Tour around the Cell Flashcards
What are the two types of cells
- Prokaryotic
2. Eukaryotic
Which two domains contain only prokaryotic organisms
- Bacteria
2. Archaea
What are the 4 basic features of all cells
- Plasma Membrane
- Semifluid substance called cytosol
- Chromosomes (DNA coding for genes)
- Ribosomes (Make proteins)
What are the characteristics of a prokaryotic cell
Single celled organisms lack a nucleus and internal membrane-bound organelles
What are the characteristics of eukaryotic cells
DNA in a nucleus that is bounded by a membranous nuclear envelope and membrane bound organelles
What are the 3 types of microscopes
- Light microscope
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
What are the 3 things that affect mage quality
- Magnification - the ratio of an object’s image size to its real size
- Resolution - the measure of the clarity of the image, or the minimum distance of two distinguishable points
- Contrast - visible differences in parts of the sample
How does a scanning electron microscope work
A beam of electrons is focussed onto the surface of a specimen, providing images that look 3D
How does a transmission electron microscope work
A beam of electrons are focussed through a specimen
Describe the process of studying organelle function
- Cell fractionation - the cell is broken apart and the major organelles are separated from one another
- Ultracentrifugation - cells are fractionated into their component parts
What is the plasma membrane
The plasma membrane is a selective barrier that allows sufficient passage of oxygen, nutrients, and waste to service the volume of every cell
What is the general structure of a biological membrane
A double layer of phospholipids
What does the nucleus contain most of in a eukaryotic cell
DNA
What do ribosomes use to make proteins
Information from DNA
What is the nuclear envelope
A double membrane that encloses the nucleus, separating it from the cytoplasm. Each membrane consists of a lipid bilayer
What do DNA and proteins form in the nucleus
Genetic material called chromatin
What does chromatin condense to form
Discrete chromosomes
What is the nucleolus and where is it located
Within the nucleus and is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis
What is the overall function of mitochondria and chloroplasts
To change energy from one form to another
What are mitochondria the site of
Cellular respiration, a metabolic process that generates ATP
What are chloroplasts the site of
The site of photosynthesis
Name 3 properties of mitochondria and chloroplasts
- Have a double membrane
- Have proteins made by free ribosomes
- Contain their own DNA
What are the two compartments formed by the inner membrane of mitochondria
- Intermembrane space
2. Mitochondrial matrix
What is a property of cristae that make them efficient for the synthesis of ATP
A large surface area
What are peroxisomes
Specialised metabolic compartments bounded by a single membrane
What are ribosomes made of
Ribosomal RNA and protein
Where do ribosomes carry out protein synthesis
- In the cytosol (free ribosomes)
2. On the outside of the endoplasmic reticulum or the nuclear envelope (bound ribosomes on the RER)
Where do ribosomes carry out protein synthesis
- In the cytosol (free ribosomes)
2. On the outside of the endoplasmic reticulum or the nuclear envelope (bound ribosomes on the RER)
What are the components of the endomembrane system
- Nuclear envelope
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi apparatus
- Lysosomes
- Vacuoles
- Plasma membrane
