Cell Structure Flashcards
What is the function of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell and separates the cell from its environment.
What is the function of the cytoplasm?
The cytoplasm is where most of the cell’s chemical reactions take place.
What are two functions of the nucleus?
The nucleus controls the cell and contains genetic material in the form of chromosomes.
What is the function of the permanent vacuole?
The permanent vacuole supports the cell and contains cell sap, a solution of sugar and salts.
What is the function of ribosomes?
Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis.
What is the function of the cell wall?
The cell wall provides strength and support.
How is labor divided within a cell?
The labor is divided between organelles.
What is the function of the mitochondria?
The mitochondria are the sites of aerobic respiration.
What is cell specialization?
Cell specialization is the process by which cells become adapted to carry out specific functions.
What are two examples of specialized cells?
Red blood cells (biconcave disc shape increases surface area for oxygen absorption) and sperm cells (flagellum allows swimming towards the egg).
What determines the features of specialized cells?
The expression of genes in the nucleus.
What is a specialized cell?
Specialized cells are cells that have developed specific characteristics that allow them to perform particular functions.
What is differentiation?
Differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can differentiate into lots of different types of cells.
What are the disadvantages of using embryonic stem cells?
Limited supply, requires embryos, ethical issues (some people view them as a potential human life), rejection (immune system may reject stem cells).
What are the steps of stem cell treatment?
- Collect stem cells. 2. Grow them in a lab to increase their number. 3. Stimulate them to differentiate into specialized cells. 4. Inject or deliver the stem cells to the patient.
What are two types of stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells, found in early embryos, and adult stem cells, found in bone marrow.
What are three advantages of using stem cells in medicine?
Stem cells can be used to treat paralysis, cure degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, and grow whole new tissues or organs.
What are three disadvantages of using stem cells in medicine?
Using embryonic stem cells can raise ethical issues, they are expensive, and long-term side effects are unknown.
How do stem cells divide?
Stem cells divide by mitosis to produce more cells.
What are the risks of using stem cells?
Virus transmission. If donor stem cells are infected with a virus, they can affect the patient. Tumor development. There is a chance of the stem cells dividing too much and getting out of control, which could develop into a tumor/cancer.
