1. Cells Flashcards
What is the function of the cell surface membrane?
Controls substances entering and leaving the cell
Also compartmentalises cells so chemical reactions can take place without interfering with other reactions.
What is the largest organelle in a cell?
Nucleus
What type of membrane surrounds the nucleus?
Double membrane/Nuclear membrane
What is the nuclear envelope?
The structure that surrounds the nucleus
What are chromosomes made up of?
DNA molecules
In what state do chromosomes usually exist?
Loosely coiled state known as chromatin
What is the function of nuclear pores?
Allow materials to pass through the nucleus
What determines amino acid sequences in a protein?
DNA
What does the nucleolus make?
Ribosomes
What are the properties of nucleus?
- Largest organelle
- Double membrane
- Surrounded by nuclear envelope
- Contains chromosomes made uD of DNA molecules
- Chromosomes usually exist in loosely coiled state known as chromatin
- Nuclear pores allow materials to pass through nucleus
- DNA determines amino acid sequences in a protein
- Nucleolus makes ribosomes
What is cytoplasm?
Aqueous material containing organelles
Known as cytosol excluding organelle.
What are ribosomes made of?
Made of rRNA and protein.
Where are ribosomes found?
Found free in cytoplasm and attached to rough endoplasmic reticulum.
What is the size of ribosomes in the cytoplasm?
80s in cytoplasm.
What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?
Extensive network of membranes in the cytoplasm enclosing small spaces called cisternae.
How are proteins made on the RER?
Chains of amino acids move into cisternae of RER as they are made.
What happens to cisternae in the RER?
Cisternae then breaks off to vesicles that travel to the Golgi body.
What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?
Less extensive than RER and does not have ribosomes attached to it.
How are cisternae in the SER different from those in the RER?
Cisternae are usually more flattened in RER.
What are the functions of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
Synthesis of lipids and steroid hormones; breakdown of toxins.
What is the Golgi body?
Single membrane, close to RER, stack-like membranous sac formed from vesicles of endoplasmic reticulum.
What happens to proteins in the Golgi apparatus?
Proteins are modified here.
What occurs after proteins are modified in the Golgi apparatus?
Vesicles containing modified proteins break away and are transported to cell surface membrane where they are secreted by exocytosis.
Where is the Golgi apparatus mostly found?
Found mostly in metabolically active cells.