes into the cytoplasm to kill a damaged or unhealthy cell.

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16
Q

What is apoptosis?

A

Apoptosis is the controlled process of cell death, often involving autolysis, where lysosomes trigger the self-destruction of unhealthy or damaged cells.

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17
Q

What are the two forms of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A

The two forms of the ER are rough ER (RER) and smooth ER (SER).

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18
Q

What distinguishes rough ER from smooth ER?

A

Rough ER has ribosomes embedded in its membrane, giving it a bumpy appearance, while smooth ER lacks ribosomes.

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19
Q

What is the function of ribosomes on rough ER?

A

Ribosomes on the rough ER are the site of protein synthesis, where they help translate mRNA into proteins.

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20
Q

What is the main function of the smooth ER?

A

The smooth ER is involved in lipid synthesis (including phospholipids and steroid hormones), storing and regulating calcium ions, metabolizing carbohydrates, and detoxifying certain toxins.

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21
Q

Why do cells that produce hormones (e.g., ovaries and testes) have large amounts of smooth ER?

A

To synthesize hormones like steroid hormones, which the smooth ER is specialized for producing.

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22
Q

How does the smooth ER help in regulating calcium (Ca++)?

A

The smooth ER sequesters (stores) and regulates calcium ion concentrations, which is crucial in nerve cells for neurotransmitter release.

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23
Q

What is the primary role of the rough ER?

A

The primary role of the rough ER is the synthesis and modification of proteins destined for the cell membrane or secretion.

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24
Q

What happens to proteins synthesized on the rough ER?

A

Proteins synthesized on the rough ER are released into its channels, where they undergo glycosylation (sugar addition) before being transported to the Golgi apparatus for further processing.

