The Vital Question 2 Flashcards
motile
(of cells, gametes, and single-celled organisms) exhibiting or capable of movement “We would expect to see photosynthetic bacteria giving rise to larger and more complex algae, osmotrophic bacteria to fungi, motile predatory cells to phagocytes and so on.” (34) MD - motile motor - sperm and flagellum is the motor of the sperm that makes it a motile cell.
mitochondria
the discrete “powerhouses” in eukaryotic cells, which derive from α-proteobacteria, and which retain a tiny but hugely important genome of their own. Mitochondrial genes are those physically located within the mitochondria. Mitochondrial biogenesis is the replication, or growth, of new mitochondria, which also requires genes in the nucleus. “….we now know that at least two components of eukaryotic cells were derived from endosymbiotic bacteria - the proteobacteria; and the chloroplasts (the photosynthetic machinery of plants, derviving from cyanobacteria.”
peroxisomes
organelle responsible for a variety of metabolic processes including, lipid breakdown, assisting liver cells with detoxification of harmful chemicals and drugs. “ Almost all the other specialised ‘ organelles’ of eukaryotic cells have at one time or another also been claimed to be endosymbionts, including the nucleus itself, the cilia and flagella (sinuous processes whose rhythmic beat drives the movement of cells) and peroxisomes (factories for toxic metabolism).” (36) MD - peroxisomes - hydrogen peroxide breakdown Their name comes from their production of hydrogen peroxide in the breakdown (oxidation) of fatty acids and amino acids. They isolate and further breakdown hydrogen peroxide, into water and oxygen.
niche
the ecological role of an organism in a community especially in regard to food consumption “They had lost their erstwhile complexity while specializing to live in simpler niches.” MD - The finch on the Galapagos island evolved into 13 different species to exploit different niches. Seeds, insects, flowers, the blood of seabirds, and knees. Sharped beak ground finch pecking at the booby because of drought the preferred diet of seeds does not work. Ground finch on galapagos and Darwin Island The vampire finch uses its sharp beak to peck at the feathers and skin of the b ooby until blood is drawn and drinks the nutritious blood to enrich its diet when when seeds and insects are scarce.
nucleolus
a small dense spherical structure in the center of a nucleus. It is the sight of ribosomal assembly. It is densely packed with regions of DNA that produce ribosomal RNA, which is the RNA that makes up the majority of the ribosome. At the nucleolus this ribosmal RNA is assembled with proteins to make ribosomes which are then transported into the cytoplasm through the nuclear pour. “The nuclear membrane is studded with elaborate protein pores and lined by an elastic matrix; and within the nucleus, other structures such as the nucleolus are again conserved across all eukaryotes.” (42)
introns
a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule which does not code for proteins and interrupts the sequence of genes Eukaryotes have ‘genes in pieces’ , in which short sections of DNA encoding proteins are interspersed by long non-coding regions, called introns.” (42) MD - Intr (intervening sequence) on - ending of nouns picture of intron
rough endoplasmic reticulum
- has ribosomes and is the site of protein synthesis for proteins that will be secreted into the extracellular environment or become integral proteins in the cell membrane, or end up in the E.R., Golgi apparatus, or lysosomes. - Also post-translational modifications of proteins. …all eukaryotes share essentially the same cellular machinery. All have complex internal membrane structures such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which are specialized for packaging and exporting proteins.
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
- synthesizes lipids including those that will be a part of the cell membrane and those that are secreted from the cell such as steroid hormones. - metabolizes carbohydrates - and aids in the detoxification of drugs and other toxins. “…all eukaryotes share essentially the same cellular machinery. All have complex internal membrane structures such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which are specialized for packaging and exporting proteins.” (42)
golgi apparatus/golgi body
a set of flattened membrane sacs inside a cell that package proteins for both export and use inside the cell.
“All have complex internal membrane structures such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which are specialized for packaging and exporting proteins.” (42)
lysosomes
a membrane sac in a cell’s cytoplasm that is filled with digestive enzymes used to break down foreign substances or worn-out cell components for recycling. etymology, greek and latin root - lys - to break down, loosen, dissolve. like the word analysis - when you analyze something, you are breaking it down. All [eukaryotes] have complex internal
vesicle
a small structure consisting of a fluid enclosed lipid bilayer used to transport materials within the cytoplasm. vesicle is like a vest on different molecules since it’s purpose is to enclose them and transport them.
endoplasmic reticulum (concise)
An organelle made up of interconnected tubes and flattened sacs. There are two kinds of ER: rough (because it is dotted with ribosomes) ER, which processes newly made proteins, and smooth ER, which helps make lipid and neutralizes toxins.
