Cells I Flashcards
Describe what the cell theory is?
Cell theory basically refers to the idea that living things are made up of cells. This idea developed and came up with the development of microscopy and biochemistry.
What are the 3 structures that are common in Animal and Plant cells?
Nucleus, Cytoplasm and Plasma Membrane (Cell surface membrane).
What is the interior of mitochondria called?
matrix.
What is the unit used to record Ribosomes?
Svedberg units.
Why are cells the building block of life?
Because they are the simplest units that carry out processes such as respiration, excretion, growth, and division.
What are the 2 concepts of cells?
Their cell contains a blueprint (information) for their growth, development, and behavior.
Cells are the site of all chemical reactions of life.
What is the definition of organelles?
A discrete structure within a cell, having a specific function.
What is the difference between cytosol and cytoplasm?
The cytosol is the liquid portion inside the cell membrane, while the cytoplasm is the cytosol and organelles. but not the nucleus.
What is cytosol?
The cytosol is the aqueous part of the cytoplasm in which the organelle is suspended. There are chemicals in it which are used for chemical reactions of life.
Define cell differentiation.
Cell differentiation is the process in which a cell becomes specialized for a specific function. For instance, in the category of human cells, cells such as sperm, epithelial cell are part of it.
What are the special features and functions of the root hair cell?
It has an elongated structure to increase the surface area to volume ratio of the cell for absorbing water and mineral salts more effectively.
What are the special features and functions of the xylem vessels in plants?
They have a long and hollow lumen to transport water and mineral salts from the roots to the stem and leaves.
They have lignin on the walls of the xylem vessel to prevent the lumen from collapsing.
What is the special feature and function of the red blood cell?
1) They contain haemoglobin to transport oxygen.
2) Biconcave shape increases the surface area so that the rate of diffusion of oxygen in and out can obtain more haemoglobin.
3) No nucleus so that it can obtain more haemoglobin.
4) Red blood cell able to squeeze through capillaries.
What is the level of organism structure?
Cell -> Tissue -> Organ -> System -> Organism
Describe the structure of the cell surface membrane.
1) Extremely thin - less than 10 nm thick.
2) Consist of the lipid bilayer in which proteins are embedded.
3) At high magnification, it has 3 layers, 2 dark lines can be seen separated by a narrow gap.
