The Cell Flashcards
What are the four fundamental tenets of cell theory?
- Cells are the basic unit of life.
- All living things are made up of cells.
- Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
- Cells carry genetic information in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
What is the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus enclosed in a membrane, while prokaryotic cells do not.
What is the function of the nucleus?
The nucleus stores genetic information and is the site of transcription.
What is the function of the mitochondria?
Mitochondria are involved in ATP production and apoptosis (cell death).
What is the function of the lysosome?
Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes are capable of breaking down different substrates and can also be involved in apoptosis.
What is the function of the Smooth
ER?
The smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is utilized for lipid synthesis and detoxification of certain drugs/poisons.
What is the function of the Rough ER?
The rough ER contains ribosomes, which allows for translation of proteins.
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
The Golgi Apparatus packages, modifies, and distributes cellular products.
What is the function of peroxisomes?
Peroxisomes contain hydrogen peroxide, which is responsible for the breakdown of very long chain fatty acids via beta-oxidation.
What are the three components of the cytoskeleton and what are they made of?
- Microfilaments - made up of actin
- Microtubules - made up of polymers
- Intermediate filaments - made up of filamentous protein including keratin, desmin, vimentin, and lamins.
How do the cytoskeletal structures of centrioles and flagella differ?
The centriole has nine triplets of microtubules with a hollow center and the flagellum has nine doublets of microtubules and two microtubules in the middle.
What are the four types of tissue?
Epithelial Tissue, Connective Tissue, Muscle Tissue, and Nervous Tissue.
What is the function of epithelial tissue?
It covers the body and lines its cavities. They can be involved in absorption, secretion, and sensation. They constitute the parenchyma.
What is the function of connective tissue?
It supports the body and provides a framework for the epithelial cells to carry out their function. They constitute the stroma. Ex: blood, adipose, cartilage, tendons.
How are archaea similar to bacteria and eukaryotes?
Archaea: Similar to bacteria as they are both single-celled organisms, they both have a circular chromosome and divide by binary fission.
Archaea: Similar to eukaryotes as they both start the process of translation with methionine, contain similar RNA polymerases, and associate their DNA with histones.
What three shapes do bacteria commonly exist in?
Cocci - spherical
Bacilli - rod-shaped
Spirilli - spiral-shaped
Bacteria that require oxygen for metabolism are called?
Obligate aerobes
Bacteria that can cannot survive in oxygen-contained environment are called?
Obligate anerobes
Bacteria that can toggle between aerobic metabolism and anaerobic metabolism, if need be are called?
Facultative anaerobes
Bacteria that cannot do anaerobic metabolism but can tolerate anaerobic environment are called?
Aerotolerant anaerobes
What are the differences between gram-positive and gram-negative cells in bacteria?
Gram-positive cells have a thick cell wall with a layer of peptidoglycan while gram-negative cells have a thin cell wall and contain a much smaller amount of peptidoglycan.
What is the difference between eukaryotic flagella and prokaryotic flagella?
Eukaryotic flagella have nine doublets of microtubules with two microtubules in the middle.
Prokaryotic flagella are composed of a filament, a basal body, and a hook.
What is binary fission?
Binary fission is a simple form of asexual reproduction (no genetic recombination) in prokaryotes.
What are three genetic recombination processes in bacteria and how do they work?
Transformation - integration of foreign genetic material into the host genome.
Conjugation - sexual reproduction; involves two cells forming a conjugation bridge that facilitates the transfer of genetic material from donor male (+) to recipient female (-); allows for rapid acquisition of antibiotic resistance or virulence factors.
Transduction - Requires the use of a vector, a virus that carries genetic material from one bacterium to another.
What are the four phases in a bacterial growth curve?
- Lag Phase - bacteria are adapting to environmental conditions.
- Exponential Phase - the rate of division increases as bacteria adapt
- Stationary Phase - stagnant number of bacteria as resources have been reduced
- Death phase - after bacteria have exceeded the ability of the environment to support them, they die.
