Unit 3 Flashcards
The Cellular Level of Organization
Cell biology is the study of what?
Cellular structure and function
What are the 3 main parts of a cell?
- Plasma membrane (skin)
- Cytoplasm (the mush)
- The nucleus (the brain)
What does the plasma membrane do?
Protects cellular contents, makes contacts with other cells, controls exit and entry of substances, where everything occurs (except those that occur in the nucleus)
What are the 2 compartments of the cytoplasm?
- The cytosol
- The organelles
What is the cytosol?
Fluid that many of the cell’s metabolic reactions occur
What are organelles?
Little cell organs that carry out a function for the cell
The nucleus houses most of a cell’s what?
DNA/genetic material
What is a chromosome?
A single molecule of DNA that contains thousands of genes
What is the cytoskeleton?
Network of 3 protein filaments:
1. Microfilaments
2. Intermediate filaments
3. Microtubules
What is the purpose of the cytoskeleton?
Maintains the shape and general organization of cellular contents, responsible for cellular movements
What is the centrosome?
A pair of centrioles and pericentriolar material
What does the centrosome do?
The pericentriolar material contains tubulins which are used for growth of the miotic spindle and microtubule formation
What is the flagella & cilia?
Motile surface projection that contain 20 microtubules and a basal body
What does the cilia do?
Moves fluids over a cell’s surface
What does the flagella do?
Moves an entire cell
