Cell Structure Flashcards
(17 cards)
1
Q
What 3 cellular structures do plant cells contain that animal cells don’t?
A
- Cell wall
- Chloroplasts
- Permanent vacuole
2
Q
Nucleus
A
- Contains genetic material (chromosomes) that controls cell growth and function
- Directs cell division processes
3
Q
Cytoplasm
A
- Gel-like substance that supports cell structures
- Location for many chemical reactions
- Composed of water and dissolved solutes
4
Q
Cell Membrane
A
- Maintains cell integrity and boundaries
- Regulates movement of substances in and out of the cell
5
Q
Cell Wall
A
- Provides structural support and maintains cell shape
- Rigid outer layer (in plants)
6
Q
Chloroplasts
A
- Conduct photosynthesis to produce food for plants
- Contain chlorophyll pigment that captures light energy
7
Q
Vacuole
A
- Stores cell sap and various materials
- Contributes to cell shape maintenance
8
Q
Mitochondria
A
- Site of aerobic respiration (energy production)
- More numerous in cells with high metabolic activity (muscle cells)
9
Q
Ribosomes
A
Site of protein production in protein synthesis
10
Q
Cell Differentiation & Specialised Cells
A
- Process where a cell changes to become specialized
- Develops specific structures & characteristics to perform its function
- Controlled by genes in the nucleus
- Creates specialized cells (e.g., muscle, nerve) for specific roles
11
Q
How do cell structures relate to their functions?
A
Different cell types have unique structures adapted for their specific roles.
12
Q
Ciliated Cells
A
- Ciliated cells move mucus in the trachea and bronchi
- They have hair-like extensions called cilia, which beat to transport mucus and trapped particles toward the throat
13
Q
Nerve Cells
A
- Nerve cells conduct impulses and are long, allowing communication between different parts of the body and the central nervous system
- Their axons are covered in a fatty myelin sheath that insulates and speeds up nerve transmission
- They also have many dendrites
14
Q
Red Blood Cells
A
- Red blood cells transport oxygen efficiently due to their biconcave shape, increasing surface area for oxygen diffusion
- They contain haemoglobin and lack a nucleus, maximizing space for oxygen transport
15
Q
Root Hair Cells
A
- Root hair cells absorb water and mineral ions from the soil
- Their long extensions increase surface area for maximum absorption, and their thin walls help water move quickly through them
16
Q
Palisade Mesophyll Cell
A
- Palisade mesophyll cells perform photosynthesis and are column-shaped to maximize light absorption
- They contain numerous chloroplasts and are tightly packed beneath the upper epidermis of the leaf to optimize photosynthesis
17
Q
What is a stem cell?
A
- A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell of an organism that is capable of dividing an unlimited number of times
- Stem cells can give rise to other cell types through the process of differentiation
