Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells Flashcards
Module 1
What are cells?
The basic units of life, of which all living things are made.
Name the basic components of cells.
Cell membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, genes, ribosomes, and proteins.
What is the role of the cell membrane?
Acts as a barrier, regulates all substances entering and exiting the cell.
What is the role of the cytoplasm?
A watery, jelly-like fluid filling the space within a cell. It contains dissolved chemical substances including salts, sugars, enzymes, amino acids, and wastes.
What is DNA?
The main form of genetic material in a cell.
What are genes?
Strands of DNA containing the information required by ribosomes for producing proteins.
What is the role of ribosomes?
Using the information from genes to produce proteins.
What are proteins?
Substances produced by ribosomes.
What are prokaryotic organisms?
Unicellular organisms that lack membrane-bound organelles. They include bacteria and archaea.
Where is DNA stored in prokaryotic cells?
The cytoplasm.
How big are prokaryotic cells?
0.1-5.0 micrometres.
Name four other features found in prokaryotic cells.
Cell wall, pili, capsule, flagellum.
What are eukaryotic organisms?
Plants, animals, or fungi. They can be unicellular or multicellular, and contain membrane-bound organelles.
How big are eukaryotic cells?
10-100 micrometres.
What is the role of mitochondria?
Produce the cell’s energy through cellular respiration.
What are chloroplasts?
The organelle in plants where photosynthesis takes place.
What is the role of the nucleus?
Store genetic information in eukaryotic cells.
What is the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Transporting proteins after production. It appears rough because it is covered in ribosomes.
What is the role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
Producing lipids and steroid hormones, although many have an alternative function.
What is the golgi body?
A stack of membrane-bound vesicles responsible for packaging proteins for transport.
What is the role of lysosomes?
They contain enzymes to aid digestion, as well as producing enzymes involved in immune responces.
What is the role of vacuoles?
Storing nutrients and wastes within a cell.
What are the three components of cell theory?
1) The cell is the basic unit of life.
2) All life is made from cells.
3) All cells are made from pre-existing cells.
Why are viruses classified as non-cellular if they contain genetic information?
Because they are unable to replicate themselves without the presence of a host cell, violating cell theory.
