T2: Cells Flashcards
Define the term eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell.
eukaryotic: DNA is contained in a nucleus; membrane bound specialised organelles
prokaryotic: DNA is ‘ free ‘ in cytoplasm, no organelles e.g. bacteria & archaea
Describe the structure and function of the cell membrane.
structure: phospholipid bilayer with extrinsic and intrinsic proteins embedded function:
- isolates cytoplasm from extracellular environment
- selectively permeable to reguglate transport of substances
- involved in cell recognition
Explain the role of cholesterol, glycoproteins & glycolipids in the cell surface membrane
cholesterol: steroid molecule connects phospholipids & reduces fluidity
glycoproteins: cell signalling, cell recognition ( antigens) & binding cell together
glycolipids: cell signalling & cell recognition
Describe the structure of the nucleus
- surrounded by nuclear envelope , a semi-permeable double membrane with pores
- nuclear pores allow substances to enter/exit
- dense nucleolus made of RNA & proteins assembles ribosomes
- the nucleoplasm ( equivalent of cytoplasm that exists in the nucleus.)
Describe the function of the nucleus.
draw it
- contains DNA coiled around chromatin into chromosomes
- controls cellular processes
- site of ttranscription producing mrna
Describe the structure of a mitochondrion.
- surrounded by double membrane
- folded inner membrane forms cristae which is the site of electron transport chain
- fluid matrix: contains mitochondrial DNA, respiratory enzymes, lipids, proteins
Describe the structure of a chloroplast and how its structure relates to its function. (4)
draw it
- Starch grains / lipid droplets store products of
photosynthesis; - double membrane - provides large surface for light absorption.
- Thylakoids: flattened discs stack to form grana; contain photosystems with chlorophyll.
- Intergranal lamellae: tubes attach thylakoids in adjacent grana.
- Stroma: fluid-filled matrix.- vesicular plastid
- Permeable membrane allows diffusion of gases /carbon dioxide;
- Stacking / arrangement of grana/thylakoids maximises
light catchment
State the function of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
mitochondria : site of aerobic respiration to produce ATP
chloroplasts: site of photosynthesis to convert solar energy to chemical energy
Describe the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus
- series of flat membrane-bound sacs
function: - proteins transported from RER to golgi apparatus via vesicles and fuse with cis face
- modifies & packages proteins for export
- at transface, , small vesicles bud of and move towards the cell membrane, where they fuse, releasing their contents by
exocytosis.
describe the structure and function of a lysosome
- membrane bound
- contains hydrolytic enzymes
- acidic environment
- involved in cell death and digestion
describe the structure and function of a ribosome
- formed of rRNA+ protein
- site of protein synthesis via translation
large subunit: joins amino acids
small subunit: contains mRNA binding site
describe the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
structure : network of cisternae and flattened sacs .
rough ER: ribosomes on suface synthesise proteins. Proteins transported inside RER. Proteins packaged into vesicles for transport
smooth ER: Involved in the production, processing and storage of lipids, E.g steroids + cholesterol
Describe the structure of the cell wall in plants and bacteria
- bacteria: made of the polysaccharide murein
- plants: made of cellulose
state three functions of the cell walls
- mechanical strength and support
- physical barrier against pathogens
- part of apoplast pathway (plants) to enable easy diffusion of water
Describe the structure and function of the cell vacuole in plants.
structure:
- surrounded by a single membrane: tonoplast
- contains cell sap : mineral ions, water, enzymes , soluble pigments
function:
- controls turgor pressure
- absorbs and hydrolyses potentially harmful substances to detoxify cytoplasm
Explain some common cell adaptations
- folded membrane or microvilli increase surface area e.g. for diffusion
- many mitochondria = large amounts of ATP for active transport
- walls one cell thick to reduce distance of diffusion pathway
State the role of plasmids in prokaryotes
- small ring of DNA that carries non-essential genes
State the role of flagella in prokaryotes
- rotating tail propels ( usually unicellular) organism
state the role of the capsule in prokaryotes
give 3
- a polysaccharide layer:
- prevents desiccation
- provides mechanical protection against phagocytosis & external chemicals
- attaches the cell to surfaces
Give three structural properties shared by eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
similar structures
- cell membrane
- cytoplasm
- ribosomes
Contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
- PC are smaller and always unicellular, whereas eukaryotic cells are larger and often multicellular.
- PC lack membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells always have membrane-bound organelles and a distinct nucleus.
- PC have circular DNA that is not associated with proteins, whereas eukaryotic cells have linear chromosomes associated with histone proteins.
- PC have smaller ribosomes (70S), whereas eukaryotic cells have larger ribosomes (80S).
- Prokaryotic cells reproduce by binary fission, which is asexual, whereas eukaryotic cells reproduce by mitosis and meiosis.
- Prokaryotic cells have cell walls made of murein (peptidoglycan), while eukaryotic plant cells have cell walls made of cellulose and fungi have cell walls made of chitin.
Give4 reasons why are viruses referred to as ‘ particles’ instead of cells?
- acellular & non-living
- no cytoplasm
- can’t self-reproduce
- no metabolism
Describe the structure of a viral particle
- linear genetic material (DNA or RNA ) & viral enzymes e.g. reverse transcriptase
- genetic material surrounded by capsid ( protein coat made of capsomeres)
- contains attachment proteins and lipid envelope
Describe the structure of an enveloped virus.
- simple virus surrounded by matrix protein
- matrix protein surrounded by envelope derived from cell membrane of host cell
- attachment proteins on surface