The Eukaryotic Cell Flashcards
What is the plasma membrane in the eukaryotic cell made of?
Lipids, proteins and carbohydrates.
What is the role of lipids in the plasma membrane?
The phospholipids form a double layer called lipid bilayer. Cholesterol molecules are intercalated between it.
What is the role of proteins in the plasma membrane?
The integral/transmembrane proteins pass through the membrane from side to side, while the peripheral proteins stick to the side.
What is the function of carbohydrates in the plasma membrane?
They form part of the outer side of the membrane, forming the glucocalix.
What two elements are in the cytoplasm?
The organelles and the cytoskeleton.
What is the nucleolus?
A dense mass formed of RNA and proteins.
What is the chromatin?
DNA fibers that bind to histones. When it condenses it forms chromosomes.
What is the nucleoplasm?
The liquid medium inside the cell. This is where the chromatin floats.
What is the nuclear envelope?
The double membrane surrounding the nucleus.
What are the nuclear pores?
Small holes interrupting the envelope that allow the entrance and exit of substances.
What is the endoplasmic reticulum?
A set of membranous sacs that surround the nucleus.
What is the difference between the rough and the smooth E.R.?
The rough E.R. has ribosomes attatches to it and participates in manufacturing proteins. The smooth E.R. does not have ribosomes and its function is to synthesise lipids.
What is the golgi apparatus?
A set of membranous sacs that are interconnected. It modifies substances from the E.R. and it secretes small vesicles.
What is the mitochondria?
A membranous organelle that carry out cellular respiration.
Equation: glucose + O2 = CO2 + H2O + Energy.
What is the centrosome?
It is composed of two cylinders perpendicular to each other. They are called centrioles. The centrosome participates in cell division.
What is the cytoskeleton?
Protein fibers that support the cell and allow the movement of the organelles inside it.
What are the vesicles?
Small membranous sacs that store and transport substances.
What are the lysosomes?
A special type of vesicles that carry out intracellular digestion.
What are the ribosomes?
Structures formed by RNA and proteins, their function is to synthesize proyeins. They can be loose in the cytoplasm or glued to the E.R.
What are the cilia and the flagella?
Proteic extensions of the cytoskeleton that help with cell mobility.
Apart from the previous organelles, what three special organelles do plant cells have?
Vacuoles, the cell wall and plasts.
What is the vacuole?
A vesicle that stores mainly water but also other substances, including wastes.
What is the cell wall?
It is made of cellulose and protects the cell without isolating it. It is rigid and gives the cell its well-known polygonal shape.
What are plasts?
They are organelles that accumulate substances.
What are chloroplasts?
They are plasts that carry out photosynthesis thanks to chlorophyll.
Equation: H2O + mineral salts + solar energy = Glucose + O2.
