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BGS BIO > Unit 1 AOS1 Cell Structure and Function > Flashcards

Unit 1 AOS1 Cell Structure and Function Flashcards

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Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

What is the basic structural and functional unit of life?

A

The cell

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2
Q

What are the two main types of cells?

A

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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3
Q

What are the main characteristics of prokaryotic (bacteria, archaic) cells?

A

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They have a simple structure and are usually smaller than eukaryotic cells.

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4
Q

What are the main characteristics of eukaryotic cells?

A

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They have a complex structure and are usually larger than prokaryotic cells.

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5
Q

Name an example of a prokaryotic organism.

A

Bacteria.

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6
Q

Name an example of a eukaryotic organism.

A

Plants, animals, fungi, and protists (Algae).

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7
Q

What is the function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

A

The nucleus houses the cell’s DNA and controls the cell’s activities.

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8
Q

Do prokaryotic cells have DNA? If so, where is it located?

A

Yes, prokaryotic cells have DNA, but it is located in the nucleoid region, not enclosed by a membrane.

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9
Q

List three organelles found in eukaryotic cells but not in prokaryotic cells.

A

Nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum.

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10
Q

What is the function of mitochondria?

A

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.

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11
Q

What structure do both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have that provides a barrier and regulates what enters and exits the cell?

A

The cell membrane (or plasma membrane).

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12
Q

Which type of cell typically has a cell wall, and what is its function?

A

Prokaryotic cells, as well as plant cells (a type of eukaryotic cell), typically have a cell wall. The cell wall provides structure and protection.

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13
Q

How do ribosomes differ in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller (70Svedbergs) compared to eukaryotic ribosomes (80Svedbergs). Both types are involved in protein synthesis.

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14
Q

What is the cytoplasm, and is it found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell where organelles are suspended and chemical reactions occur. It is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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15
Q

What ratio is a critical factor in the limitations of cell size?

A

The surface area to volume ratio.

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16
Q

Why is a high surface area to volume ratio important for cells?

A

It allows for efficient exchange of materials (such as nutrients and waste) between the cell and its environment.

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17
Q

What happens to the surface area to volume ratio as a cell grows larger?

A

The surface area to volume ratio decreases.

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18
Q

What challenge does a low surface area to volume ratio present for larger cells?

A

It makes it difficult for the cell to exchange materials quickly enough to meet its metabolic needs.

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19
Q

How do cells overcome the limitations imposed by a low surface area to volume ratio?

A

Cells may divide to remain small or develop internal compartments (organelles) to enhance efficiency.

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20
Q

What are organelles?

A

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

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21
Q

Why do eukaryotic cells have organelles?

A

Organelles compartmentalize cellular functions, allowing for increased efficiency and specialization within the cell.

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22
Q

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

A

The ER synthesizes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER) and helps transport them within the cell.

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23
Q

How do small cell sizes benefit cellular function?

A

Small cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio, facilitating faster and more efficient exchange of materials.

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24
Q

What role do microvilli play in cells?

A

Microvilli increase the surface area of the cell membrane, enhancing absorption and secretion functions. They are protruding fingerlike projections that come off the cell.

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25
Q

How do lysosomes contribute to cellular efficiency?

A

Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris, helping maintain cellular health.

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26
Q

Why is compartmentalization within cells important?

A

Compartmentalization allows for different cellular processes to occur simultaneously and more efficiently within different organelles.

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27
Q

What is the advantage of having a nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

A

The nucleus houses DNA and coordinates activities like growth, metabolism, and reproduction, providing a central control center for the cell.

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28
Q

How does the Golgi apparatus contribute to cellular function?

A

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to their destinations.

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29
Q

What is the relationship between cell size and metabolic efficiency?

A

Smaller cells tend to be more metabolically efficient due to their higher surface area to volume ratio, which facilitates faster material exchange.

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30
Q

How does the surface area to volume ratio affect cell communication and signal transduction?

A

A higher surface area to volume ratio improves the cell’s ability to communicate and respond to signals quickly and effectively.

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31
Q

What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

A

Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

32
Q

What is the unique structural feature of chloroplasts that aids in their function?

A

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy, and have a double membrane structure with internal thylakoid membranes.

33
Q

Describe the structure of mitochondria that supports its function.

A

Mitochondria have a double membrane; the inner membrane is folded into cristae to increase surface area for quicker, more efficient ATP production.

34
Q

What role do ribosomes play in both plant and animal cells?

A

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on genetic instructions.

35
Q

How does the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) differ in its functions?

A

The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis and modification, while the smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies certain chemicals.

36
Q

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in cells?

A

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport to their destinations.

37
Q

How do lysosomes contribute to cellular function in animal cells?

A

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

38
Q

What is the role of the central vacuole in plant cells?

A

The central vacuole stores nutrients and waste products, helps maintain turgor pressure, and plays a role in plant cell growth.

39
Q

What is turgor pressure?

