S1) Basic Cell Structure Flashcards
State the structure and function of the following:
- Nucleus
- Nucleolus
- Nuclear membrane
- Nucleus – cell’s control centre, contains chromatin and DNA
- Nucleolus – the region at the centre of the nucleus; role in ribosome production (stains dark)
- Nuclear membrane – a two-layered selectively-permeable membrane with pores for passage of substances
State the structure and function of the following:
- Microtubules
- Centriole
- Microvillii
- Microtubules – part of the cell’s cytoskeleton, aid movement of substances through cytoplasm
- Centriole – composed of two cylinders of tubules; essential to cell reproduction
- Microvilli – projections which increase the cell’s surface area
State the structure and function of the following:
- Microfilament
- Vacuole
- Cytoskeleton
- Microfilament – provides support for the cell; sometimes linked to cell’s outer membrane
- Vacuole – sac that stores and transport ingested materials, waste products and water
- Cytoskeleton – internal framework of the cell, made up of microfilaments and hollow microtubules
State the structure and function of the following:
- Cytoplasm
- Ribosome
- Cell membrane
- Cytoplasm –fluid in which organelles float; primarily water, contains enzymes and amino acids
- Ribosome – tiny structure that assists with protein assembly
- Cell membrane – encloses contents of the cell and maintains the cell’s shape; regulates passage of substances
State the structure and function of the following:
- Lysosome
- sER
- rER
- Lysosome – produces hydrolytic enzymes that aid in digestion and excretion of substances
- sER – network of tubes and flat curved sacs that helps to transport materials through the cell; main location of fat metabolism
- rER – folded membranes studded with ribosomes, helps transport of materials through the cell; site of protein manufacture
State the structure and function of the following:
- Golgi complex
- Mitochondrion
- Golgi complex – a structure that processes and repackages proteins produced in the rER for release at the cell membrane
- Mitochondrion – site of fat and sugar digestion in the cell (cellular respiration), produces energy
What are the two types of chromatin?
- Chromatin is found in two varieties: euchromatin and heterochromatin
- Heterochromatin stains more intensely, indicating tighter packing
What is limit of resolution?
Limit of resolution – the minimum distance at which two objects can be distinguished
Outline the general structure of prokaryotic cells
- Prokaryotic cells have an external membrane but no internal membranes
- All the biochemical processes of the cell occur in the same compartment
Identify 7 primary components of the prokaryotic cell
- Capsule
- Cell wall
- Plasma membrane
- Flagella
- 70s Ribosomes
- Nucleoid
- Pili
Outline the general structure of a eukaryotic cell
- Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalised by internal membranes
- Hence, eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and true organelles
Identify 10 primary components of the eukaryotic cell
- Plasma membrane
- Vacuole
- Nuclear envelope
- Nucleolus
- Chromosomes
- Lysosome
- rER and sER
- Golgi Complex
- Free ribosomes
- Mitochondria
Describe the structure of plasma membranes
- Composed of a phospholipid bilayer
- Ampipathic
- Associated membrane proteins: Integral and peripheral proteins
Describe 5 functions of the plasma membrane
- Selective permeability
- Transport of materials along cell surface
- Endocytosis and exocytosis
- Intercellular recognition
- Barrier to water-soluble molecules
What is glycocalyx?
- The glycocalyx is the cell coat
- It is made up of oligosaccharide and polysaccharide side chains on the outside of the plasma membrane