Chapter 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things Flashcards
(151 cards)
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Describe the cell theory
Cell theory is a unifying concept that states that cells are the fundamental unit of structure, function, and organization in all living organisms.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
How can magnification and resolution be achieved in microscopy?
Magnification and resolution can be achieved using light and electron microscopy techniques.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Discuss the importance of staining specimens in microscopy.
Staining specimens in microscopy is important as it enhances contrast, allowing for better visualization of cellular structures.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Explain the organization of cells in complex organisms.
In complex organisms, cells are organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Identify the key components of prokaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells have ultrastructural components such as nucleoid, plasmids, 70S ribosomes, and a cell wall.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What are the features of bacterial cell walls?
- Prevent water entry by osmosis, maintaining cell shape.
- Made of peptidoglycan, a polymer of sugar and peptide chains.
- Some have a capsule/slime layer for nutrient storage and immune protection.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What is the function of pili and flagella in bacteria?
- Pili (fimbriae): Aid attachment and reproduction in bacteria like E. coli.
- Flagella: Enable movement via rapid rotation (100 revolutions per second), made of flagellin protein.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What is the function of the bacterial cell surface membrane?
- Controls the exchange of substances like in eukaryotic cells.
- Can replace mitochondria for respiration in some bacteria.
- Contains mesosomes, possibly aiding in DNA separation and respiration.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What are plasmids and their function in bacteria?
- Small, circular DNA molecules separate from the main bacterial chromosome.
- Often contain genes for antibiotic resistance or toxin production.
- Can be transferred between bacteria via pili.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What is the nucleoid in bacterial cells?
- Contains bacterial DNA, usually a single, circular molecule.
- Not enclosed in a membrane.
- Occupies a significant area of the cell.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What are 70S ribosomes in bacteria and their function?
Smaller than eukaryotic 80S ribosomes.
Responsible for protein synthesis.
Consist of two subunits and function similarly to eukaryotic ribosomes.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What is Gram staining, and how does it differentiate bacterial cell walls?
Differentiates bacteria based on cell wall composition.
Gram-positive bacteria: Thick peptidoglycan layer with teichoic acid, retains crystal violet stain (blue/purple).
Gram-negative bacteria: Thin peptidoglycan layer, outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides, stains red with safranin.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What are examples of the gram positive and gram negative bacteria?
Gram-Positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Gram-Negative: Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What do all typical animal cells contain?
Contains structures common to all eukaryotic cells, including plants and fungi.
Cell surface membrane:
Cytoplasm.
Nucleus
- all together forming the protoplasm.
Cytoplasm: Houses essential components for cell functions and survival.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Describe the membrane of a eukaryotic cell
- Act as an outer boundary to the cell.
- Internal (intracellular) membranes compartmentalize the cell.
- Functions:
- Control movement of substances.
- House enzymes for reactions (e.g., respiration, photosynthesis).
- Form compartments (e.g., lysosomes for hydrolytic enzymes).
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Describe what the protoplasm is
Initially thought to be structureless but contains many organelles.
Revealed by the electron microscope to be full of sub-cellular structures.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Describe the nucleus of eukaryotic cells
- Largest organelle, size: 1–20 µm.
- Visible under light microscopy; electron microscopy reveals:
- Spherical shape surrounded by double nuclear membrane.
- Nuclear membrane contains pores for material exchange.
Contains: - Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins.
- DNA binds to proteins to form chromatin when not dividing.
- Nucleolus, which produces ribosomes and plays a role in cell growth/division.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What is the function, structure, and theory of the mitochondria?
- They are the site of cellular respiration, producing ATP to meet energy demands.
- A double membrane with the inner membrane folded into cristae to increase surface area, and a matrix where reactions occur.
- It allows mitochondria to replicate independently within the cell.
- They evolved from bacteria that were incorporated into early eukaryotic cells.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Describe centrioles in terms of structure, location and function.
- Near the nucleus, usually in pairs.
- Centrioles are bundles of nine microtubules, measuring about 0.5 µm long and 0.2 µm wide.
- They are involved in cell division by forming a spindle of microtubules to move chromosomes.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Describe the cytoskeleton in terms of structure, components, functions
- It is a dynamic, 3D web-like structure filling the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells.
- Microfilaments (protein fibers) and microtubules (tiny tubes about 20 nm in diameter).
- It provides structure to the cytoplasm, keeps organelles in place, and assists with cell movement and transport.
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What proteins are microtubules related to in muscle cells?
Actin and Myosin
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Can prokaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton?
Some prokaryotic cells also have a cytoskeleton
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
Describe vaculoes in terms of the structure, function and if animal cells have them.
- They form and dissolve as needed.
- They act as food vacuoles or help control water content (contractile vacuoles).
- Permanent vacuoles are never seen in higher animal cell
2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function
What are the differences between 80S and 70S ribosomes?
- 80S ribosomes: Found in eukaryotic cells; made of a 40S small subunit and 60S large subunit (1:1 RNA:protein ratio).
- 70S ribosomes: Found in mitochondria, chloroplasts, and prokaryotes; made of a 30S small subunit and 50S large subunit (2:1 RNA:protein ratio).
- 70S ribosomes are evidence of endosymbiosis, showing mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved from bacteria.