2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are organelles?
Specialized structures within the cell that work together to help the cell function.
Think of them as ‘mini organs’ within the cell working together for one main purpose.
What types of cells are eukaryotes?
Animals, plants, protists, and fungi.
This content mainly focuses on plants and animals.
What is the cell (plasma) membrane?
It surrounds the outside of all cells and controls what goes in and out.
Critical for communication and maintaining a stable internal environment (homeostasis).
What is the structure of the cell membrane?
Made of two layers known as the phospholipid bilayer.
The phospholipid bilayer is composed of fats called phospholipids.
What are the characteristics of phospholipids?
They have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
Hydrophilic means they like water, while hydrophobic means they dislike water.
What is the Fluid Mosaic Model?
A model describing the cell membrane as composed of many parts that move around freely.
This model includes proteins embedded for transport and structure.
What is the cytoskeleton?
A threadlike structure made of proteins that gives the cell shape and provides structural support.
It is usually not pictured in a cell diagram.
What is the main job of the cytoskeleton?
To give the cell shape and can also move organelles.
It provides structural support for the cell wall.
What is cytoplasm?
A jelly-like substance that holds everything in place within the cell.
Mainly made up of water.
What is the job of cytoplasm?
To hold everything in place and provide a medium for chemical reactions to take place.
It is essential for cellular processes.
