Parts of a Cell (Key Terms Sheet)

Question 1

Describe the Plasmid

Answer 1

Small circles of DNA , used to exchange DNA between bacterial cells.

Question 2

Describe Circular DNA

Answer 2

Contains genetic information to let cells replicate. Not associated with protein.

Question 3

Describe the Cell Wall

Answer 3

Made of peptidoglycan (murein). Protects against cell damage.

Question 4

Describe the Cytoplasm

Answer 4

Contains enzymes for metabolic reactions and amino acids which are used to make proteins.

Question 5

Describe the Capsule

Answer 5

Thick polysaccharide layer outside of the cell for protection. Helps groups of bacteria stick together for more protection.

Question 6

Describe the Nucleus.

Answer 6

Storage site of genetic information, the site of DNA replication and its transcription to RNA (mRNA and tRNA). Manufactures ribosomal RNA and ribosomes.

Question 7

Describe the Mitochondria

Answer 7

Release energy/produce atp for aerobic respiration.

Double membrane - controls entry and exit of material.

Contains CRISTAE (shelf like extensions of inner membrane - large SA for enzymes in respiration to attach to) and MATRIX (contains enzymes for respiration)

Question 8

Describe Ribosomes

Answer 8

80s type in eukaryotic cells (bigger)
70s type in prokaryotic

Make proteins (enzymes)

Question 9

Describe Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Answer 9

Provides surface for ribosomes to bind to for protein synthesis. Provides pathway for transport of materials around the cell.

Question 10

Describe Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Answer 10

Makes, stores and transports lipids and carbohydrates

Question 11

Describe the Golgi Body

Answer 11

Modifies polypeptide chains into mature proteins. Sorts and ships lipids for secretion or use within the cell. Makes secretory enzymes. Forms glycoproteins. Modifies proteins and lipids are transported in golgi vesicles.

Question 12

Describe Lysosomes

Answer 12

Break down and recycle materials in the cell.

Creates proteases, lipase and lysozyme

Question 13

Describe the Flagellum

Answer 13

Tail for movement and helps spin cell through fluid.

Question 14

Describe Cell Membrane

Answer 14

Partially permeable.
Contains a phospholipid bilayer, intrinsic proteins (span membrane), extrinsic proteins (on surface), cholesterol (stability) and glycolipids (recognition site).

Question 15

What does centrifugation do?

Answer 15

Helps separate organelles

Question 16

Describe Chloroplasts (plants)

Answer 16

Has a double plasma membrane - highly selective

Have Grana - stacks of disc like structures called thylakoids, chlorophyll is contained here (first stage photosynthesis)

Have Stroma - Fluid filled matrix (2nd stage of photosynthesis)

Question 17

Describe Vacuole (plants)

Answer 17

Fluid filled sac bound by single-membrane (tonoplast) and contains salts, sugars, waste and pigments.

Function: Support - turgid, temporary food storage, pigments may colour petals - attracts insects

Question 18

Describe cell wall in plants

Answer 18

Consists of microfibrils of cellulose - middle lamella - thin layer which marks the boundary between adjacent cell walls and cements them together.

Function: Mechanical strength, pathway for water transplant in the plant.

Question 19

Describe cell wall in algae

Answer 19

Cellulose or glycoproteins or a mixture of both.

Question 20

Describe cell wall in fungi

Answer 20

Do not contain cellulose but chitin, glycan and glycoproteins