biology cells Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the basic structural unit of all living organisms?
Cell
This is known as the cell theory.
What surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell?
Plasma membrane
Composed of lipids, it separates the living cell from its external environment.
What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells contain a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
What is contained within the true nucleus of a eukaryotic cell?
Genetic material in the form of chromatin.
Where does protein synthesis occur in the cell?
Ribosomes.
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Synthesises, modifies, and packages proteins into transport vesicles.
What does the smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesise?
Lipids and steroids, and helps detoxify drugs and poisons.
What role does the Golgi apparatus play in the cell?
Chemically modifies, sorts, stores, and packages products from the endoplasmic reticulum.
What is the site of aerobic cell respiration?
Mitochondrion.
What organelle is responsible for photosynthesis?
Chloroplast.
What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?
Maintains the shape of the plant cell and protects it from mechanical damage.
What does a vacuole do in a plant cell?
Stores substances such as water and mineral salts.
What is cell differentiation?
The process for developing specialised tissues in multicellular organisms.
How are specialised cells organised in multicellular organisms?
Into groups at different hierarchies such as tissues, organs, and systems.
What is a key characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
They have a simple cell structure without compartments.
What is the typical structure of a virus?
A protein coat (capsid) enclosing its genetic material (DNA or RNA).
What is the maximum magnifying power of a light microscope?
Up to 1000X.
What distinguishes an electron microscope from a light microscope?
Uses an electron beam instead of light and can magnify up to 200,000X.
What type of images do electron micrographs provide?
Black and white, showing ultrastructure of cells.
Define magnification.
The number of times the image of an object is larger than its actual size.
What is the formula for calculating magnification?
Magnification = size of image / actual size.
What are the biological molecules that cells are made up of?
- Nucleic acids
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
What are the two major types of cells?
- Prokaryotes
- Eukaryotes
What is a significant feature of eukaryotic cells?
Contain a distinct nucleus and many membrane-bound organelles.
