TOB S3 - Cell Ultrastructure and Bugs in the System Flashcards
Compare the different types of microscope
See image
How does a transmission electron microscope work?
Has a vacuum. Fire electrons through lenses. They hit a fluorescent screen - fluoresces by different amounts based on how many electrons the specimen has absorbed
Define “limit of resolution”
The minimum distance at which two objects can be distinguished
Explain why electron microscopes are capable of finer resolution than light microscopes
Wavelengths of visible light: violet is 0.4um, deep red is 0.7um. Wavelengths of electrons at 100,000V acceleration is 0.004nm. Theoretical limit of resolution for light microscope is 0.2um, for electron microscope is 0.002nm
Compare the membranes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Prokaryotes have an external membrane but no internal membranes. All the biochemical processes of the cell occur in the same compartment. - Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalised by internal membranes
Outline the contents of a eukaryotic cell
See image
How many different proteins does a typical mammalian cell synthesise?
More than 10,000
Describe the phospholipid bilayer
Phospholipids, which make up cell membranes, are amphipathic. The phospholipid bilayer forms a relatively impermeable barrier to most water-soluble molecules. The protein molecules “dissolved” in the lipid bilayer mediate most of the other functions of the membrane. Membrane proteins can be associated with the lipid bilayer in different ways
What is the glycocalyx?
The cell coat - made up of oligosaccharide and polysaccharide side chains on the outside of the plasma membrane
List the functions of the plasma membrane (plasmalemma)
- Selective permeability - Transport of materials along cell surface - Endocytosis - Exocytosis - Intracellular adhesion - Intracellular recognition - Signal transduction
Describe rough endoplasmic reticulum
Has ribosomes. Proteins made end up in cisternae
Describe smooth endoplasmic reticulum
No ribosomes. Found in liver, mammary gland (lipid biosynthesis), ovary, testis, adrenal gland (steroidogenesis)
Describe endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Continuous and encloses a single lumen
Outline the process of protein synthesis and secretion
PIC
Define “limit of resolution”
The minimum distance at which two objects can be distinguished
Explain why electron microscopes are capable of finer resolution than light microscopes
Wavelengths of visible light: violet is 0.4um, deep red is 0.7um. Wavelengths of electrons at 100,000V acceleration is 0.004nm. Theoretical limit of resolution for light microscope is 0.2um, for electron microscope is 0.002nm
Compare the membranes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- Prokaryotes have an external membrane but no internal membranes. All the biochemical processes of the cell occur in the same compartment. - Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalised by internal membranes
Outline the contents of a eukaryotic cell
PIC
How many different proteins does a typical mammalian cell synthesise?
More than 10,000
Describe the phospholipid bilayer
Phospholipids, which make up cell membranes, are amphipathic. The phospholipid bilayer forms a relatively impermeable barrier to most water-soluble molecules. The protein molecules “dissolved” in the lipid bilayer mediate most of the other functions of the membrane. Membrane proteins can be associated with the lipid bilayer in different ways
What is the glycocalyx?
The cell coat - made up of oligosaccharide and polysaccharide side chains on the outside of the plasma membrane
List the functions of the plasma membrane (plasmalemma)
- Selective permeability - Transport of materials along cell surface - Endocytosis - Exocytosis - Intracellular adhesion - Intracellular recognition - Signal transduction
Describe rough endoplasmic reticulum
Has ribosomes. Proteins made end up in cisternae
Describe smooth endoplasmic reticulum
No ribosomes. Found in liver, mammary gland (lipid biosynthesis), ovary, testis, adrenal gland (steroidogenesis)
Describe endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Continuous and encloses a single lumen
Outline the process of protein synthesis and secretion
See image
Describe the Golgi apparatus
Vesicles from RER travel from cis face (receiving face - shorter and more C-shaped) to trans face. Golgi apparatus functions to modify, sort, concentration and package (into secretory vesicles) proteins synthesised on the RER
Describe lysosomes
Generated by the Golgi apparatus and contain many hydrolytic enzymes, which break down anything that is defunct in the cell. Lysosome’s glycocalyx means it itself is not broken down. Lysosome fuses with material requiring digestion
Describe peroxisomes
Present in liver and kidney cells. They detoxify (oxidise) a number of molecules including alcohol, phenols, formic acid and formaldehyde. RH2 + O2 -> R + H2O2. R’H2 + H2O2 -> R’ + 2H2O
What is the primary function of mitochondria?
Generation of potential energy (ATP) by oxidative phosphorylation
Describe the structure of a mitochondrion
- Matrix: hundreds of enzymes and mitochondrial DNA genome - Inner membrane: folded into cristae (in steroidogenic cells cristae are tubular). Enzymes for oxidation reactions of respiratory chains - impermeable to small ions. ATP made. - Outer membrane: permeable by all molecules of
Describe some of the features of mitochondria
- Site of cell’s energy production - More abundant in muscle cells - Contain own genetic information so can divide - Female lineage