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25
What is the main function of the Golgi apparatus?
The Golgi apparatus manipulates products from the rough ER, modifying, organizing, packaging, and tagging them for transport.
26
What types of products does the Golgi apparatus handle?
The Golgi apparatus handles proteins and other products from the rough ER.
27
What are the main roles of the Golgi apparatus in relation to cell products?
The Golgi organizes, modifies, packages, and tags cell products for transport within the cell or export outside the cell.
28
How are cell products exported from the Golgi apparatus?
Some products are exported from the cell through exocytosis.
29
How does the Golgi apparatus help in the formation of lysosomes?
The Golgi packages enzymatic proteins to form new lysosomes or sends them to fuse with existing lysosomes.
30
What is the cytoplasm?
The cytoplasm is the internal compartment of the cell, consisting of the cytosol (a jelly-like substance) and various cellular organelles.
31
What is the function of cytosol?
Cytosol provides the fluid medium necessary for biochemical reactions to take place within the cell.
32
A membrane-enclosed body within the cell that performs a specific function, similar to the organs in a human body
An organelle
33
What makes up the cell's cytoplasm?
The cytoplasm consists of the organelles and the cytosol within the cell.
34
What does the nucleus contain?
The nucleus contains the cell’s DNA and is an important organelle within the cytoplasm.
35
Integral proteins that mark a cell's identity so it can be recognized by other cells.
Cell recognition proteins
36
A type of recognition protein that binds a specific molecule (ligand) outside the cell, which triggers a chemical reaction inside the cell.
receptor protein
37
Specific molecule that binds to and activates a receptor protein on the cell membrane.
A ligand
38
Can some proteins function as both receptors and ion channels
Yes, some integral proteins act as both receptors and ion channels. For example, when neurotransmitters like dopamine bind to a receptor, it opens a channel to allow ions to flow into the cell.
39
A protein with carbohydrate molecules attached to it, which extend into the extracellular matrix and aid in cell recognition.
A glycoprotein
40
What is the glycocalyx?
The glycocalyx is a fuzzy-appearing coating around the cell formed by glycoproteins and carbohydrates attached to the cell membrane. It helps in cell recognition and can have various functions like binding to other cells or serving as receptors for hormones.
41
What role does the glycocalyx play in immune defense?
The glycocalyx gives each cell its "identity," allowing the immune system to distinguish between self-cells and foreign cells, which is important for preventing the body from attacking its own cells.
42
Why might organ transplants be rejected?
Organ transplants may be rejected because the donor’s cells have a different glycocalyx, making them appear foreign to the recipient's immune system.
43
What are peripheral proteins?
Peripheral proteins are proteins that are found on the inner or outer surface of the lipid bilayer or attached to integral proteins. They perform specific functions for the cell.
44
What function do some peripheral proteins perform in intestinal cells?
Some peripheral proteins in intestinal cells act as digestive enzymes that break down nutrients so they can pass through the cells and enter the bloodstream.
45
What is the function of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane acts as a protective barrier, separating the inner contents of the cell from its exterior environment and regulating what materials can pass in or out of the cell.
46
What is another name for the cell membrane?
The cell membrane is also known as the plasma membrane.
47
What is the basic structure of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, with cholesterol and embedded proteins.
48
What role does cholesterol play in the cell membrane?
Cholesterol contributes to the fluidity of the membrane, helping maintain its flexibility.
49
What is the important feature of the cell membrane regarding its structure?
The cell membrane remains fluid, meaning the lipids and proteins are not rigidly fixed in place and can move within the membrane.
50
membrane-bound organelle that contains enzymes involved in lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification.
A peroxisome
51
How do peroxisomes neutralize poisons like alcohol?
Peroxisomes transfer hydrogen atoms from various molecules to oxygen, producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which neutralizes toxins like alcohol.
52
What are reactive oxygen species (ROS)?
ROS are highly reactive molecules, including peroxides and free radicals, that are byproducts of normal cellular processes like ATP production and oxygen metabolism.
53
What are examples of reactive oxygen species?
Examples of ROS include hydroxyl radicals (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide (O−2).
54
Why are free radicals considered dangerous to cells?
Free radicals are reactive because they contain unpaired electrons, allowing them to easily oxidize other molecules, causing cellular damage and even cell death.
55
How do peroxisomes neutralize free radicals?
Peroxisomes convert hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water and oxygen, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing cellular damage.
56
Why do liver cells contain a high number of peroxisomes?
The liver is primarily responsible for detoxifying the blood, and peroxisomes help neutralize toxins, which is why liver cells contain many of them.
57
What role do antioxidants play in protecting cells from ROS?
Antioxidants neutralize ROS by being oxidized themselves, stopping the chain reactions of free radicals and preventing cellular damage.
58
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress refers to the damage caused to cellular components by ROS, which can lead to the oxidation of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA.
59
How can oxidative stress contribute to diseases?
Oxidative stress can cause genetic mutations, leading to diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Parkinson's, and more, especially with age.
60
How is oxidative stress related to aging?
Oxidative stress is thought to be a major contributor to the aging process because ROS can cause cumulative damage to cells over time.
61
What is the main function of the cytoskeleton?
The cytoskeleton provides structural support for the cell, helps with cell motility, cell reproduction, and transports substances within the cell.
62
What are the three main components of the cytoskeleton?
The three main components are microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
63
What are microtubules made of, and what are their primary functions?
Microtubules are made of subunits of tubulin. They: Maintain cell shape and structure Help resist compression Position organelles Form cilia and flagella for cell movement Assist in chromosome separation during cell division
64
What are centrioles, and what role do they play in the cytoskeleton?
Centrioles are short structures near the nucleus that serve as the origin for microtubules and assist with chromosome separation during cell division.
65
What are cilia and flagella, and how do they function?
Cilia are smaller appendages that move rhythmically to transport materials, like mucus, dust, and egg cells. Flagella are larger appendages specialized for cell locomotion, such as in sperm cells.
66
What are microfilaments made of, and what are their functions?
Microfilaments are made of actin. They: Aid in muscle contraction (with myosin) Help form the cleavage furrow during cell division, splitting the cell into two.
67
How do intermediate filaments function in the cytoskeleton?
Intermediate filaments, made of keratin,: Help maintain cell shape and structure (in conjunction with microtubules) Resist tension (unlike microtubules, which resist compression) Anchor organelles and form cell-to-cell junctions.
68
What role do microtubules play during cell division?
Microtubules form "tracks" along which chromosomes are pulled during cell division, ensuring each daughter cell gets the correct set of chromosomes.
69
How do actin filaments contribute to muscle contraction?
Actin filaments form long strands called thin filaments in muscle cells and work with myosin to contract the muscle cell.
70
What is the primary difference between microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments?
Microtubules: Thickest, maintain cell shape, resist compression, assist in chromosome separation, and form cilia/flagella. Microfilaments: Thinner, made of actin, responsible for muscle contraction and forming the cleavage furrow during cell division. Intermediate filaments: Medium thickness, made of keratin, resist tension, anchor organelles, and form cell junctions.

AP1 (48 decks)

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