Rachael Curry Flashcards
Fundamental properties of cells
= small to facilitate diffusion of molecules etc. in / out
= self-propagating (death due to age/disease/program), keeps size consistent
=packages maintained by membrane. Proteins on the membrane determine cell function (how cells interact w/environment)
Basic features of a prokaryotic cell
small(er than eukaryotic)
no internal membranes
nucleoid region
eg- bacteria
Basic features of a eukaryotic cell
large(r than prokaryotic)
contains membrane-bound organelles
nucleus
eg- animal cell
What differentiates a prokaryotic cell from a eukaryotic cell?
size / organisation of genes / internal structure
Organelles function as part of a. . .
system!!
Protein expression in prokaryotes
DNA –transcription–> mRNA –translation–> protein
DNA not enclosed
Protein expression in eukaryotes
DNA –transcription–> mRNA –translation–> protein
DNA packaged and enclosed in double-membraned nuclear envelope, therefore nuclear pores exist to allow communication between nuclear and cytosolic compartments.
Function of ribosomes
Decode mRNA by converting the sequence of bases into a linear polypeptide of amino acids
DNA packaging
Negatively-charged DNA packaged with positively-charged histone proteins to form a CHROMATIN complex.
1) heterochromatin (densely-packed as mostly INACTIVE genes, found on periphery of nucleus)
2) euchromatin (less dense as more ACTIVE genes are found here, found in centre of nucleus)
Both chromatin complexes surrounded by nucleoplasm.
Nucleolus =
Site of ribosome synthesis.
Large nucleolus = active ribosome synthesis = cell requires many proteins to be produced
Ribosome + Endoplasmic Reticulum =
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Why do ribosomes bind to ER?
Translates a sequence of mRNA bases that act as a SIGNAL, shepherded to ER rather than cytosol.
Binds to ER, making RER.
Once finished translation, injects protein into the lumen of the RER and remains attached.
Secretion pathways
RER lumen = site of most membrane synthesis
synthesis in RER —carried by vesicles—> modification in Golgi apparatus —carried by vesicles—> delivery via secretion / plasma membrane
role of RER =
to secrete proteins into the cytoplasm
(among its functions is the production of proteins and steroids, the maintenance of plasma membranes, and a pathway for molecules to move along)
role of Golgi =
to process and bundle macromolecules, eg- proteins and lipids, as they are synthesized within the cell.
role of vesicles =
carry contents (cargo) from one organelle to another
VESICLES = CONSEQUENCES OF COMPARTMENTALISATION OF CELLS
regulated vs. constitutive secretion
regulated = signal required to trigger the release of cargo from the Golgi to the membrane
constitutive = no signal required (continuous process)
Plasma membrane structure variations
most membranes = 50% lipid, 50% protein
BUT that balance can change depending on the type of cell
eg (1)- myelin = insulator of axons
therefore, membrane = 80% lipid (non-conductive), 20% proteins
eg (2)- inner mitochondrial membrane = 25% lipid, 75% protein
How do vesicles move through cytoplasm?
along a microtubule track, powered by a motor protein
microtubules extend from cell centre (centrosome)
close to centre = -ve
far from centre = +ve
Easy movement of vesicles from +ve to -ve