A

Turgor pressure is the force within the cell that pushes the plasma membrane against the cell wall. Makes plant tissue rigid.

40
Q

Describe the function of peroxisomes in cells.

A

Peroxisomes break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances, such as hydrogen peroxide.

41
Q

What is are peroxisomes?

A

Peroxisomes are small, membrane-enclosed organelles that contain enzymes involved in a variety of metabolic reactions.

42
Q

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in both plant and animal cells?

A

The cytoskeleton provides structural support, aids in cell movement, and helps transport materials within the cell.

43
Q

How are the structures of plant and animal cells similar?

A

Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and ribosomes.

44
Q

How are the structures of plant and animal cells different?

A

Plant cells have chloroplasts, a cell wall, and a central vacuole. Animal cells have lysosomes and centrioles.

45
Q

What is the function of the nucleolus within the nucleus?

A

The nucleolus is responsible for producing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosomes.

46
Q

What’s RNA?

A

Type of nucleic acid. RNA carries genetic information that is translated by ribosomes into various proteins.

47
Q

How do centrioles contribute to cell division in animal cells?

A

Centrioles help organize the microtubules that separate chromosomes during cell division.

48
Q

What specialized structure do plant cells have for converting light energy into chemical energy?

A

Chloroplasts.

49
Q

What is the main difference between the roles of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

A

Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration, while chloroplasts generate glucose through photosynthesis.

50
Q

Define cellular respiration.

A

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells derive energy from glucose.

51
Q

In which types of cells are chloroplasts found?

A

Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and some protists.

52
Q

What is the primary structure that defines the boundary of a cell?

A

The plasma membrane (or cell membrane).

53
Q

What is the main structural component of the plasma membrane?

A

The phospholipid bilayer.

54
Q

What is the phospholipid bilayer?

A

The phospholipid bilayer is two layers of phospholipids that make up the cell or plasma membrane.

55
Q

What are the two distinct regions of a phospholipid molecule?

A

The hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and the hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail.

56
Q

How does the structure of the phospholipid bilayer affect its permeability (allowing liquids or gases to pass through it)?

A

The hydrophobic interior of the bilayer prevents the free passage of hydrophilic substances while allowing hydrophobic molecules to pass through more easily.

57
Q

What is osmosis?

A

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.

58
Q

What is facilitated diffusion?

A

Facilitated diffusion is the passive transport of substances across the plasma membrane via specific transport proteins.

59
Q

How do transport proteins assist in facilitated diffusion?

A

Transport proteins provide pathways for hydrophilic substances to pass through the hydrophobic interior of the plasma membrane.

60
Q

What is active transport?

A

Active transport is the movement of substances across the plasma membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy in the form of ATP.

61
Q

Name a key protein involved in active transport.

A

The sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump).

62
Q

What is the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump)?

A

Na+/K+-pump is an electrogenic transmembrane ATPase located in the outer plasma membrane of cells. The Na+/K+-ATPase pumps 3 sodium ions out of cells while pumping 2 potassium ions into cells. Both cations move against their concentration gradients through use of one ATP.

63
Q

How do channel proteins function in the plasma membrane?

A

Channel proteins create hydrophilic pathways that allow specific ions or molecules to move across the membrane via facilitated diffusion.

64
Q

What is the role of carrier proteins in the plasma membrane?

A

Carrier proteins bind to specific molecules and change shape to shuttle them across the membrane in facilitated diffusion or active transport.

65
Q

How do hydrophobic substances typically cross the plasma membrane?

A

Hydrophobic substances can dissolve in the lipid bilayer and pass through the membrane via simple diffusion.

66
Q

What is endocytosis?

A

Endocytosis is the process by which cells engulf external substances, bringing them into the cell within vesicles.

67
Q

Why is the plasma membrane described as selectively permeable?

A

The plasma membrane allows some substances to pass through while restricting others, based on size, charge, and solubility.

68
Q

What is exocytosis?

A

Exocytosis is the process by which cells expel substances by merging vesicles with the plasma membrane.

69
Q

How does the fluid mosaic model describe the plasma membrane?

A

The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as a flexible layer made of lipid molecules interspersed with proteins, allowing lateral movement of components.

70
Q

What is the function of cholesterol in the plasma membrane?

A

Cholesterol stabilizes the membrane’s fluidity and provides structural integrity.

71
Q

What are aquaporins?

A

Aquaporins are channel proteins that allow rapid and selective passage of water molecules through the membrane.

72
Q

What is the difference between passive and active transport?

A

Passive transport does not require energy and moves substances down their concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient.

73
Q

Give an example of a substance that uses facilitated diffusion to cross the plasma membrane.

A

Glucose uses facilitated diffusion through glucose transporters.

74
Q

Prokaryotic ribosomes are..?

A

70 Svedbergs

75
Q

Eukaryotic ribosomes are…?

A

80 Svedbergs

BGS BIO (2 decks)

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