Topic 2 Flashcards
What is the function of the cell-surface membrane in eukaryotic cells?
The cell-surface membrane, also known as the plasma membrane,
controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell,
provides structural support,
and facilitates communication with other cells.
What is contained within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell?
The nucleus contains chromosomes (which are protein-bound, linear DNA)
and one or more nucleoli.
The nucleoli are involved in ribosome production.
nucleur envelope
nucleur pores
structure and function of the mitrochondria
double membrane, inner fold is called cristae and contain the matrix
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell,
generating ATP through cellular respiration,
which provides energy for various cellular processes.
What is the structure and function of chloroplasts and where are they found?
double membrane, contin thylakoid membranes which are stacked to form grana
grana linked together by lamallae
Chloroplasts are found in plants and algae and are responsible for photosynthesis,
converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose..
What is the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus and Golgi vesicles?
group of fluid filled flattened sacs
vesicles are often seen at the edges
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
Golgi vesicles transport these modified molecules..
What do lysosomes do in eukaryotic cells?
Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes to break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign substances.
What is the structure and function of ribosomes in a eukaryotic cell?
small organell made o RNA and protiens
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.
What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
(both are made of a system of fluid filled membranes)
Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) has ribosomes attached and is involved in protein synthesis and modification,
while smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.
What is the structure and function of the cell vacuole in plant cells?
rigid structure made of cellulose in plants and chitin in fungi
The cell vacuole stores nutrients, waste products, and helps maintain turgor pressure, which keeps the plant cell rigid.
How do specialized cells contribute to the organization of complex multicellular organisms?
Specialized cells perform specific functions, and these cells are organized into tissues.
Tissues form organs, and organs are grouped into systems to carry out complex functions within the organism.
What are the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of size and organelles?
Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells.
They lack membrane-bound organelles,
while eukaryotic cells have them.
What is a key feature of prokaryotic cell cytoplasm?
Prokaryotic cell cytoplasm lacks membrane-bound organelles,
unlike eukaryotic cells which have various organelles.
How do ribosomes in prokaryotic cells differ from those in eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells have smaller ribosomes compared to eukaryotic cells.
70s ribosomes in prokaryotes and 80s ribosomes in eukaryotes
What type of genetic material is found in prokaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells have a single circular DNA molecule that is free in the cytoplasm and not associated with proteins,
unlike the linear DNA found in eukaryotic cells.
What is the composition of the cell wall in prokaryotic cells?
The cell wall of prokaryotic cells contains murein, a glycoprotein,
which is different from the cell walls found in eukaryotic cells.
What additional features might be present in prokaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells may have one or more plasmids,
a capsule surrounding the cell, and one or more flagella.
What are viruses and the structure of viruses
viruses are acellular and non-living. They consist of
genetic material,
a capsid (protein coat), and often an attachment protein,
but do not have cellular structures or metabolic processes.
What are the principles and limitations of optical microscopes?
Principles: Optical microscopes use visible light and lenses to magnify objects, typically up to 1,000x.
Limitations: Limited resolution (~200 nm), cannot view sub-cellular structures clearly, lower magnification compared to electron microscopes.
What are the principles and limitations of transmission electron microscopes (TEM)?
Principles: TEMs use a beam of electrons transmitted through a specimen to form an image. They offer high magnification (up to 2 millionx) and high resolution (up to 0.1 nm).
Limitations: Specimens must be very thin and placed in a vacuum, complex preparation, and potential artifacts.
What are the principles and limitations of scanning electron microscopes (SEM)?
Principles: SEMs use a beam of electrons that scans the surface of a specimen, producing a detailed 3D image of the surface.
Limitations: Lower resolution compared to TEM (~10 nm), specimens must be coated with a conductive material, and cannot view internal structures.
How do you measure the size of an object viewed with an optical microscope?
Use a stage micrometer to calibrate the eyepiece graticule, then measure the object with the calibrated graticule.
What is the difference between magnification and resolution?
Magnification: How much larger an image appears compared to the actual object.
Resolution: The ability to distinguish two adjacent points as separate; a measure of image clarity.
What is the formula for magnification?
Magnification = Size of Image / Size of Real Object
How can iodine in potassium iodide solution be used in microscopy?
It can stain starch grains in plant cells, making them visible under a microscope.
outline the processes involved in cell fractionation
HOMOGENIATION - breaking up the cells in a blender which breaks plasma membrane and releases organnels into solution
FILTRATION - solution is filtered through gauze to get rid of big bits
ULTRACENTRIFUGATION - cell fragments put into tube and pun at increasing speeds after one is at the bottom
Do all cells in multicellular organisms retain the ability to divide?
No, not all cells in multicellular organisms retain the ability to divide.
what is the order of organneles that reaches the bottom
nuclei
mitrochondria
lysosomes
endoplasmitic reticulum
ribosomes
What is the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells that retain the ability to divide?
The cell cycle includes a series of stages that eukaryotic cells go through to divide and produce new cells.
It consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
When does DNA replication occur during the cell cycle?
DNA replication occurs during the interphase of the cell cycle, specifically in the S (synthesis) phase.
What happens during mitosis?
During mitosis, a eukaryotic cell divides to produce two daughter cells,
each with identical copies of DNA that were produced by the parent cell during DNA replication.
Describe the behavior of chromosomes during interphase.
During interphase, chromosomes are not visible as distinct entities.
The DNA is in the form of loosely packed chromatin,
which allows for DNA replication and gene expression.
What happens during prophase of mitosis?
in prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible as distinct structures.
The nuclear membrane begins to disintegrate, and the spindle apparatus starts to form.
Describe the events of metaphase.
During metaphase, chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.
Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes
What occurs during anaphase?
In anaphase, the centromeres split, and the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles of the cell.
What happens during telophase?
During telophase, the separated chromatids,
now individual chromosomes, arrive at the poles.
The nuclear membrane re-forms around each set of chromosomes, which de-condense back into chromatin
What is the role of spindle fibers during mitosis?
Spindle fibers, attached to centromeres, are crucial for the separation of chromatids.
They ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
What is cytokinesis and when does it occur?
Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that usually occurs after mitosis, resulting in two new cells.
It typically starts during anaphase and is completed after telophase.
what happens when cells divide uncontrollably?
uncontrolled cell division can lead to the formation of tumours and cancers
What is the basic structure of all cell membranes in eukaryotes?
The basic structure of all cell membranes,
including cell-surface membranes and the membranes around cell organelles, is the same.
What are the key components of the fluid-mosaic model of membrane structure?
The key components are phospholipids, proteins, glycoproteins, and glycolipids.
Cholesterol may also be present to restrict the movement of other molecules.