Topic 2 - Cells Flashcards
Outline the cell theory
- All living organisms are composed of cells
- Cells are the smallest unit of life
- Cells only come from pre-existing cells
What are the evidence for the cell theory?
- Cell organelles cannot survive outside of the cell
- Observations of cells during division
- Spontaneous generation of life from biological organisms smaller than cells is impossible
What are the functions of life unicellular organisms carry?
- Metabolism
- Response
- Homeostasis
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Nutrition
What are the relative sizes of molecules, cell membranes, viruses, bacteria, organelles, and cells?
- molecules 1 nm
- thickness of cell membranes 10 nm
- viruses 100 nm
- bacteria 1 µm
- organelles up to 10 µm
- most cells up to 100 µm
Explain the importance of the surface area to volume ratio as a factor limiting cell size
The rate of heat/waste production and resource consumption of a cell is proportional to itse volume, whereas the rate of exchange of materials and energy (heat) is proportional to its surface area. Thus, cells with more surface area per unit volume are able to move more materials in and out of the cell.
Do multicellular organisms show emergent properties?
Yes.
How do cells differentiate to carry out specialised functions?
They express some of their genes but not others, thus making every cell specialised to its action.
How are stem cells different from regular cells?
They retain the capacity to divide and have the ability to differentiate along different pathways to any kind of cell.
Outline the therapeutic use of stem cells
- Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases by replacing dead brain cells
- Diabetes by replacing malfunctional pancreatic cells to produce insuln
- Tissue-specific stem cells that can be used to regrow different tissues around the body
Draw and label a diagram of a prokaryote
What is the function of a prokaryotic cell wall and what is it made of?
It protects and maintains the shape of the cell. It is composed of a carbohydrate-protein called peptidoglycan. Some bacteria have an additional layer of polysaccharide which makes the bacterium possible to adhere to teeth, skin, and food.
What is the function of a plasma membrane?
It controls the movement of materials in and out of the cell and plays a role in binary fission.
What is the function of cell cytoplasm?
It occupies the complete interior of the cell and cellular processes occur in it.
What is the function of pili?
They are used for attachment, for example in joining bacteria in the transfer of DNA.
What are flagella?
They allow cell motility in prokaryotes.
What are ribosomes?
Sites of protein synthesis.
What is a nucleoid?
Controls a prokaryotic cell and reproduction. (Contains naked DNA)
What is binary fission and what happens during it?
Prokaryotic cells’ way of dividing. The DNA is copied, the two daughter chromosomes attach to opposite sides, and the cell divides into two.
Draw and label a diagram of an animal cell
What is the function of free ribosomes, where are they found, and what are they composed of?
They carry out protein synthesis and are found either in the cytoplasm or attached to rough ER. They are made of RNA and protein. NB: ribosomes of eukaryotic cells are larger and denser than of prokaryotic cells.